Under the Olympic Rings: The Tokyo Olympic Museum
Arriving in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and stepping into the Japan Olympic Museum feels like opening a door through time into the world of sports. Originating in ancient Greece, the Olympic spirit brings together top athletes from around the world every four years to pursue their dreams and push their limits under the five-colored rings. For many athletes, simply reaching this global stage is one of the greatest honors of their lives.
Although we can't attend every Olympic Games in person, we can take the opportunity during a trip to Tokyo to visit this museum and slowly gather memories of the Olympics. The enormous Olympic rings outside are the most eye-catching landmark, while inside, the museum houses Olympic flames, torches, medals, clothing, and valuable footage from past Games. Each exhibit is not only a piece of sports history but also a record of stories and changing times.
In particular, looking at the many Olympic torches of different shapes displayed on the wall, everything from their designs and materials to their symbolism tells of each host city's vision for this global event. As historical footage plays before your eyes, the moments of running, sweating, cheering, and crying offer a renewed understanding of the true meaning of “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together.”
Sometimes travel is not just about seeing scenery, but about collecting pieces of history that are difficult to experience firsthand. Standing beneath the Olympic rings and feeling the Games' power to transcend borders added a page filled with passion and emotion to the sports journal of this Tokyo trip.
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Tokyo International Forum
Housed in the sleek glass exterior, this is the source of culture and information.
Located close to Tokyo Station, Japan’s largest convention and art center stands. As a place for international cultural exchange, it was built in 1997 on the ground of the former Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
The ”Glass Building” which looks like a glass ship, and this moden, unique building was designed by Rafael Viñoly Beceiro. Michelin Green Guide Japan awarded two stars to the whole building and three stars to the Glass Building. This highly-acclaimed architecture is a prominent landmark in Tokyo.
The building houses large and small 8 halls and meeting rooms, a courtyard on the ground, shops, restaurants, etc. which are used for events such as theaters, concerts, exhibitions and international conferences. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games, weight lifting and powerlifting were held here.
Highlights
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Japan’s largest convention and art center.
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Conveniently located close to Tokyo Station.
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This modern glass architecture is a prominent landmark in Tokyo.
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It houses cafes, restaurants and a museum.
Photos
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The wide-open Glass Building, reminding a ship © TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FORUM CO., LTD.
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The green, refreshing courtyard on the ground © TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FORUM CO., LTD.
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Many cafes and restaurants are housed © TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FORUM CO., LTD.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
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Do you have foreign language support? (If it is available, what language is available?)
There is a staff member who speaks English and a translation device at the information desk.
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Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
Yes, you can re-enter between 7:00am and 11:30pm.
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Is free WiFi available in the facility?
Yes, the public free LAN is available at the lobby in the building, underground concourse, courtyard on the ground, and other common space via Softbank Wi-Fi, Japan Free Wi-Fi, and UQ WiMAX. (as of June 1, 2022)
Regarding Shop / restaurant Wi-Fi, ask at each vendor.
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Do you have coin lockers?
5 places provide coin lockers (Usage limited to 7:00am-11:30pm):
● Near the Subway Yurakucho Line’s underground ticket gate, next to FamilyMart
● next to Tokyo Station’s underground ticket gate (Keiyo gate)
● The Glass Building, basement on the Yurakucho side
● The Glass Building, basement on the Tokyo Station side
Reviews
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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They say this is the most expensive building in the world per square meter. Definitely worth checking out if you get the chance!
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 東京国際フォーラム
- Postal Code
- 100-0005
- Address
- 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Telephone
- 03-5221-9000 (Main number)
- Closed
- Open every day
- Hours
- 7:00am - 11:30pm
- Admission
- Free
- Directions
- From JR/Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Station, walk 1 min. From JR Tokyo Station, walk 5 min.
- Credit Cards
- Varies by store
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)