Tokyo, Japan

The Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace loop is probably the most famous and popular run in central Tokyo. It’s possible to a relatively uninterrupted run around the perimeter. Another bonus for travelers — and boy, I wish we had this in more U.S. cities — is numerous locations with lockers and showers, such as Run Pit on the Palace Side building above Takebashi Station. The Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, and is in a park-like area in the Chiyoda area of Tokyo. There are numerous museums, archives, gardens, and parks in the area. The run includes views of some interesting Tokyo sites, such as Tokyo Tower, the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Arts, the Crafts Gallery of The Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, British Embassy, Hanzomon, the National Theater, Supreme Court of Japan, and Sakuradamon gate. Detailed description of route, with key sights!

The loop is nearly an exact 5k, so lots of people do a couple of laps. Just follow the main road– and there is a path alongside and almost always other runners.

Small Add-On: Hibya Park is just south of the Palace route.

Video Highlights: Imperial Palace at Cherry Blossom Time! (24 min.)




 

Essentials
  • 5 km (3.1 mile) loop
  • 285 feet
  • Sakuradamon gate or any point along the loop
  • Otemachi, Sakuradamon, Hibiya, and Takebashi stations

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Alan
1 year ago

Is this run open 24 hours, or what hours? Are there some sections that can be closed when the rest is open?

Kevin V
11 months ago

Excellent run in Tokyo with beautiful scenery – especially during sakura season!

Melinda
9 months ago

What type of running clothes for women is suitable to wear in Japan? Are tights or leggings considered not appropriate?

Joel
6 months ago
Reply to  Melinda

I ran with a tour guide just two weeks ago and asked him about appropriate running wear and he told me that most people wear tights and/or leggings but that women will also wear shorts over top. That’s the norm and considered more modest for female runners. Men often wear tights, too, partially for modesty and partially for sun protection. But they too will wear shorts overtop.

Essentials
  • 5 km (3.1 mile) loop
  • 285 feet
  • Sakuradamon gate or any point along the loop
  • Otemachi, Sakuradamon, Hibiya, and Takebashi stations