Running Course Guide for Runners

Relatively flat and famously safe, Tokyo offers a variety of enjoyable running courses combining green spaces and sightseeing

With annual events like the Tokyo Marathon and the motivational boost brought about by the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, running has become a popular pastime. The busy metropolis has a surprising number of parks and green spaces that are suitable for an easy jog or a longer run, with easy access by public transport.

Tips

The Imperial Palace route has runners stations with showers, refreshments and maps
Many locals go running after work, but it's generally less crowded in the early morning
When passing someone, call out "sumimasen", "excuse me", before overtaking
Stay hydrated; Tokyo is hot and humid in summer and dry in winter
For inspiration, read Haruki Murakami's “Things I talk about when I talk about running”

Imperial Palace

A fairly easy 5.3km flat run with no cars or traffic lights, the course takes you around the outskirts of the Imperial Palace, and is especially pretty in spring and autumn. Start at any point, run counter-clockwise and keep to the left. There are drinking fountains and clean bathrooms along the route. Look out for stops to rest and get changed including Runners Station next to Kojimachi Station, Joglis at Hanzomon Station and Adidas Runbase at Nagatacho Station. All have rental lockers, refreshments and showers for a fee.

Komazawa Olympic Park

Established for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Komazawa Olympic Park offers a tree-shaded 2.1 km course in a fashionable residential area, near Komazawa-Daigaku Station. The jogging course is shared with cyclists, so keep out of the blue cycling lane, for safety. After a run, you can check out the 1964 retro-brutalist stadium architecture by Kenzo Tange.

Meiji Jingu Gaien

Close to fashionable Aoyama and Gaienmae Station, Jingu Gaien is a park famous for its brilliant yellow gingko trees in fall. One of novelist Haruki Murakami's favorite running spots, there's a 1.5km path which loops around the park. The track goes right past the new Olympic Stadium so be careful of the construction vehicles.

Sumidagawa

With no set course, a run along the Sumida River can be as long as you like. Many people start at Asakusa and run to Tsukishima, a 9km stretch past some fascinating parts of the city. You can run on either side of the river; be aware that many parts of the course near the bridges (and there are many bridges), have stairs.

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