Kodokan Judo Institute
The spiritual home of judo, where history, discipline, and world-class training converge. A must-visit for martial arts enthusiasts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
See active training sessions
Kodokan Judo Institute
Best Time
See active training sessions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The spiritual home of judo, where history, discipline, and world-class training converge. A must-visit for martial arts enthusiasts.
"A must-visit for anyone who is a Juduka or a fan of the sport."
🎯 Arrive Early for Training
Register at least 30 minutes before training sessions to secure your spot and gi rental.
🤫 Observe Respectfully
Maintain quiet and respect the discipline of the dojo while watching from the spectator floors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectator Observation Floors
8th Floor
Witness judokas of all levels train, from white belts to black belts, in a truly inspiring environment.
Jigoro Kano Statue
Next to the entrance
A significant photo opportunity with the bronze statue of Judo's founder, Jigoro Kano.
Judo Museum & Gift Shop
Ground floor
Explore the history of judo and find unique souvenirs, but note the early closing time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Dojo Etiquette
Timing Your Visit for Observation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Training
Register at least 30 minutes before training sessions to secure your spot and gi rental.
🤫 Observe Respectfully
Maintain quiet and respect the discipline of the dojo while watching from the spectator floors.
💰 Reasonable Training Fees
Participating in a randori session with gi rental is around $20, offering great value.
📚 Understand Judo Culture
Familiarity with judo is recommended; the environment is geared towards practitioners.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Training
Register at least 30 minutes before training sessions to secure your spot and gi rental.
🤫 Observe Respectfully
Maintain quiet and respect the discipline of the dojo while watching from the spectator floors.
💰 Reasonable Training Fees
Participating in a randori session with gi rental is around $20, offering great value.
📚 Understand Judo Culture
Familiarity with judo is recommended; the environment is geared towards practitioners.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture the historic atmosphere and the statue of Jigoro Kano for memorable shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Kodokan Judo Institute as a historically significant and inspiring destination for judo enthusiasts and martial arts fans. The opportunity to observe training sessions from the 8th floor is a major highlight, offering a glimpse into the discipline and skill of judoka. While some find the environment geared more towards practitioners, the overall experience is highly valued for its authenticity and connection to judo's roots.
"I took my first Judo class 2 years ago as a cross training from my Jiu Jittsu and I always admired Judoka. This is a special place for all martial arts lover. I feel humble to visit this historical place.
Watching from 8 floors its such a nice feeling. Too bad i miss the museum and gift shop. But watching randori and with belt leaning newasa is all I need."
E-Boat tanit
"If you’re a martial artist, Kudokan is a must visit. You can observe from the 8th floor. I got there around 6:30pm and saw a lot of Judokas from white belts to black belts. Very cool to see the training and there was quite a large number of Judokas on the floor. Great experience and free as well!"
Allan A
"Went there to check out the legendary statue and went also to see the facilities. The staff and people training there were very kind. It was very interesting to see the training (spectator floor is the 8th!)."
Megija Mihejeva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kodokan Judo Institute is located in Bunkyo City, Tokyo. It's accessible via public transport. The nearest stations are Hongo-sanchome Station (Marunouchi and Oedo subway lines) and Suidobashi Station (JR Chuo-Sobu Line). +2
Yes, it's a prominent landmark for judo enthusiasts. Look for the statue of Jigoro Kano near the entrance.
From areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku, taking the subway to Hongo-sanchome Station is efficient. The Tokyo Dome Hotel area is also nearby, offering convenient access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Observation is generally free, but if you wish to participate in a training session (randori), there is a fee, typically around $20, which includes gi rental.
Training sessions usually run from 4 PM to 8 PM. The museum and gift shop typically close around 6 PM, so plan accordingly.
Yes, the Kodokan offers opportunities for practitioners of various levels. Beginners can participate in randori sessions, but it's advisable to have some familiarity with judo.
You need to register in person at the reception. It's recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the session start time.
While not explicitly stated for visitors, training sessions are generally for individuals familiar with judo, implying a certain level of maturity and experience.
🎫 🎽 Onsite Experience
You can observe judo training from the 8th-floor spectator area, visit the museum, and see the statue of Jigoro Kano. +1
Yes, eligible individuals can participate in training sessions (randori) for a fee. This offers a unique opportunity to train in the birthplace of judo. +1
The atmosphere is one of discipline, respect, and dedication, reflecting the core principles of judo. It's inspiring for martial arts enthusiasts.
Yes, there are facilities for training, including gi rental, and a museum showcasing judo history.
Photography is generally allowed in spectator areas and outside, but always be mindful of the training sessions and avoid disrupting practitioners.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Kodokan in Bunkyo City offers various dining options, including yakiniku and halal Kobe beef restaurants. +2
There are no dining facilities within the Kodokan itself. Visitors typically eat at nearby restaurants.
You can find a range of Japanese cuisine, from high-end wagyu experiences to more casual eateries. +2
📸 📸 Photography
The statue of Jigoro Kano outside the entrance is a popular photo spot. The spectator floors also offer great views of the training.
While general photography is usually permitted, filming of training sessions might be restricted. It's best to observe and be discreet.
Be respectful of the training environment. Avoid flash photography and intrusive filming that could disturb the judokas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the late afternoon training hours to see the most activity. The nearby Tokyo Dome City also offers family-friendly attractions, making it a good option for a combined outing. Ensure children understand the need for quiet observation to respect the training environment.
🥋 Dedicated Judoka
Even if you don't train, observing the high-level randori and learning sessions from the spectator floor is incredibly valuable. You can gain insights into different techniques and training philosophies. Don't miss the museum to deepen your understanding of judo's rich history.
🚶♂️ Solo Travelers & Culture Enthusiasts
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Bunkyo City area, which has other points of interest. The nearby Tokyo Dome City also provides entertainment options. The Kodokan provides a quiet, reflective experience amidst the bustling city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Kodokan
+1Kano Shihan's vision was to create a system of physical, intellectual, and moral education. The Kodokan embodies this philosophy, fostering discipline, respect, and self-improvement among its practitioners. The eight-story building houses training halls, a museum, a library, and administrative offices, all dedicated to the advancement of judo. It's a place where tradition meets modern training methodologies, attracting judoka from every corner of the globe.
+1For martial arts enthusiasts, the Kodokan is a pilgrimage site. It's where the foundations of judo were laid, and where its future continues to be shaped. The dedication and skill displayed by the judoka training here are a testament to Kano's enduring legacy.
Experiencing Judo Training at Kodokan
It's crucial to understand that the Kodokan operates with a strong emphasis on judo etiquette and discipline. Visitors wishing to train should arrive at least 30 minutes early for registration and be prepared to adhere strictly to the rules. The senseis are knowledgeable and ensure that routines are explained well, even for experienced practitioners. This structured approach ensures a safe and respectful training environment for everyone involved.
While the primary focus is on judo, the experience extends beyond just physical training. It's an immersion into a culture of respect, perseverance, and continuous learning. Meeting judoka from different countries and sharing the mat fosters a sense of global community.
+1Observing Judo: A Spectator's Guide
Training sessions typically take place in the late afternoon and early evening, usually between 4 PM and 8 PM. Arriving around 6:30 PM is often recommended to catch a good number of judokas on the mats. The atmosphere is one of focused intensity, and observing the discipline and skill on display is truly inspiring, even for those unfamiliar with judo.
While observing, it's important to maintain a respectful silence and avoid any actions that might disrupt the training. The Kodokan is a place of serious practice, and visitors are expected to be mindful of this. The experience is free, making it an accessible and enriching activity for anyone interested in martial arts or Japanese culture.
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