The Best Running Routes in Tokyo

The Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace gardens is a perfect scenic jogging route right in the center of Tokyo. Most people jog around the outside, since the people inside the gardens are mostly sightseers. Enjoy beautiful flora and pockets of historical architecture on this route.

Imperial Palace 1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo

Bridge over the moat of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo | © Kevin Poh / Flickr | © Kevin Poh / Flickr

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s most popular downtown recreation areas. It’s not only full of walking and jogging routes, but separate bike lanes and even a dog run so your pooch can stretch his legs. Located near Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando, Yoyogi Park is almost always busy with people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Yoyogi Park 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo

Yoyogi Park during fall | © BradBeattie / WIkiCommons | © BradBeattie / WIkiCommons

Meguro River

The Meguro River route is best enjoyed in the early morning or late at night, when the crowds have thinned a little. This is especially true in springtime, when people from all over flock to see the pink blossoms blooming along the river. As an alternative, check out the Arakawa or Sumida River Terrace for more riverside views on the run.

Meguro River Park 1-11-18 Naka-meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

By the Meguro River | © Guilhem Vellut / Flickr | © Guilhem Vellut / Flickr

Akasaka Estate

The Akasaka Estate is a large greenspace in Minato close to Aoyama, and includes the Akasaka Palace (or State Guesthouse) along with the Togu Palace and ponds. Joggers love to follow the short, scenic route encircling the grounds. It’s perfect for a quick run or even a walk on your lunchbreak.

Akasaka Palace 2-1-1 Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Koganei Park

Koganei Park is popular with runners and has its own joggers club which meets from time to time. The park is also home to other numerous athletics facilities, like tennis courts, a cycling course and even an archery range.

Koganei Park 1−13−1 Koganei, Tokyo

A sunny day in Koganei | © Takashi .M / Flickr

Shin-Toyosu Brillia Running Stadium

This 60 meter (196 ft) indoor track was made for sprinters to practice, but is open to anyone who wants to run. If it’s a rainy day or you’d like to test your speed rather than endurance, Shin-Toyosu’s Brillia Running Stadium has got you covered.

Shin-Toyosu Brillia 6-4-2 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo

思わず全力疾走したくなる！長さ108メートルの木製フレームが実に美しい内部。フレームにはカラマツの集成材を使用、トラックの他に義足の調整ルームも完備。 #新豊洲ブリリアランニングスタジアム #武松幸治 #shintoyosubrilliarunningstadium #trainingcenter #paralympian #architecture #design #yukiharutakematsu #toyosu #tokyo

A photo posted by @toshiko_ferrier on Dec 5, 2016 at 6:03am PST

Oyama Dairi Park

Oyama Dairi features a wide running path dotted with cherry trees and bushes on sloping hillsides. It’s also home to several wildlife sanctuaries. Perfect for a quiet, scenic jog off the beaten path.

Oyama Dairi Park 4-4 Oyamagaoka, Machida-shi, Tokyo

Berries growing in Oyama Dairi | © Yasuaki Kobayashi / Flickr

Komazawa Olympic Park

Komazawa Park was made for distance runners. Markers are placed along color coded routes, so you always know how far you’ve gone. If you’re serious about the sport but still want to enjoy natural scenery, this is the place for you.

Komazawa Park 1-1 Komozawa-Koen, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Early morning at Komazawa Park | © Shinji / Flickr

Tama River

West of central Tokyo lies the Tama River and the Tama River Trail, a long and winding trail, nearly 50 km (31 miles) long. The route is another one that’s popular in spring due to the numerous sakura bunched along the route. Perfect for endurance runners looking for a long course.

Tama River Futago-bashi Park 1 Kamata, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Sakura along the Tama River | © Fg2 / WikiCommons