The best running route in central Tokyo

In response to a recent Reddit post I finally got around to posting the details of my favorite running route in central Tokyo. I used to do this run at least once a month at night. It’s been years since I’ve done this particular run, but I’m itching to try it again now that I’ve written about it. Although this run takes place in central Tokyo, it covers a wide variety of scenery, and contains some good elevation changes. I can’t recommend it enough.

(Note: the most accessible place to run in central Tokyo is probably the 5-kilometer loop around the Imperial Palace.)

Here’s the map. A few public restrooms long the way are noted, but there are probably more.

1. Hotel New Otani

For purposes of this post I am starting the run at the Hotel New Otani. Of course, you can start anywhere along this route. (The Hotel New Otani played the part of Osato Chemicals in the James Bond film, “You only Live Twice”.)

2. Dirt footpath with cherry blossoms next to Sophia University

Just up the hill from the New Otani is a dirt footpath lined with cherry trees. When the cherry blossoms are in bloom this path is a popular hanami spot. On a typical evening, this path is empty and provides an unusually quiet view of the city.

To the left, down the hill, is Sanadabori Field 上智大学真田堀運動場, used by Sophia University and also available for use by Shinjuku-ku residents. (The fields used to be part of the Edo castle outer moat, but has since been drained).

3. Akasaka Palace / State Guest House 赤坂離宮

Not far from here you will see the entrance gates of the Akasaka Palace guest house.

4. Asahi Bridge (view of trains entering tunnel)

Here there is good train watching with relatively little vehicular traffic at night.

5. Shinanomachi Station

After running through narrow, quite streets you will reach Shinanomachi Station, gateway to the Olympic Stadium (MUFG Stadium), Soka Gakkai The Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu 創価学会総本部広宣流布大誓堂, and Seitoku Memorial Art Gallery 聖徳記念絵画館, among other things.

6. Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

A gingko tree-lined avenue that can be quite beautiful in the fall.

7. Nogi Park 乃木公園 and Nogi Residence and Horse Stables 旧乃木邸及び馬小屋

A small park next to the Nogi Residence and Stables 旧乃木邸及び馬小屋, home of Nogi Maresuke 乃木希典 (1849-1912), a general in the Japanese Imperial Army who repeatedly attempted suicide to “atone” for failures on the battlefield and who ultimately committed suicide (along with his wife) following the burial of Emperor Meiji.

There is a public restroom at the park.

8. Motohikawa Zaka (steep hill)

9. Akasaka Hikawa Shrine

A surprising little forest shrine in the middle of Tokyo.

10. US Embassy residences

Of note, you pass by the US Embassy Residence, where some embassy staff live.

11. U.S. Embassy Tokyo

After crossing Roppongi Dori (and the somewhat oppressive highway overhead) you soon run by the American embassy.

12. The Okura Tokyo

You run by one of the fanciest / nicest / most expensive hotels in Tokyo, The Okura. I still miss the old one.

13. Atago Jinja (shrine) and the “Success Stairs”

Atago shrine is on the top of Atagoyama, the highest natural point in Tokyo’s central 23 wards. This hill is known as the birthplace of Japanese broadcasting, as it was the home of JOAK, which began broadcasting here in 1925. There is the NHK Museum at the top of the hill, along with Atago shrine.

It is said that if you can walk the steep steps without taking a break, good fortune will come your way. It is said.

15. Cloud by Leandro Erlich 「Cloud」レアンドロ・エルリッヒ

This arresting piece of public art is only worth seeking out at night. I just love it.

14. Kasumigaseki Building

I’ve always felt an aura from the Kasumigaseki Building, perhaps because the building has its own movie, 超高層のあけぼの (1969), which was financed and promoted by Kajima Construction.

16. National Diet Building

You run in front of the imposing Diet Building, home to Japan’s legislature. This is one of my favorite buildings in Tokyo.

17. Benkei Moat and Benkeibashi (bridge)

This body of water (and the bridge that crosses it) are a remnant of the outer moat of the Imperial Palace. The nearby Akasaka Mitsuke intersection is a crazy spaghetti junction of roads and overpasses; this is an area whose dramatic change is one that I have documented previously.