The Tokyo Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and one of the most sought-after race entries on the planet. The course takes runners past the Imperial Palace, through the neon-lit streets of Ginza and Asakusa, and finishes near Tokyo Station. With a famously enthusiastic crowd, impeccable organisation, and the electric energy of the world's largest metropolitan area, Tokyo delivers an unparalleled marathon experience.
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Race day gear matters. A major marathon deserves the right shoes — see our best marathon running shoes for data-backed recommendations.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Tokyo Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, March 1, 2026 |
| Venue | Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Start) / Tokyo Station area (Finish) |
| Address | Shinjuku, Tokyo |
| Airport | Narita International Airport (NRT) / Haneda Airport (HND) |
March brings cool conditions ideal for racing, with temperatures around 5–12°C (41–54°F) and occasional light rain. Our weather and marathon performance analysis explains how these conditions affect pacing.
Where to Stay
Shinjuku is ideal for race morning, putting you right at the start line. Ginza and Nihonbashi are close to the finish. Tokyo Station area works well for both, with excellent rail connections. Hotels fill up fast — book as soon as you secure your entry.
Getting There
From Narita International Airport (NRT)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narita Express (N'EX) | 60 min | ~$22 | Direct to Tokyo and Shinjuku stations |
| Limousine Bus | 85–120 min | ~$22 | Direct to major hotel areas |
From Haneda Airport (HND)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Monorail + JR | 30 min | ~$3.50 | Connect at Hamamatsucho |
| Keikyu Line | 20 min | ~$2 | Direct to Shinagawa |
Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo. If you have a choice, fly into Haneda.
Where to Eat
Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city in the world, but some of the best food is found in tiny ramen shops, standing sushi bars, and izakayas tucked under railway tracks. Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa are all excellent areas for pre-race carb loading.
Local Food to Try
- Ramen — Rich, flavourful noodle soup in countless regional styles; try tonkotsu or shoyu
- Sushi — Fresh nigiri at Tsukiji Outer Market or a conveyor belt (kaiten) sushi restaurant
- Tempura — Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables, crispy and delicate
Essential Tips
Currency. Japanese Yen (JPY). Cash vs card. Carry cash — many smaller restaurants and shops are cash only. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) are essential for transport. Tipping. Not practiced in Japan. Language. Japanese. Train signage and announcements are in English; conversational English is limited. Weather. Cool, 5–12°C (41–54°F) with a chance of rain. Safety. Tokyo is exceptionally safe at all hours.
What to See
- Senso-ji Temple — Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, with the iconic Kaminarimon thunder gate
- Meiji Shrine — A peaceful forest sanctuary in the heart of Shibuya dedicated to Emperor Meiji
- Shibuya Crossing — The world's busiest pedestrian crossing, a quintessential Tokyo experience
- Tsukiji Outer Market — Stalls selling the freshest seafood, tamagoyaki, and street food
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | HND (~20 min by train) or NRT (~60 min by N'EX) |
| Venue | Shinjuku (Start) / Tokyo Station (Finish) |
| Currency | Japanese Yen (JPY) |
| Cash needed? | Yes |
| Language | Japanese |
| Weather | 5–12°C (41–54°F) |
| Emergency | 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance) |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Marathon Time? — Percentiles from 1.2M finishes to set your goal
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your time
Gear:
- Best Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: June 2026.