Tokyo
A World Marathon Major through one of the world's great cities. How to plan Tokyo Marathon week, from the Imperial Palace loop to your post-race bath.
The race
Categories, key dates, race-week weather and getting thereWhere to stay
Areas that work on race weekThe race starts by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Lots of hotels and food.
MapNear the finish and the Imperial Palace loop, with easy trains everywhere.
MapCentral, walkable and well connected on the subway.
MapLocal favourites
Grouped by what you need on race week. Tap Map to open each place in Google Maps.Run
3Tokyo's classic 5 km running loop. Locals run it anticlockwise, so go with the flow.
Map ↗Shaded paths for an easy run, a short walk from Harajuku.
Map ↗A measured 2.1 km jogging loop in a 1964 Olympic park, popular with serious runners.
Map ↗Refuel
11Simple, carb-heavy and everywhere. Most places have picture menus or ticket machines.
Map ↗Recover
1Hot water after the race. Wash before you get in, and check the tattoo policy.
Map ↗Train
5Drop-in classes in English and Japanese, no membership needed.
Map ↗Explore
2Tokyo's oldest temple. Go early to beat the crowds.
Map ↗A forest shrine next to Yoyogi Park, good for a recovery walk.
Map ↗Local crews
Groups that welcome visitors. Times change, so check each group's own channel before you go.English-friendly runs, including the Imperial Palace loop. Check the Meetup page for this week's run.
Follow ↗Runners from around the world, all levels, with coffee or breakfast afterwards. Find it on Meetup.
One of Tokyo's long-running English-speaking clubs.
An English-speaking social run with intervals and music.
Group runs around the Palace. Find it on Meetup.
Good to know
Early March is cold, often around 5–10°C on race morning. Bring gloves and a throwaway layer.
Get a Suica or PASMO card, or add one to your phone. Trains are quiet, so keep calls for outside.
Bib collection runs on fixed days before the race and you'll need ID. Check the official site for the venue and times.
Our stories from Tokyo
See all →Plan your days in Tokyo
Pick your dates and how hard you want to go, and we'll lay out every day: shakeout, routes, recovery, cafés and race day. ATHLO+ doesn't sell trips for this race yet, so you register with the organiser and can pick up your kit on ATHLO+.