Japan is not only home to beautiful temples and delicious cuisine, but also some of the most exciting skateparks in the world. From Tokyo to Osaka, there are plenty of places to test your skills and meet fellow skateboarders. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best skateparks in Japan and what makes each one unique.
Tokyo
Komazawa Olympic Park
Located in Setagaya, Komazawa Olympic Park boasts a massive skatepark with a variety of features for all skill levels. The park was built for the 1964 Summer Olympics and was updated in 2017 to include a new concrete skatepark. The park has a large bowl, street course, and snake run.
| Features | Size | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl | 2.5 meters | Intermediate |
| Street course | 1.5 meters | Beginner |
| Snake run | 1.8 meters | Advanced |
Admission to the park is free, but be sure to bring your own equipment as there are no rentals.
VANS Skatepark
The VANS Skatepark is located on the 4th floor of the Grand Front Osaka shopping mall in Umeda. The park features a street course, bowl, and mini ramp. The park is open until 10 pm, making it a great spot for night skating.
| Features | Size | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl | 2.5 meters | Advanced |
| Street course | 1.5 meters | Intermediate |
| Mini ramp | 1.2 meters | Beginner |
Admission to the park is 1,500 yen for a 2-hour session, and rentals are available for an additional fee.
Osaka
Namba Parks
Namba Parks is a unique shopping mall in Osaka that features a rooftop garden with a skatepark. The park has a bowl, mini ramp, and street course. The park is free to use, and there are rentals available.
| Features | Size | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl | 2.5 meters | Intermediate |
| Street course | 1.5 meters | Beginner |
| Mini ramp | 1.2 meters | Intermediate |
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Located in Suita, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a massive park that features a skatepark. The park has a large bowl and street course, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes. Admission to the park is 250 yen, and rentals are available.
| Features | Size | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl | 4 meters | Advanced |
| Street course | 1.5 meters | Beginner |
Kyoto
Arashiyama Skatepark
Arashiyama Skatepark is located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto and is a popular spot for local skateboarders. The park has a bowl, mini ramp, and street course. The park is free to use, but there are no rentals available.
| Features | Size | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl | 2 meters | Advanced |
| Street course | 1.5 meters | Intermediate |
| Mini ramp | 1.2 meters | Beginner |
Gion Skatepark
Gion Skatepark is located in the Gion district of Kyoto and is a smaller park that features a mini ramp and street course. The park is free to use and is a great spot to practice your skills.
| Features | Size | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Street course | 1.2 meters | Beginner |
| Mini ramp | 1 meter | Beginner |
Conclusion
Japan is home to some of the most exciting skateparks in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skateboarder, there are plenty of parks to explore. From the massive bowl at Komazawa Olympic Park to the rooftop park at Namba Parks, each park has its own unique features and atmosphere. So grab your board and head to one of these amazing skateparks in Japan.
FAQ
Are rentals available at all parks?
Rentals are available at VANS Skatepark, Namba Parks, and Expo ’70 Commemorative Park.
Are there any parks with night skating?
VANS Skatepark is open until 10 pm.
Is admission free to all parks?
Admission is free to all parks, except Expo ’70 Commemorative Park which has a fee of 250 yen.
Are there any parks specifically for advanced skateboarders?
Komazawa Olympic Park and Expo ’70 Commemorative Park have features for advanced skateboarders.
How do I get to the parks?
The parks are easily accessible by public transportation.
Thank you for reading and happy skating!