Running in tokyo?

[skylar21]

I've gotten into running this summer, and want to continue when I move to Tokyo. However, if I remember anything vividly from my previous trip to Tokyo, it was that I never saw anyone running through the streets. Are parks your only option for running?

[Sterling]

I've gotten into running this summer, and want to continue when I move to Tokyo. However, if I remember anything vividly from my previous trip to Tokyo, it was that I never saw anyone running through the streets. Are parks your only option for running?

One lap around the palace is almost exactly 5 kms.

More resources here: http://www.namban.org/index.php/resources/places/

---mostly parks as you indicated.

However, if you run early in the morning just about anywhere in Tokyo, the air quality is better and you can ignore most local traffic.

[Marius_II]

never saw anyone running through the streets.

There's a reason for that. If by street you mean those that runs through all the shops and whatnot.

Stay away from the bigger station, and run paralell to some big roads/highways, should be good enough.

Digging a route along the keio-line tracks (less cars, less polution, less people)

[melink14]

I see people running along the street in front of my house. So it does exist.

[alongdriver]

I run along one of the major roads when there isn't much traffic to reduce the amount of pollution I inhale. Luckily I live about 5 minutes from a gym as well that has a few stationary bikes, and 2 small weight rooms, and near a park. 1 lap around the park is about 3/4 of a mile and has a nice uphill for about 200 meters. Bring a few pairs of running shoes, or send me a PM and I can hook you up with a place that sells shoes over 28cm in Tokyo.

[skylar21]

Wow a lot of great replies. Are there are specific trails that a lot of young 18-30 people run through? Back when I lived in Texas, there were a few trails like that, with lots of good looking people to be seen whether you were a man or woman. It's always nice to have good looking scenery while you run.

Is around the palace like that?

[Harp]

Head for the rivers - the Arakawa, for example, has wide banks chock full of baseball, rugby, soccer pitches etc that is great for running (also no cars, slightly fresher air and the opportunity to run on the grass/dirt if no one is using the sports pitches).

The Edogawa is similar, not sure about the Tamgawa or Sumidagawa, try google maps to have a look.