Best route through the city

Running is an amazing way to see some sightseeing. As a safe big city with stunning sights, Tokyo is an ideal destination for jogging, but it’s important to remember that a little planning goes a long way. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your next gorgeous run in the city.

Tokyo’s best running routes

parks and gardens

Forbidden City East Garden: If you go to the Forbidden City, you’ll likely see runners. It’s popular for good reason. This 5km long track is scenic and relatively flat, accessible from several central areas in Tokyo, and has been the venue for several major races. Please note that it can get crowded on weekends and during cherry blossom season.

Yoyogi Park: Yoyogi Park is the fifth largest park in Tokyo and is located in the city center with asphalt and dirt roads suitable for running. The park is adjacent to Meiji Jingu Shrine and is not suitable for running.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: There is a 4-kilometer-long loop road around Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden with beautiful scenery. It’s an iconic and convenient place to run or walk.

Ueno Park: Ueno Park, with its museums and beautiful loop around Shinobazu Pond, is another amazing place to run. If you want to avoid avoiding tourists, try to go as early as possible.

city ​​law

Tokyo Tower Loop Line: Combine sightseeing with jogging by running around Tokyo Tower. The Shiba Park Loop passing through Zojoji Temple is about 5 kilometers long.

Shibuya to Harajuku: If you don’t mind getting up early for a jog, running in the megalopolis of Shibuya can be exciting. Jog through the trendy streets of Omotesando and take a spin around Yoyogi Park for the full experience.

Odaiba Island: Odaiba’s futuristic aquatic atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for your run. There are 5km and 7km long marked trails on the island starting at Odaiba Seaside Park.

Toyosu: Toyosu is adjacent to Odaiba and also has a 5km long marked trail with stunning views of the Rainbow Bridge.

riverside run

Meguro River: The Meguro River meanders through Setagaya, Meguro and Shinagawa, providing a straight trail along Daikanyama. It’s a little more than 5 kilometers in a circle, and it’s especially beautiful when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Sumida River: Running along the Sumida River is not only beautiful but also flat and pleasant. The riverside trail is 4.4 kilometers long one way, and you can enjoy the historical landscape of Asakusa while running.

Arakawa River: If you’re looking for a longer run, the paved trail along the Arakawa River stretches west for 35 kilometers. Each kilometer is also marked to help you track your progress.

Trail running near Tokyo

Mount Takao: If you’re looking for a challenge, Mount Takao near Tokyo is a great choice for trail running.

Ontake Mountain: There is a 13-kilometer round-trip hiking route on Mount Ontake. This route has a moderate level of difficulty and is suitable for advanced runners.

Tips for running in Tokyo

Travel around the city

Although Tokyo is safe and orderly, it is also the largest city in the world. Always be aware of oncoming vehicles and use caution when passing other pedestrians. Running etiquette here is the same as anywhere else – slow down or stop as needed to prioritize the safety of those around you.

If you want to avoid crowds, consider running early in the morning or outside of rush hours. Running at night is also relatively safe, but be sure to wear reflective clothing to alert drivers.

Running in different seasons

Tokyo has hot summers, rainy seasons, and cold winters. Make sure to dress accordingly, especially in the summer. Stay hydrated, warm up, and cool down enough to avoid heat stroke.

where to find restrooms

Runner’s Trot: The biggest fear when running in a foreign country. Thankfully, public restrooms are everywhere in Tokyo. Many convenience stores and parks have restrooms. Train stations may also have toilets, but they are usually located inside the gates. If you’re kind enough (or desperate enough) to ask an employee, they’ll probably let you in.

A must-have resource for runners in Tokyo

run a store

Many tourists choose to buy running gear while in Tokyo. Chains like Super Sports Xebio and Step Sports offer a wide selection and helpful staff. The Asics Harajuku flagship store is an exciting stop for foreigners. During the week of the Tokyo Marathon, it sells limited-edition merchandise and shoes.

running club

If you’re looking for a community of English-speaking runners, there are many in Tokyo to join. Treat Lungo is a recreational organization of experienced runners that organizes exercise events. midnight runner is a global running community with a branch in Tokyo. Tokyo Red Run Club is an organization that supports the racially oriented goals of its members.

Running activity

Tokyo hosts numerous running events throughout the year. Of course, the most famous is the Tokyo Marathon in March, but big races have a catch-22 in that you have to have a pre-existing good record to qualify. If you’re new to racing, consider finding smaller community runs to participate in. Running clubs are also a great way to participate in casual community runs and get motivated.

Apps and websites

There are many apps to track your runs. Strava, map my run and City strides It’s a great choice for tracking your footprints in Tokyo and getting inspired by your city’s footprints.

Japanese running etiquette

respect others

Japan places a high value on respecting and considering other people’s culture. While running, please be aware of those around you and respect any rules and regulations the city may have in place. This includes staying on designated paths and minimizing noise. Tokyo is not Los Angeles; Tokyo is not Los Angeles. Put away the speakers and select headphones. If running with friends, keep small talk to a minimum, especially in residential areas.

garbage disposal

Littering is always bad, and being exhausted from a run is not a good excuse to throw your trash on the ground. If you leave behind empty water bottles or spent energy gel packs, dispose of them in an appropriate trash can, or consider purchasing a running vest or cross-body bag to store the trash until you get home.

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