Japan dominated the podiums in all skateboarding Olympics categories, emphasizing how popular skateboarding is becoming in Japan. It’s an exciting and inclusive sport, with a broad age range of qualifying athletes, some girls on the podium were just 13 years old. The sport is supportive and welcoming to people of all ages, genders, and abilities; so why not get outside, get active and give this fun sport a go!
Skateboarding laws in Japan
Unfortunately, skateboarding is often still considered a public nuisance, hence why there are strict skateboarding laws in Japan. However, witnessing the skateboarding Olympics might have changed some people’s attitude towards skateboarding, especially since the skateboarding Olympics provided Japan with so many medals!
The skateboarding laws in Japan make it difficult to skate out on the streets. Though some police may turn a blind eye to it, it is largely prohibited in most areas, so we recommend trying out a nearby skatepark. If you live in a big city, you’ll have access to more skateparks, it’s easy to find a Tokyo skatepark!
It’s helpful to be considerate of others and avoid skating in crowded areas where you could be a hazard, or in areas where the noise from the wheels could disturb others. If you live out in the countryside, you’re more likely to be able to find a suitable place where you can skateboard without disturbing anyone, keep your eyes peeled for any signs prohibiting skateboarding though since its best to avoid any trouble with the skateboarding laws in Japan and please be respectful.
Skateboarding subcultures have thrived for years despite the skateboarding laws in Japan, there are still places to skate without breaking any rules and the number of these places is on the rise.
Finding a skateboard
If you’re looking to buy skateboarding gear, supporting your local skateboard shop will help the small independent businesses, and they will often be able to offer great local advice on skating. An independent skateboarding shop will help find the right board and set-up for you, so we recommend checking them out!
The popularity of skateboarding in Japan is still on the rise, so skateboarding products are usually more expensive than in other countries. If you want to buy a board for cheap, check out the Hard-Off second-hand stores and you might get lucky.
Finding a skatepark
In the big cities, it’s much easier to find a skatepark, if you live in a quieter area it’s worth looking to see if there are any nearby skate shops. Skate shops will often be able to give you helpful local knowledge on places where you might be able to skate.
The Sk8parks website is a helpful resource you can use to find your local skatepark so that you can start skateboarding in Japan.
If you’re looking for a Tokyo skatepark, you’re spoilt for choice.
The right Tokyo skatepark for you
Komazawa Skate Park: It’s suitable for beginners as well as more experienced skaters. It’s located inside the 1964 Olympic Park and is free to use. Perhaps the most popular Tokyo skatepark.
Location: 〒154-0013 東京都世田谷区駒沢公園１−1. Access: Komazawa-Daigaku Station.
Setagaya Skate Park: This small skatepark is popular with children. You must wear a helmet to skate at this Tokyo skatepark and you need to register on the second floor if it’s your first time.
Location: 〒154-0001 東京都世田谷区池尻１丁目５−27. Access: Ikejiri-ōhashi Station.
Raizin Sky Garden: In Odaiba on the rooftop of Diver City Tokyo, you can find this Tokyo skatepark with a view. Access to the facilities costs just under 500yen for adults. The skatepark offers lessons so it’s a great place to try skateboarding in Japan.
Location: 〒135-0064 東京都江東区青海１丁目１−10. Access: Tokyo Teleport Station.
Hiuchigata Skate Park Kyoto
Close to the river, this skatepark has something for everyone. It was set up by the neighborhood association and has a friendly vibe if you are looking for company whilst skateboarding.
Location:〒601-8144 京都府京都市南区上鳥羽卯ノ花1. Access: Kamitobaguchi Station/Takeda Station.
Shin Yokohama Skateboard Park
In Shin Yokohama, next to the Nissan stadium, is a fun skateboarding park. It’s large and has a variety of different obstacles for all different levels.
Location:〒222-0036 神奈川県横浜市港北区小机町3300 . Access: Nissan Stadium Mae bus stop.
EKL Skate Board Park
Osaka is famous for street skateboarding in Japan. Whether you’re a beginner inspired by the skateboarding Olympics, or whether you’ve been skateboarding for years, there is something for everyone here. It’s an indoor skatepark with an on-site skate shop. They offer lessons on the weekends.
Location: ２１ 2, ２ 池田中町 寝屋川市 大阪府 572-0074. Access: Sugawara Jinja Mae bus stop.
Skateboarding is not only a great way to stay active, but there is also an exciting skateboarding culture you can engage in by meeting people at skate parks and skate shops so try it out, and make sure you got the suitable protection!