Event Guide · Tokyo & Around

Tokyo Marathon

MarchCentral Tokyo2027: Mar 7 (Sun)
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Overview

Overview

One of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Tokyo Marathon sees about 40,000 runners race from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building past central landmarks such as Asakusa and Ginza to the finish in front of Tokyo Station. Watching from the roadside is free, and with everyone from elite athletes to costumed runners, it's one of Tokyo's biggest spring events.

When
Usually a Sunday in early March
Confirmed dates: 2027: Mar 7 (Sun)
Venue
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (start) to Gyoko-dori in front of Tokyo Station (finish)
Highlights

Highlights

The course runs past Asakusa's Kaminarimon Gate, Nihonbashi, Ginza, and the area around Tokyo Tower, letting you watch world-class athletes up close. The finish on Gyoko-dori in front of Tokyo Station, with the red-brick station building as a backdrop, is the setting for the race's most memorable scenes.

Times

Times

Wheelchair marathon start9:05

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. From the official outline for the 2027 race

Marathon start9:10

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Time limit of 7 hours (race ends at 16:10). From the official outline for the 2027 race

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Spectating is free. The lead elite runners start from the Metropolitan Government Building at 9:10 and finish in front of Tokyo Station about two hours later, so check in advance when they'll pass the spot you want to watch from
  • ✓Asakusa (in front of Kaminarimon), Ginza, and Hibiya are popular spots with big crowds. The course has turnarounds, so at some points you can see runners going both ways from the same place
  • ✓Roads around the course are closed for long periods and there are few places to cross. Getting around by subway is easiest
  • ✓Just before the race, an EXPO that doubles as runner check-in is held at Tokyo Big Sight (Feb 26–28 in 2026)
  • ✓If you're cheering on a runner you know, use the official runner-tracking tools to check their location so you don't miss them
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Tochomae Station (Toei Oedo Line)Right outsideStart area. Crowded with runners early on race morning
  • Tokyo Station (JR, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)Right outsideFinish on Gyoko-dori
  • Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line)Right outsidePopular viewing spot in front of Kaminarimon
From major stations
  • Shinjuku Station: Walk from the West Exit toward the Metropolitan Government Building (About 10 min)
  • Tokyo Station: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station (convenient for the Nihonbashi, Ginza, and Asakusa viewing spots) (About 15–20 min)
Extra buses & shuttles
None
IC cards (Suica etc.)
IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used on trains and subways across Tokyo
Getting back
  • Subway stations along the course get crowded around midday. Using a station one street away from the course is smoother
  • Road closures cause major delays for buses and taxis, so stick to trains and the subway
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Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
Around the Metropolitan Government Building before and after the start (8:00–10:00), Asakusa and Ginza as the leaders pass, and the finish area around midday
Quieter times
Residential areas around the middle of the course, and in the afternoon when most runners are amateurs
Saving a spot
To get a front-row spot at a popular location, arrive about 1 hour before the leaders are due
Time needed
1–2 hours at one spot, or half a day if you want to see runners at several points
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
The normal low in Tokyo in March is around 5°C (a reference value based on JMA normals). It can be cold watching in the morning
What to wear
A winter coat and gloves are a good idea in the morning. It may warm up during the day, so wear layers that are easy to take off
Rain, snow & typhoons
Whether the race goes ahead is decided and announced by the organizer (Tokyo Marathon Foundation)
Where to check for cancellations
Tokyo Marathon official website (https://www.marathon.tokyo/)
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Do not enter or cross the course, and do not run alongside runners
  • !Flying drones and similar devices around the course is not allowed
  • !Avoid using selfie sticks and tripods in crowded areas
  • !Take your trash home. Please refrain from personally handing food or drinks to runners
  • !Smoking on the street is banned by ordinance in many of Tokyo's wards
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Use toilets in stations, shops, and public facilities along the course. Those near popular spots get crowded
Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers are available at major stations. They fill up quickly on race day, so get there early
Paying at food stalls
Most shops along the course accept cashless payment, but some small shops are cash only
ATMs
Plenty of convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) along the course
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
Central Tokyo has many wide sidewalks that make spectating easy, but popular spots get crowded. Make use of station elevators
Food

Food

Local favorites
Ningyo-yaki (small filled cakes) and kaminari-okoshi (puffed rice crackers) in AsakusaCafés and sweets in GinzaEkiben (station bento) and Tokyo souvenirs at Tokyo Station
Vegetarian & halal
Vegetarian- and halal-friendly restaurants are fairly easy to find in central Tokyo, but check labeling at each place
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

Hotels in central Tokyo, especially around Shinjuku and Tokyo Station, get busy on race weekend. If you're running, book early

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Tokyo MarathonPR

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Central Tokyo

Theme park

Tokyo Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea)

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Located in Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, this resort centers on two theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. It’s about 20 minutes from Tokyo Station on the JR Keiyo Line, close enough for a day trip from central Tokyo. Park tickets are date-specific with variable pricing and must be bought in advance on the official website or official app.

