5 Great Routes for Running in Tokyo | Guidable - Your Guide to a Sustainable, Wellbeing-centred Life in Japan

5 Great Routes for Running in Tokyo

By Guidable Writers Sep 7, 2020

Are you a big fan of jogging? Tokyo is a safe place with open areas perfect for running any time of the day. But what are your favourite jogging routes? Here are our recommended courses for running in Tokyo!

a woman running in tokyo

The Best Jogging Routes for Running in Tokyo

For foreigners who live in Japan and love jogging as sports, which running spots do you usually take? Do you jog around your home and still can’t find a proper route yet? Don’t worry; there are some excellent places for jogging with a pleasant view in Tokyo. Here are five best jogging routes that you might want to check out. Once you try these running spots, you will want to go back again and again.

1. The Imperial Palace

running in tokyo

For beginners, this is the best place for jogging. This running spot became popular because of the Tokyo Marathon, and it’s still popular for the following reasons.

Good Reasons to Jog Here:

□ One lap is about 5km, not so hard even for beginners.
□ No traffic lights during the route, so you can focus on running.
□ Lovely views while jogging such as Tokyo Tower, Sakurada Gate, etc.
□ There is a runners’ station in which you can take a shower after running and a public bath  (sento) near this running route.
□You can jog at night time as well.

Access from the Nearest Station:

If you get off the train at the following station, it’s connected directly with the running route, so very convenient and easy for access.

□ (Chiyoda Line) Nijyubashimae Station
□ (Tozai Line) Takebashi Station
□ (Yurakucho Line) Sakuradamon Station

2. Yoyogi Park

running in tokyo

If you want to enjoy jogging and chilling for a picnic, this park is the best for you. This park is famous for hanami viewing, so if you run during springtime, you can also enjoy the view of cherry blossoms while jogging, but be careful of all the people! In autumn, you can enjoy the view of autumn leaves. There are ponds and fountains inside the park, so you can chill out in the cool breeze.

Good Reasons to Jog Here:

□ One lap is about 1.15km, so if you want a quick jog, it’s the best place to go.
□ You can count distance easily due to the short laps.
□ The width of the road is quite broad, so you can jog without any crowds.
□ Since it’s a real park, there are bathrooms so you’re free to go anytime
□ There are lots of trees in the park so you can jog under the shade of trees even in the hot summer time.

Access from the Nearest Station:

Since this park is located near Harajuku, Omotesando and Shibuya, it’s very convenient.

□ (JR) Harajyuku Station 3 min walk
□ (Chiyoda Line) Yoyogikoen Station 3 min walk
□ (Fukutoshin Line) Meijijingumae Station 3 min walk
□ (Odakyu Line) Yoyogihachiman Station 6 min walk

3. Akasaka Palace

running in tokyo

Akasaka Palace is the first national heirloom created after the Meiji Period in Japan. This palace is made by Neo-Baroque architects and is the only one that exists in Japan.

Good Reasons to Jog Here:

□ One lap is about 4 km so it’s the perfect distance for getting a sweat on.
□ There are security guards in the daytime and night time so it’s very safe to run.
□ You can enjoy views of Roppongi Hills while jogging.
□ There are both flat roads and heavy slopes so if you want a strict running route, it’s best for you.
□ There are many restaurants around this jogging spot so after you finish, you can enjoy lunch or dinner.
□ There are lines of gingko trees on the way so the view is great during autumn season.
□ There is a public bath near Yotsuya Station so you can go immediately after jogging.

Access from the Nearest Station:

□ (JR) Yotsuya Station 5 min walk
□ (JR) Shinanomachi Station 5 min walk
□ (Hanzomon Line) Aoyamaichome Station 5 min walk

4. Tama River

running in tokyo

The major attraction of this jogging spot is that you can jog along the riverbed while enjoying the view.
The place is little bit far from the center of Tokyo but it’s worth it. It’s like nature is one with the city and that is just so surreal!

Good Reasons to Jog Here:

□ One lap is about 9.6km long so highly recommended for those who prefer full marathons.
□ You can enjoy the view of the river, trains and amateur baseball field games while jogging.
□ There are about 11 different parks on the route so there are many spots to take a rest.
□ Since there are no traffic lights and the road is flat all the way, you can focus on jogging.

Access from the Nearest Station:

□(JR) Chuo Line Hamura Station 15 min walk
* It takes about 1 hour and 15 min from Tokyo Station.

5. Meguro River

running in tokyo

If you go to Meguro River, you will see about 830 cherry trees along the river. This is very famous spot for cherry-blossom viewing in spring season.

Good Reasons to Jog Here:

□ One lap is about 5km so a great place for beginner and intermediate runners.
□ You can enjoy the view of cherry-blossoms in spring season both during the daytime and nighttime.
□ There is a public bath near the Nakameguro Station (5 min walk) which is very stylish and clean.
□ There are many restaurants and drinking spots (izakaya) in this area so you can enjoy a beer after jogging.

Access from the Nearest Station:

□  ( Hibiya Line ) Nakameguro Station 5 min walk

running in tokyo

Which Jogging Routes Will You Try Running in Tokyo?

Are you getting excited to go out for jogging now? Since there are several kinds of jogging routes in different areas, you can try different spots for a change of scenery so you won’t get bored easily. Throughout the year, you can enjoy the different magnificent view of each spots.