Reliving the Olympics with a National Stadium Tour

The view from the observation deck on level four of the stadium.

Participants can have their photos taken with hurdles and starting blocks on the athletics track.

Podiums and torches are displayed in the interview zone on the approach to the field.

Visitors are able to feel for themselves the texture of the athletics track, which was manufactured by Mondo of Italy.

A wall inscribed with around 300 autographs, including those of Japanese star sprinters Kiryū Yoshihide and Tada Shūhei.

The National Stadium seen from Gate E, the starting point for stadium tours.

The observation deck is fitted with camera stands for those wanting to take photos.

Participants get a good view of the wooden detail of the underside of the canopy.

Feeling what it’s like to be an Olympian on the track.

The “flash interview” zone, also known as “Andon Hall,” features lanterns designed by architect Kuma Kengo and calligraphy by Aoyagi Bisen.

The tour allows rare access to locker rooms.

Participants get to see Olympic torches up close.

A medal podium used at the Olympics.

A concrete wall covered with autographs of Olympic athletes who had just finished their events.

Participants are encouraged to take a walk around the complex after the tour. Photographed are murals of the mythical sumō wrestler Nomi no Sukune and the Greek goddess Nike that decorated the old National Stadium, venue of the 1964 Tokyo Games.

Work is currently underway to display the Olympic cauldron used at Tokyo 2020 near the location of the old cauldron that was installed at the former National Stadium.

The Sora no Mori walking path around level five of the stadium is open to visitors free of charge. Note the skyscrapers of Shinjuku in the distance.