Advance, date-specific tickets required
Studio tour

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

This indoor walk-through attraction takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series. It opened in June 2023 on the former site of Toshimaen. There are no rides; instead, you explore sets, props, and costumes on foot at your own pace.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendlyAdvance, date-specific tickets required
Theme park

Sanrio Puroland

Tokyo & Around ・ Tokyo / Tama

A fully indoor theme park where you can meet Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and other Sanrio characters. Parades, musical shows, rides, and character greetings are packed into a four-story building, so you can enjoy a full day regardless of the weather.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendlyAdvance, date-specific tickets required
Experience

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM

Tokyo & Around ・ Tokyo / Toyosu

An immersive museum by the art collective teamLab where you walk barefoot into the artworks. It's a series of vast spaces, including works you wade through water to experience, where your whole body becomes one with the art. It's scheduled to run until the end of 2027.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Zoo

Ueno Zoological Gardens

Tokyo & Around ・ Tokyo / Ueno

Japan's oldest zoo, located inside Ueno Park. With affordable admission, it's a central Tokyo zoo that's easy to combine with Ueno's art galleries and museums.

Aquarium

Sumida Aquarium

Tokyo & Around ・ Oshiage / Tokyo Skytree Town

An urban aquarium on the 5th and 6th floors of Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi. It's entirely indoors and directly connected to the station, so you can drop by whatever the weather. It stays open into the evening, making it easy to pair with the Skytree observation decks or sightseeing in Asakusa.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Aquarium

Kamogawa Sea World

Tokyo & Around ・ Kamogawa, Chiba

An aquarium on the Pacific coast of the Boso Peninsula where you can see performances by four species: orcas, belugas, dolphins, and sea lions. Admission includes all performances. It's about 2 hours from Tokyo Station by the Limited Express Wakashio or the direct Akushi-go highway bus (アクシー号), so it works as a day trip.

Amusement park

Yomiuriland

Tokyo & Around ・ Inagi

An amusement park in Inagi, Tokyo, with something to enjoy year-round: pools in summer and illuminations in winter. Inside the park is PokéPark KANTO, an area where more than 600 Pokémon live. It's about 10 minutes from Keio-yomiuri-land Station by the Sky Shuttle gondola.

Aquarium

Sunshine Aquarium

Tokyo & Around ・ Ikebukuro

An urban aquarium on the roof of the World Import Mart Building in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City. Themed as an oasis in the sky, it consists of indoor exhibits on two floors and the outdoor Marine Garden. It's within walking distance of Ikebukuro and Higashi-Ikebukuro stations, making it easy to drop by between other Tokyo sightseeing.

Events

Events & festivals in Tokyo & Around

February–March

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Izu

Usually early February to early March (about one month). Peak bloom is usually mid- to late February

February–December

Atami Fireworks Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Izu

Usually held a dozen or more times a year in spring (April–May), summer (July–August), autumn (September–November), and winter (December–February). Each show runs around 20:20–20:40 (from 20:15 in July and August)

Next show: Oct 25, 2026 (Sun), followed by Nov 8, Nov 23, Dec 6, Dec 25, and Feb 21, 2027 (all 20:20–20:40)

April–May

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Fuji Five Lakes

Usually mid-April to late May (April 11 – May 24 in 2026; may vary with bloom conditions)

Photo coming soonApril

Bunkyo Azalea Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually around April 1–30 (the 55th festival was held April 1–30, 2026). Peak bloom is usually mid- to late April

May

Sanja Matsuri

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually mid-May, on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday around the third Saturday of May (May 15–17 in 2026, with the ceremony to install the deities in the mikoshi on the Thursday evening before)

August

Tokyo Koenji Awa-Odori

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually the last Saturday and Sunday of August (around 17:00–20:00)

November

Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Fuji Five Lakes

Usually early to late November (about 3–4 weeks). The leaves are usually at their best in early to mid-November

2026: Nov 7 (Sat) – Nov 29 (Sun)

November

Tori-no-Ichi

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually on the Days of the Rooster in November (2–3 days, 12 days apart). At Otori Shrine in Asakusa, it runs from midnight to midnight (0:00–24:00) on each Rooster Day

2026: two days, Ichi-no-Tori on Nov 7 (Sat) and Ni-no-Tori on Nov 19 (Thu) (no market on the days in between)

November–February

Marunouchi Illumination

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually mid-November to mid-February of the following year (about 3 months)

2026: Nov 12 (Thu) – Feb 14, 2027 (Sun)

December

Hagoita-ichi (Battledore Market)

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Every year December 17–19 (Senso-ji explicitly states "the three days from December 17 to 19")

2026: Dec 17 (Thu) – Dec 19 (Sat)

Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-09-30