Tokyo
Running in the Kanto region starts, of course, with Tokyo—a thrilling, neon-filled metropolis that every traveler wants to experience.
But for runners, Tokyo can be tricky: streets are often narrow, traffic lights are frequent, and sidewalks are crowded. Without the help of local runners who know the safest routes, best times of day, and hidden green paths, it’s hard to fully enjoy a stress-free run here.
The real beauty of Kanto running, however, is that it doesn’t end with Tokyo. Just a short train ride away, you’ll find Yokohama’s waterfront promenades, Kamakura’s temple-lined hills and coastal roads, Chiba’s seaside paths, and Saitama’s wide riverside tracks—perfect for long, uninterrupted runs. These areas offer more space, fewer crowds, and a chance to see everyday Japanese life outside the capital.
My husband and I had an incredible 12km run with Hidehito around Meiji Jingu and the stadiums from Shibuya. It was great having someone who knows the Tokyo area show us the best spots to run and see some incredible spots!
Ran this guided 21K with Hidehito in Tokyo and it was one of the highlights of my trip. He took me right past the Tokyo Marathon starting line, plus a string of local spots I never would have found on my own — the kind of route only someone who truly knows the city could put together.
If you’re a runner visiting Tokyo, this is a must!
The running tour was excellent! I actually was exhausted from jet lag, as well as only having slept two hours that night, and we adjusted everything. We completed the 5K, using the Galloway method. We took in a lot of sites and I was able to ask questions and my guide even followed up with an email with recommendations about areas and subjects that were of high interest to my son. I will say Tokyo was super humid in July! That being said if I’m ever back, I would do another tour, hands-down. We saw awesome sites, a local shrine that I wouldn’t have found otherwise, and had a great conversation the entire way!
What a wonderful experience! If you are a runner, this is the way to see the city! We went out at 6am (due to heat) which was a great way to see sites without road/street congestion.
Running through Tokyo is a memorable experience. If you’re a running enthusiast, I highly recommend experiencing it with the running hub!