# Running in Tokyo: marathons, races and the palace loop

Tokyo is a running city. Crowds of runners loop the Imperial Palace every evening, the Tokyo Marathon draws hundreds of thousands of applications, and on January 2 and 3 the whole country watches university relay teams run to Hakone and back. The list below is updated daily with marathons, fun runs and trail races in and around Tokyo.

## The running year in Tokyo

Road race season runs from autumn to spring, roughly October to March, when the air is cool and dry. Summer is hot and humid, so in July and August races are fewer and shorter, and many runners switch to early mornings or night runs. Small races happen almost every weekend in the cooler months, from 5 km fun runs in parks to half marathons along the rivers.

A few big dates anchor the year. The Tokyo Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors, is usually held on the first Sunday of March, from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku through Asakusa and Ginza to a finish near Tokyo Station. The Tokyo Legacy Half starts and finishes at the National Stadium (named MUFG Stadium since 2026) in October, on the course of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic marathon. The Yokohama Marathon, usually in late October, closes sections of the Shuto Expressway to let runners through. In the mountains west of the city, the Hasetsune Cup in October is a 71.5 km mountain endurance race through Okutama with a 24-hour limit.

- → [Watching sports in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sports.md)
- → [A year of events in Tokyo, month by month](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-year.md)
- → [Sports in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/sports.md)

## How race entry works

Most Japanese races take entries through [RUNNET](https://runnet.jp/), the sign-up site run by the publisher of the magazine Runners, which handles well over a thousand races a year. Some organisers use other sites such as moshicom or Sports Entry. Pages are mostly in Japanese, so a browser translation helps. Four words matter: 抽選 (lottery), 先着 (first come, first served), 定員 (field cap) and 制限時間 (cutoff time). Popular first-come races can fill within hours of opening.

The Tokyo Marathon runs [its own entry](https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/participants/). The general lottery opens in late summer for the following March, and in recent years only around one applicant in ten has won a place. Other routes are charity entry, which comes with a required donation, a paid membership for runners based overseas, and official tour packages. If you get in, you collect your bib in person at the expo at [Tokyo Big Sight](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%93%E3%83%83%E3%82%B0%E3%82%B5%E3%82%A4%E3%83%88%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B1%9F%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%9C%89%E6%98%8E3-11-1) in the days before the race, with photo ID. There is no pickup on race day.

- Make a RUNNET account before entry opens. On busy days the first minutes count.
- Check the cutoff times and checkpoints (関門) before you enter. Some races are strict about them.

- → [How to buy event tickets in Japan](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tickets.md)

## Running the Imperial Palace loop

The loop around the [Imperial Palace](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1) is about 5 km with no traffic lights and only gentle slopes, which makes it the most popular run in Tokyo. The custom is to run anticlockwise and keep to the left. You share the pavement with walkers and tourists, so run single file where it narrows and say sumimasen when you pass. Weekday evenings after office hours are the busiest time; early mornings are calm. There are water fountains and toilets along the way.

Runner stations near the course, such as [JOGLIS](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%8D%8A%E8%94%B5%E9%96%80%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8A%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA%E3%82%B5%E3%83%86%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%88JOGLIS%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E9%BA%B9%E7%94%BA1-7) near Hanzomon and others near Kojimachi and Nagatacho, rent lockers and showers for a fee, and some rent shoes and clothes, so you can come straight from work. Since 2013, organised group runs of 20 or more on weekends and holidays follow a set of local rules, so large group events at the palace are limited. Small timed races such as the long-running UP RUN series still use the loop regularly.

For other easy routes, [Komazawa Olympic Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%A7%92%E6%B2%A2%E3%82%AA%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%83%94%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E9%A7%92%E6%B2%A2%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%921-1) has a 2.1 km loop in the shade, the roughly 1.3 km loop around [Meiji Jingu Gaien](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%A4%96%E8%8B%91%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E9%9C%9E%E3%83%B6%E4%B8%98%E7%94%BA1-1) turns gold with ginkgo leaves in autumn, and the Sumida River path lets you run about 9 km from Asakusa to Tsukishima past the bridges.

- In summer, run before 7am or after dark and carry water. Heatstroke is a real risk in July and August.

- → [Events in Chiyoda](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chiyoda.md)

## Trail running: Takao and Okutama

[Mount Takao](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%AB%98%E5%B0%BE%E5%B1%B1%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%85%AB%E7%8E%8B%E5%AD%90%E5%B8%82%E9%AB%98%E5%B0%BE%E7%94%BA) is the easy way into the mountains, about an hour from Shinjuku on the Keio Line, with well-kept trails. It is also one of the most climbed mountains in the world, so on weekends and in the autumn leaf season the main trails are packed with hikers. Run on weekdays if you can, slow to a walk when you pass people, and give way to hikers on narrow sections.

Okutama, further west, has longer and rougher trails and is where the Hasetsune Cup is held. Asian black bears live in these mountains. In recent years Tokyo has published a sighting map ([TOKYO Kumap](https://www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/nature/animals_plants/bear/witness)) and closed some trails after bear attacks, so check it before you go, carry a bell, and avoid running alone at dawn and dusk. Carry a headlamp, more water than you think, and the time of the last bus or train out of the valley.

