Olympic architecture meets professional basketball
Yoyogi National Gymnasium No.1, designed by Kenzo Tange for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, is one of the 20th century's most important buildings. The suspended roof creates a dramatic interior space. Today, it hosts B.League games for Sunrockers Shibuya and Alvark Tokyo.
The building
13,000 seats. The curved roof, exposed concrete, and dramatic interior lighting create an atmosphere that modern arenas can't match. Architecture tourists visit to see the building. Sports fans visit to see basketball. Doing both at once is the appeal.
What to expect
The facilities show their age — restrooms and concessions are older than at modern arenas like LaLa arena. Seat widths in the upper sections are narrow. But the architectural experience compensates. Watching basketball under Tange's suspended roof is something you can't do anywhere else.
Getting there
JR Harajuku Station: 5-minute walk. Metro Meiji-jingumae Station: 5-minute walk. In the heart of Harajuku/Omotesando — one of Tokyo's trendiest neighborhoods. Pre-game shopping and post-game dining options are endless.
Note on future changes
Alvark Tokyo is moving to TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO (Koto Ward) from the 2025-26 season. Some games may still be held at Yoyogi, and Sunrockers Shibuya continues to use it. Check team schedules for specific game locations.
How to buy tickets
Team official sites or B.LEAGUE ticket platform. ¥3,000-5,000 ($20-33) for most seats.