Tokyo Marathon
A spectacular tour of Tokyo's contrasts, from neon-lit Shinjuku to the serene Imperial Palace.
Tokyo
First Sunday of March
42.195 km
42 m
~38,000 athletes
Course Highlights
- Shinjuku start at the Metropolitan Government Building
- Imperial Palace at mile 3
- Asakusa and Sensoji Temple at mile 9
- Ginza shopping district
- Tokyo Station finish line
The Course
The Tokyo Marathon starts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in the towering skyscraper district of Shinjuku. The opening miles descend gently past the Imperial Palace, one of the most scenic early-race backdrops in world marathoning. Runners then head east through the Nihonbashi and Asakusa districts, passing temples and the famous Kaminarimon Gate of Sensoji Temple.
The middle miles take runners south through the Ginza shopping district and along the waterfront near Shinagawa. The course is predominantly flat with only gentle undulations, making it well suited for personal-best attempts. Aid stations are meticulously organized in typical Japanese fashion, with volunteers bowing and offering everything from water and sports drinks to traditional Japanese snacks.
The final miles return toward the city center, finishing at Tokyo Station, the red-brick landmark in the Marunouchi district. Spectator support is enthusiastic and respectful throughout, creating a uniquely Japanese race atmosphere that many runners describe as the most organized marathon experience in the world.
History
The Tokyo Marathon was first held in 2007, replacing two older races (the Tokyo International Marathon and the Tokyo-Aomori Marathon). Despite its relatively young age, it quickly earned a spot as one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2013.
The race now attracts over 38,000 runners and is one of the most oversubscribed marathons in the world, with a lottery acceptance rate of roughly 10 percent. The event has become a showcase for Japanese hospitality and organizational excellence.
How to Train for Tokyo
Manage the lottery stress
With only a 10 percent acceptance rate, many runners wait years to get in. When you are accepted, commit fully to your training block so you make the most of this rare opportunity. Consider signing up for a guaranteed charity or tour-operator entry as a backup.
Adapt to the time zone
If traveling from outside Asia, arrive at least three to four days early to adjust to the time difference. Jet lag can significantly impact race-day performance, especially for morning starts. Practice your pre-race routine in the new time zone.
Train for cool, humid conditions
March in Tokyo can be cool (5-12 degrees Celsius) but often humid. Include some training runs in similar conditions to calibrate your pacing and clothing choices. Overdressing is a common mistake for international visitors.
Free training plans
Half marathon to marathon
A free 16-week plan to step up from the half to the full marathon: five runs a week and a long run that builds from 1h 40m to 3 hours.
16 weeksMarathon (16 weeks)
A free 16-week marathon plan: six runs a week, a long run that builds to 2h 45m, a recovery week every fourth week, a peak in week 13 and a three-week taper.
16 weeksMarathon (20 weeks)
A free 20-week marathon plan with a gentle build: five runs a week, a long run that grows to 3 hours, a recovery week every fourth week and a three-week taper.
20 weeksSub-4 hour marathon
A free 16-week plan to break 4 hours in the marathon: six runs a week, goal-pace sessions at 5:41 per km (9:09 per mile) and long runs to 3h 10m.
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