- Check trail closures with Okutama town or the Tokyo government before a long run.
- Many trail races require mandatory gear such as a headlamp, rain jacket and emergency blanket. Read the list.

- → [Festival day trips from Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/day-trips.md)

## Watching the big races

Watching the Tokyo Marathon is free. Asakusa near [Kaminarimon](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%9B%B7%E9%96%80%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1) and the long straights of Ginza draw the biggest crowds, and roads along the course close for hours, so crossing the route can take time. Bring a sign, find a spot early and cheer by name if a runner has it on their shirt.

The Hakone Ekiden is Japan's favourite race to watch. On January 2 university teams from the Kanto region run from Otemachi, in front of the [Yomiuri Shimbun building](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E8%AA%AD%E5%A3%B2%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9E%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E6%9C%AC%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%A4%A7%E6%89%8B%E7%94%BA1-7-1), to [Lake Ashi](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E8%8A%A6%E3%83%8E%E6%B9%96%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E8%B6%B3%E6%9F%84%E4%B8%8B%E9%83%A1%E7%AE%B1%E6%A0%B9%E7%94%BA) in Hakone, and on January 3 they run back. More than a million people line the route, and millions more watch on TV. Stand behind the barriers, never step into the road or run alongside the runners, keep dogs on a short lead, and take your rubbish home. It is cold and you will wait a while, so dress warmly.

- The start in Otemachi gets crowded well before the morning start. A spot further along the course is easier.
- Runners pass in seconds. Check the live broadcast or race app to know when they are coming.

