The Tokyo Marathon brings together Japanese precision with world-class marathon running. Since becoming a mass-participation event in 2007, it has rapidly risen to join the World Marathon Majors, offering runners an unforgettable experience of Japanese culture and hospitality alongside a lightning-fast course.
The Course
Tokyo's course is one of the flattest in the world, with a slight net downhill that makes it ideal for fast times. The route winds through central Tokyo's most famous districts before finishing near the iconic Tokyo Station.
Tokyo's Greatest Hits
The course showcases Tokyo's fascinating blend of tradition and modernity:
- Shinjuku (Start) - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- Ichigaya (mile 3) - Historic district
- Imperial Palace (miles 5-6) - The emperor's residence
- Nihonbashi (mile 7) - Historic commercial center
- Ginza (miles 8-9) - Tokyo's famous shopping district
- Asakusa (mile 13-15) - Traditional Tokyo, Sensoji Temple area
- Ryogoku (mile 18) - Sumo wrestling neighborhood
- Ginza return (mile 22-24) - Second pass through the shopping district
- Tokyo Station (Finish) - Iconic red-brick station
The Japanese Marathon Experience
Running Tokyo is unlike any other marathon. The crowds are enthusiastic but respectful. Aid stations are impeccably organized with volunteers in matching uniforms. Everything runs with clockwork precision, from bag drop to medal collection.
The spectators bring a unique energy - taiko drummers, traditional music, and constant encouragement in Japanese and English. The race feels like a national celebration of running.
Why Tokyo?
Tokyo offers what no other marathon can: a deep immersion in Japanese running culture. Japan has a profound respect for marathoning, and you'll feel it in every aspect of the race. The organization is flawless, the crowd support is genuine, and the post-race experience includes some of the world's best food.
The course is also genuinely fast. The flat profile and typically cool March weather create excellent conditions for personal bests. Many runners use Tokyo as a spring-time target race.
Getting In
Tokyo's lottery is highly competitive, especially for international runners. Options include:
- General Entry Lottery - Opens in August, results in September. Approximately 10% acceptance rate
- Charity Entry - Donate ¥100,000+ to official charity organizations
- One Tokyo Premium Member - Priority lottery access for club members
- Elite Entry - For runners meeting qualification standards
- Tour Operators - International packages that include race entry
The race typically fills in seconds when charity entries open, and the lottery receives over 300,000 applications for approximately 38,000 spots.
Race Day Tips
- Prepare for the cold start - March mornings in Tokyo can be chilly; wear throwaway layers
- The Imperial Palace loop is beautiful - Enjoy it, but watch your pace
- Asakusa is the halfway celebration - The crowds peak here
- The second Ginza pass can be tough - You'll see the finish area but still have miles to go
- Eat all the food - Tokyo's post-race food options are legendary
Tokyo is more than a marathon - it's a cultural experience wrapped in 42.195 kilometers of running.