Please note: Due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics have been postponed. Please check the official Olympics website for the latest updates.
The Tokyo Stadium in Chofu plays host to the opening match of the Rugby World Cup 2019, but is also an Olympic venue for football, rugby, and modern pentathlon events during the 2020 games.
Inside Ajinomoto Stadium, to be renamed Tokyo Stadium. © yoppy
Did you know Japan was a nation of rugby lovers? If you didn’t, you do now. Not only is Japan hosting the 2020 Olympics, it’s gearing up for that major event first with the Rugby World Cup in 2019. The opening match for the latter will be held at the Tokyo Stadium in Chofu city near Tokyo.
Not to be confused with the Olympic Stadium, the Tokyo Stadium is in fact the new name – come 2020 – for the Ajinomoto Stadium. Its location in Chofu might seem a little far away from the city centre, but it will in fact be a nice way to get out of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The stadium has a capacity of 49,970 and was first opened to the public in 2021.
For the 2020 Olympics, this stadium will host the football, rugby, and modern pentathlon events. A pentathlon consists of swimming, fencing, more fencing, riding, and a laser run.
If you’re a football fan, bear in mind that not all the football matches will be held at Tokyo Stadium. Some of the other venues include the Olympic Stadium, Ibaraki Kashima, Saitama Stadium, Sapporo Dome, Miyagi Stadium, and International Stadium Yokohama.
Tokyo Stadium is a 5-minute walk from Tobitakyu Station on the Keio Line, or a 20-minute walk from Tama Station on the Seibu-Tamagawa Line. It’s also accessible by bus from Chofu Station or Musashi-Koganei Station. There are likely to be shuttle buses from Tama Station directly to the venue during the 2020 games.
For a full map of venues, visit our Tokyo Olympic Venues page.
Recommended Accommodation Near Tokyo Stadium
Unless you’re set on watching every single match taking place at Tokyo Stadium, we wouldn’t really recommend staying out in Chofu. It’s best to stay somewhere central such as Shinjuku and travel out just for the matches. Tokyo Stadium is located near Tobitakyu Station on the Keio Line, which is a 45-minute ride out of Shinjuku Station.
- Park Hyatt Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
Remember Lost in Translation? Recreate your very own movie moment with a stay here. This iconic hotel in a tower in West Shinjuku is one of the most stunning hotels in the city. It’s not cheap, but it’s memorable. - Hilton Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
A solid, busy and large international-class hotel with all the features in West Shinjuku. Cheaper than most other luxury hotels in the city. - JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
Super-close to Shinjuku Station in West Shinjuku, this fine hotel gets it all right. It’s one of the best hotels in this class in Tokyo. - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
A large and popular new hotel in the heart of Kabukicho in East Shinjuku, this hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms and competitive rates, all within relatively easy walking distance of Shinjuku Station. - Shinjuku Granbell Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
This large and efficient modern business hotel on the north side of Kabukicho in East Shinjuku offers good rooms and economical rates. - Shinjuku Prince Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
Very close to Shinjuku Station in East Shinjuku, this bustling and popular business hotel offers comfortable rooms at very reasonable rates. - Hyatt Regency Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
Not to be confused with the other Hyatts in Tokyo, this is a large mid-range hotel in West Shinjuku that offers decent value and a relatively convenient location.
Name in English:
Tokyo Stadium
Name in Japanese:
東京スタジアム
Address in English:
376-3, Nishimachi, Chofu, Tokyo
Address in Japanese:
〒182-0032 東京都調布市西町３７６−３
Nearest Transport:
Train: 5-min walk from Tobitakyu Station on the Keio Line
Train: 20-min walk from Tama Station on Seibu-Tamagawa Line
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
