Nippon Budokan 日本武道館

Built in conjunction with the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics, the Nippon Budokan has a long history of promoting international interest in traditional Japanese martial arts. As an Olympic and Paralympic venue for Tokyo 2020, hosting Japanese martial arts, judo and karate, that tradition will continue.

This venue is accessible by train and taxi.

Nippon Budokan is inside Kitanomaru Park , just beyond the Tayasumon Gate, a two-minute walk from Kudanshita Station. The entrance is not far from the Showa Memorial Museum .

Budokan literally means "Japanese Martial Arts Hall of Fame," and to this day it is the main stage for national martial arts competitions of all kinds, including aikido, judo, karate, kendo, Japanese archery, sumo, shorinjin kempo, naginata, and Japanese bayonet fighting. While certain events are closed to the public, there are also quite a few free admission tournaments or championships, mainly held on Saturdays or Sundays.

The building expansion and renovation work for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games was completed in 2020. The project met all IOC/IPC requirements such as the extension of the practice hall and securing the site lines for wheelchair seating, while minimizing the amount of materials used for construction.

For safety and comfort, the building was upgraded with disaster prevention functions, additional restrooms, LED lighting, and air conditioning. At the same time, the building was lit up at night, making it a landmark in Japan.