Musashino Forest Sport Plaza (Photo: Elena Lisina)

The 2020 Olympic Games: Musashino Forest Sport Plaza

The venue for badminton, fencing and Paralympic wheelchair basketball

Musashino Forest Sport Plaza (Photo: Elena Lisina)
Elena Lisina   - 3 min read

The Musashino Forest Sport Plaza is a newly constructed venue with multi-purpose functions. It is located close to the Tokyo Stadium in Chofu City. At the 2020 Olympic Games, the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza will host the badminton, modern pentathlon fencing and Paralympic wheelchair basketball events. The capacity of the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza during the Games will be 7,200 spectators, though later the capacity of the main hall will be increased to 10,000 spectators.

Badminton competitions debuted at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. There were four competitions featuring singles and doubles events for both men and woman. The most successful athletes currently in badminton hail from China.

The modern pentathlon is consists of five events: fencing, swimming (free style), equestrian jumping, pistol shooting and cross-country running or the laser-run. The original idea for the pentathlon was based on the skills needed by the ideal soldier. Modern pentathlon has been part of the Olympic Games since 1912. In the past the competition lasted for five days, but from 1996 a one-day format was approved.

Perhaps the most famous nearby place of interest is the exceedingly popular anime studio Ghibli Museum. This museum is so popular that you must book your tickets well in advanced. Tickets really do sell out quickly but for fans of the anime studio, the Ghibli Museum is must visit.

Ghibli Museum
Ghibli Museum

Along with the museum, the area features one of Tokyo's most popular public spaces, the beautifully spacious Inokashira Park. Famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, the park's pond and swan pedal boats are well-loved while the island shrine and small zoo only add to the park's appeal.

Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park

Getting there

The Musashino Forest Sport Plaza is a 5-minute walk from Tobitakyu Station on the Keio Line
or a 20-minute walk from Tama Station on the Seibu Tamagawa Line. For bus details please check the official website.

Elena Lisina

Elena Lisina @shiroi.tenshi

I am interested in Japanese art, crafts, history and Shinto religion. Photography is my hobby, and there are many amazing places to capture in Japan.