Japan Tokyo Marathon 2026: Runners & Sightseeing Guide

Don't miss the Tokyo Marathon during your early March trip to Japan, which is one of the six World Marathon Majors, starting the race through the main tourist attractions of Tokyo. Whether to join the running or to find an ideal spot to watch, here is your complete guide to this special world-class marathon in Tokyo.

When is the Tokyo Marathon 2026

The date of the Tokyo Marathon in 2026 falls on March 1st, an annual running event hosted on the first Sunday of March.

Note: Registration opens on August 1, 2025. If the entry exceeds the field size, runners will be selected by random drawing.

Weather during the Tokyo Marathon

The early March weather in Japan is mild and comfortable, with slight sunshine and pleasant temperatures ranging from 5 to 18℃ (41 to 64℉), ideal for outdoor light coat fun as well as the T-shirt marathon.

Tokyo Marathon

What is the Tokyo Marathon

As the sixth event in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series (AWMM) and the only one in Asia, the Tokyo Marathon is a popular world-class running event that attracts about 300 thousand annual runners and 2 million visitors, also including a 10.7km race and the wheelchair version.

	Time	Eligiblity	Fee	Route
Marathon	9:10 am to 4:10 pm	6.5 h	230 USD	Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - Suidobashi - Ueno-hirokoji - Kanda - Nihombashi - Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate - Ryogoku - Monzen-nakacho - Ginza - Tamachi - Hibiya - Tokyo Station/Gyoko-dori Ave
Wheelchair	9:05 to 11:15 am	2 h 10 min
10.7km	9:10 am to 11:10 pm	1.75 h	60 USD	Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - Suidobashi - Kanda - Nihombashi
Wheelchair	9:05 to 9:45 am	45 min

Note: Only the marathon option is certified by the JAAF, AIMS, and World Athletics (with 9 checkpoints to reach by a certain time - it is not the overall time cutoff), while the results of the 10.7km race are considered unofficial.

Map of Tokyo Marathon Course

Tokyo Marathon Course Map

How to Get to the Marathon Venue

The starting point of the Tokyo Marathon, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, is at Shinjuku (about 10 minutes by walk from Shinjuku Station).

For your quick arrival, make Haneda (HND) your landing airport, where you can take advantage of the closer distance to the marathon venue after a 40-minute drive or 50-minute train ride.

The slightly farther away Narita Airport (NRT) is another option, which usually takes about 1.5 hours to reach.

More Tokyo Marathon FAQs

Is the Tokyo Marathon hard to finish?

The Tokyo Marathon is not a hard task. The course is pretty flat, the signs are clear, and the volunteers there are a lot and wonderful. It can be quite enjoyable to finish the course along with most of the main attractions in Tokyo, from the shining Tokyo Dome to the iconic Kaminarimon with its giant lantern.

Is it hard to get into the Tokyo Marathon?

It actually needs some luck to join the marathon race in Tokyo. In fact, most entries for the Tokyo Marathon are chosen by lottery, and meeting the requirements doesn't guarantee participation.

Since it is a highly popular world-class marathon, and the number of applicants far exceeds the entry limit - with over 300,000 registrations in 2025, yet only approximately 37,500 race slots are provided.

Luckily, runners from abroad can also take advantage of the Charity Entry (including donation bidding and early charity application) or official tour packages - contact us and let Odynovo be your reliable tour operator to plan your Japan travel, including the exciting Tokyo Marathon!

How to Enter the Tokyo Marathon

• Check the requirements first:

• Make your application on the Tokyo Marathon website (or the charity one) - opens in August
• Wait for the lottery results, usually announced from September to October
• (if selected) Complete payment and confirm participation
• Pick up your packet and bib number at the Tokyo Marathon Expo in person between February 26 to 28
• Check the official guidebook carefully - with detailed cutoffs and helpful water system notes to get the water during the race
• Enjoy the Tokyo Marathon race!

Best Places to Watch the Tokyo Marathon

Begins at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, through Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Ginza, and then finishes at Tokyo Station. During the long Tokyo Marathon course, there are plenty of places to spot this exciting race.

Best Spots to Capture the Starting Line

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: more bustling and crowded, yet with the best Olympic-like atmosphere. Come early (before 8 am) to secure the grandstand seat.
• Shinjuku Sumitomo Building: an easy-to-access corner to see the coming runners with music, cheer, and relatively fewer crowds.

