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The Imperial Palace area

The Imperial Palace area is one of the most famous among Tokyo's running courses. As Tokyo Station is nearby, along with many running stations and bicycle rental shops, it's convenient to run there.

This classic spot is about 5 km per lap and allows many people to enjoy a run—including those going to and coming from work. Thus, there are several running stations nearby that allow runners to safely change clothes and take showers. All you need for a comfortable run is clothing and shoes that allow you to move freely.
You can also have fun cycling there, as there are bicycle rental spots nearby.

Popular spots along the course

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Sakurada-mon Gate

The Sakurada-mon Gate was the stage for a major turning point in Japanese history (the Sakuradamon Incident) and was built as one of the gates in Edo Castle's inner moat. It has been designated as one of the country's Important Cultural Properties.

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Marunouchi buildings

The buildings in Marunouchi, which lie between the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, show Tokyo's super city aspects. Numerous restaurants offering international cuisine, stores filled with top fashion brands, and more keep visitors entertained.

From Sensoji Temple's Kaminarimon Gate
to Nihonbashi

You can enjoy the transition from Shitamachi to the urban area on this course within the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Marathon Course that's around 5 km. Pass through the townscape of Asakusa, rich with Shitamachi spirit, with the Skytree in the background. Continue through Kuramae—which has been gaining attention as the Brooklyn of Japan in recent years—and go toward Nihonbashi: transportation's starting point.

Popular spots along the course

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Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and was likely founded during the Asuka period. Upon passing through Kaminarimon Gate, you can find Nakamise Shopping Street: a street around 250 m long and lined with souvenir and confectionery shops. You can experience good old-fashioned Tokyo there, rich with Shitamachi spirit.

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Kuramae

Although the Kuramae area has a strong Shitamachi feel, cafes and general stores have popped up in recent years. The area is popular with young people and referred to as the Brooklyn of Japan. You can enjoy the stylish scenery that looks like it'd be popular on social media.

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Nihonbashi

Nihonbashi was the starting point of Japan's Five Routes and has long been a major transportation hub, and it contains many long-standing department stores representative of Japan. Large-scale redevelopment has also been carried out in recent years within the Nihonbashi Revitalization Plan, and it has become a vital center for new hot spots like COREDO Nihonbashi.

From Ginza to
Zojoji Temple

This is a futuristic section of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Marathon Course that races between skyscrapers. The course starts from Ginza (a central area for shopping and business), passes through Shinbashi, and goes all the way to Zojoji Temple at the base of Tokyo Tower. The landscape continually changes with the area's unique building designs and stylish shops.

Popular spots along the course

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Ginza Kabukiza Tower

The Kabukiza Tower was completed in 2013 and is a new Ginza landmark, combining a base of traditional Japanese aesthetic tradition with state-of-the-art office space. Inside, you can enjoy kabuki performances daily and have an experience different from your everyday life.

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Zojoji Temple

Zojoji Temple has 600 years of history and a deep connection to the Tokugawa family. It is dedicated to six shoguns, including the second: Hidetada. The temple grounds command a spectacular view of Tokyo Tower, which also makes the area a popular photo spot.

Jingu Gaien

This is a course consisting of around 1.3 km of Jingu Gaien that runs around the Tokyo 2020 Games' main stadium: the National Stadium.
You can feel like a top athlete when running on this course that was broadcasted numerous times. It's is also very popular among running and cycling beginners as it has few elevation changes and is easy to run on.

Popular spots along the course

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Ginkgo Avenue

The tree-lined street running from Aoyama-dori to Meiji Jingu Gaien has 146 ginkgo trees planted along it, and they turn a golden color in autumn. This beautiful landscape is a famous stage for films, dramas, and more, and it delights the eyes of many visitors every year.

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Japan Olympic Museum

You can see the Olympic symbol monument that became the symbol of the Tokyo 2020 Games, along with various exhibits and more related to the Olympic Games. There are also games where you can try to match Olympians' physical abilities, and other activities that are perfect for those who want to move their bodies.