- → [New Year in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/new-year.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Yokohama Marathon 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/yokohama-marathon-2026-7710)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 08:30 (JST) · Pacifico Yokohama Rinko Park (Finish Area. Full Marathon Start at Yokohama Landmark Tower) (Nishi, Yokohama) · ¥25,000〜
- **[79th UPRUN Fuchu Tamagawa Riverside Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/79uprun)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 09:30 (JST) · Under Koremasa Bridge (Reception) · ¥3,500–¥5,000
- **[206th Sports Mate Run: Imperial Palace Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/206th-sports-mate-run-imperial-palace-marathon)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 09:30 (JST) · In front of Imperial Palace Clock Tower (Reception) (Chiyoda) · ¥2,000–¥10,000
- **[247th UP RUN Imperial Palace Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/247up-run)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 (JST) · In front of Imperial Palace Clock Tower (Reception) (Chiyoda) · ¥2,000–¥10,000
- **[88th Sports Mate Run: Higashi-Ojima Komatsugawa Park Half Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/88th-sports-mate-run-higashi-ojima-komatsugawa-park-half)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 08:30 (JST) · Arakawa Riverside Ojima Komatsugawa Park (Below) (Edogawa) · ¥2,000–¥4,000
- **[Ronald McDonald House Charity Run & Walk](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/ronald-mcdonald-house-charity-run-walk)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 10:30 (JST) · Ajinomoto Stadium (調布市) · ¥2,000〜
- **[🎃🌙 Halloween Night Special: Imperial Palace Yoga × Night Run × Asakusa Lights 🌙🎃](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/halloween-night-special-yoga-night-run-lights)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 16:45 (JST) · Imperial Palace (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[207th Sports Mate Run Imperial Palace Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/207th-sports-mate-run-imperial-palace-marathon)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 (JST) · In front of Imperial Palace Clock Tower (Reception) (Chiyoda) · ¥2,000–¥10,000
- **[Tokyo Sento Cozy Bathhouse Stamp Rally](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-sento-cozy-bathhouse-stamp-rally)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Mon, Nov 30, 2026 (JST) · About 400 Sento in Tokyo (Chiyoda) · price on the official site
- **[Baka Bakusou! Comedy Lovers' Live Show](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/baka-bakusou-comedy-lovers-live-show)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 13:30 (JST) · Mini Hall Shinjuku Fu- · price on the official site
- **[Bakabakusou! Customer Appreciation Performance](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/bakabakusou-customer-appreciation-performance)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 17:00 (JST) · Mini Hall Shinjuku Fu- · price on the official site
- **[2026 Greater Tokyo Curry Marathon Stamp Rally](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/2026-greater-tokyo-curry-marathon-stamp-rally)** — Sat, May 16, 2026 – Sun, Nov 1, 2026 (JST) · Someya Liquor Store · price on the official site
- **[77th Boys’ / 38th Girls’ National High School Ekiden Tokyo Qualifiers & 79th Boys’ / 35th Girls’ Kanto High School Ekiden Qualifiers](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/77th-boys-38th-girls-national-high-school)** — Tue, Nov 3, 2026 (JST) · Ajinomoto Stadium (調布市) · price on the official site
- **[208th Sports Mate Run: Imperial Palace Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/208th-sports-mate-run-imperial-palace-marathon)** — Tue, Nov 3, 2026 09:30 (JST) · In front of Imperial Palace Clock Tower (Reception) (Chiyoda) · ¥2,000–¥10,000
- **[Crazy Run! 'JCA Segment'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/jca)** — Tue, Nov 3, 2026 13:30 (JST) · Mini Hall Shinjuku Fu- · price on the official site
- **[[20s and 30s Only!] Friday Night Run: Stylish Evening Run Around the Imperial Palace](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/2030friday-night-run)** — Fri, Nov 6, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Imperial Palace (Chiyoda) · ¥1,000
- **[5th Asakusa Riverside Relay Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/5th-asakusa-riverside-relay-marathon)** — Sat, Nov 7, 2026 09:00 (JST) · Taito Riverside Sports Center Athletics Stadium (Taito) · ¥4,900
- **[248th UP RUN Imperial Palace Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/248up-run)** — Sat, Nov 7, 2026 09:30 (JST) · In front of Imperial Palace Clock Tower (Reception) (Chiyoda) · ¥2,000–¥10,000
- **[56th Sports Mate Run: Kita-Senju Arakawa Half Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/56th-sports-mate-run-kita-senju-arakawa-half-marathon)** — Sat, Nov 7, 2026 09:30 (JST) · Rainbow Plaza (Adachi) · ¥3,000–¥4,000
- **[Mirai no Mori Charity Run](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mirai-no-mori-charity-run)** — Sat, Nov 7, 2026 09:30 (JST) · Kami Maru Ko Hachimancho (中原区) · price on the official site
- **[209th Sports Mate Run Imperial Palace Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/209th-sports-mate-run-imperial-palace-marathon)** — Sun, Nov 8, 2026 (JST) · In front of Imperial Palace Clock Tower (Reception) (Chiyoda) · ¥2,000–¥10,000
- **[34th UPRUN Akabane Arakawa Marathon – All Categories](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/34uprunver)** — Sun, Nov 8, 2026 (JST) · Arakawa Riverside (Itabashi) · ¥2,000–¥5,000
- **[Weekday Daytime Early Summer Beginner Trail Run: Round-Trip from Mount Takao to Mount Jinba (14 or 28 km, November)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/weekday-daytime-early-summer-beginner-trail-run-round-trip)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 (JST) · In front of Takaosanguchi Station Ticket Gate (Meeting Spot) · price on the official site
- **[Overnight Hakone Ekiden Walking Challenge (Sections 1–4)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/overnight-hakone-ekiden-walking-challenge-sections-1-4)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 – Sun, Nov 15, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit Ticket Gate (Meeting Point) (Chiyoda) · price on the official site
- **[Keio Ekiden Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/keio-ekiden-festival-2026)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 (JST) · Ajinomoto Stadium (調布市) · price on the official site
- **[249th UP RUN Imperial Palace Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/249up-run)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 09:30 (JST) · In front of Imperial Palace Clock Tower (Reception) (Chiyoda) · ¥2,000〜
- **[1st Sports Mate Run Hirai-Arakawa Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/1st-sports-mate-run-hirai-arakawa-marathon)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 09:30 (JST) · Hirai Sports Park (Edogawa) · ¥2,000–¥5,000
- **[16th Yurikamome Relay Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/16th-yurikamome-relay-marathon)** — Sun, Nov 15, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park (Koto) · price on the official site
- **[ALTRA Ekiden 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/altra-ekiden-2026)** — Sun, Nov 15, 2026 (JST) · MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) (Shinjuku) · ¥500〜
- **[210th Sports Mate Run: Imperial Palace Marathon](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/210th-sports-mate-run-imperial-palace-marathon)** — Sun, Nov 15, 2026 09:30 (JST) · In front of Imperial Palace Clock Tower (Reception) (Chiyoda) · ¥2,000–¥10,000

Showing 30 of 49.

## Questions people ask

**How do I get into the Tokyo Marathon?**
Most places go through a general lottery that opens in late summer, and only around one applicant in ten wins. Charity entry, an overseas runners' membership and official tour packages are the other routes.

**When is the Tokyo Marathon?**
Usually on the first Sunday of March. Bibs are collected in person at the expo at Tokyo Big Sight in the days before.

**Can foreigners enter Japanese running races?**
Yes, most races accept anyone who meets the age and time limits. Sign-up pages are mostly in Japanese, usually on RUNNET.

**Which way do you run around the Imperial Palace?**
Anticlockwise, keeping to the left. The loop is about 5 km with no traffic lights.

**Where can I shower after running around the Imperial Palace?**
Several runner stations near the course, including JOGLIS near Hanzomon, rent lockers and showers for a fee.

**When can I watch the Hakone Ekiden?**
On January 2 and 3 every year. It is free to watch anywhere along the route between Otemachi and Lake Ashi.

**Are there bears on the trails near Tokyo?**
Yes. Asian black bears live in Okutama and the hills of western Tokyo, and in spring 2026 attacks led to some trails there being closed. Check [TOKYO Kumap](https://www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/nature/animals_plants/bear/witness) and current trail closures before you go, carry a bell and avoid running alone at dawn and dusk.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/running