Meijijingu Gaien

About this place

Meiji Jingu Gaien Park is a large outdoor area in central Tokyo, and is considered the outer precinct of Meiji Jingu Shrine. It is a bit misnamed, at least according to my image that the word park means open, grassy areas for throwing a Frisbee or having a picnic in. That's not what this place is about signs pointing to the actual park area led to a large, blacktopped patch. Instead, Jingu Gaien is more of a collection of outdoor facilities, set around some picturesque tree lined roads and pathways. Jingu Gaien has many athletic facilities. There are plenty of baseball diamonds, a Batting Practice Range, the Sendagaya Futsal Court, tennis courts, a golf driving range and an indoor ice skating rink. Jingu Gaien is home to Jingu Stadium, the home of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows professional baseball team. Jingu Stadium is an old, historic building that has seen a lot of baseball over the years and is a great place to catch a game. It was the site of a historic exhibition game in 1934 featuring a squad of American all-star players, such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gerhig.