Best Places to See Runners Twice or More

• Nihongbashi: where you can catch the mid and the final marathon course, also close to the final stop of Tokyo Station, to witness the newborn champion.
• Sensoji Temple: the corner in front of the historic temple, an ideal stop to capture marathon photos, also with food stalls and shops around for your extra sightseeing.
• 1 Chome Kuramae: this large sidewalk can be the most lively chome where most loops intersect here, also along with nice cafes for your leisurely watch.

Sensoji Temple

Best Places for the Final Rush

• Hibiya Station: the last corner to witness the come and go, and one of the best spots to see the final race, including the rushing parts.
• Tokyo Station (Marunochi Exit): the final destination to see the champion and the results, however, is also the busiest part, requiring your early arrival and a long wait.

Best Panoramic View Spots

• Tokyo Tower: a good choice to capture the final race from the top, where you can also visit the nearby Shiba Park, or capture runners with this iconic tower.
• Marunouchi Building: right against the Imperial Palace, offers an excellent closer overhead view of the finish area, as well as the vivid castle and garden scenery.
• Shibuya Sky: close to the starting point - feel both the lively atmosphere as well as the cozy city views with snacks and drinks.

Other Things to Do after the Tokyo Marathon

Capture Attractions Around

Following the marathon full course to capture those highlights of Tokyo is top recommended. Start from Shinjuku, take your photos with the iconic gate of Kabukicho, and enjoy a tranquil stroll through the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden.

Continuing eastward to Ueno, an ideal family-friendly area to enjoy parks, museums, and a zoo. Next, make your drop by Sensoji Temple for some history and treats, then go back to Akihabara before a visit to the Imperial Palace. If possible, make Ginza your final destination to sample its illumination and bustling nightlife.

Early Cherry Blossoms Watching

Japan in March is about cherry blossoms, and finding some nice spots to see the early sakura blossoms (kawazu-zakura) before the peak season in late March is not a task.

About a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo to the Izu Peninsula, home to Atami City and Kawazu Town, the popular cherry blossom viewing spots from February to March, where also bustling with sakura festivals to join the spring celebration.

For city lovers looking for a hanami in Tokyo, here are some cherry blossom spots in Tokyo with some kawazu-zakura: Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Rinshi no Mori Park, and Kyunaka River.

Take Day Trips from Tokyo

As the lively hub of Japan, why not take a day trip from Tokyo after the marathon running race? You can benefit from the affordable prices before the peak season, spend your day at Tokyo Disney and Studio Ghibli.

For natural lovers and family visitors with kids, enjoy your leisure day around Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. While looking for more relaxation, the natural hot springs town of Hakone is always the best choice. Hikers can also head to Mt. Takao to conquer this scenic hill with a stunning city skyline. Or just make a drop by the neighbor Yokohama to admire its port and sample the delicacy.

Tips for the Tokyo Marathon

• The packet pick-up at Tokyo Big Sight South Exhibition Halls must be in person (proxy is not allowed) and is not available on the race day, so plan some extra Tokyo days before the race - just like a Tokyo tour with Marathon, and for your trip planning, Odynovo is always happy to help.
• Prepare your passport or licenses with ID and photo for the strict check.
• Still early arrival at the Expo hall if the race T-shirt and jacket are on your plan - sadly, they are not included in the packet, and always make the online reservation first.
• No entry with hydration and bottles in the Tokyo Marathon. Yet unopened, commercially available drink boxes, cartons, and aluminum foil pouches in 250mL or less are okay (still no more than 500mL in total).
• The Tokyo Marathon has strict time limits. Though you have about 7 hours to complete the race, each checkpoint has its own cut-off time. If you can not follow the pace and fall behind, you will be asked to leave the course.
• Be aware of your toilet time since long lines in front of the portable toilets in the front course are common to see, and some toilets are placed off the route.

Other Marathons in Japan You May Be Interested in

• Hakone Ekiden: Japan's most famous university relay race, also a New Year tradition symbolizing endurance and teamwork. Held every January 2 to 3, with teams running 10 legs between Tokyo and Hakone (about 217 km total).
• Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon: an October loop course running event certified by the JAAF and World Athletics, offers a more relaxed, scenic alternative to the full Tokyo Marathon while maintaining a world-class atmosphere.
• Mt. Fuji Marathon: Held in November near Lake Kawaguchi, this marathon offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. The cool autumn air and lakeside fall foliage course make it one of Japan's most scenic long-distance runs.