Tokyo Marathon

Tokyo Marathon course route

The Tokyo Marathon is a single loop starting at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and finishing at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake, passing Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, Ginza, and the bayfront. The middle miles through central Tokyo are the easiest because the course is broadly flat, while the tougher sections are mostly the longer urban transitions rather than significant climbing. Crowd support is strongest around the start in Shinjuku, along the waterfront finish, and at organised cheer stations throughout the city centre.

Tokyo Marathon route map

Official course map — view on race website

Tokyo Marathon elevation profile

The Tokyo Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 60 metres of climbing and 98 metres of descent, with a net descent of 38 metres from start to finish.

Tokyo Marathon elevation profile

Official elevation profile — view on race website

Entry requirements

Entry is primarily through an annual public lottery. Applications open in August each year and results are announced in October or November for the following March race. With over 300,000 applicants competing for roughly 38,000 spots, acceptance is far from guaranteed. Charity entries are available through official partner organisations, typically requiring a fundraising commitment of around ¥300,000. Elite athletes qualify through a separate invitational channel.

Tokyo Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

TOKYO MARATHON 2026：Course introduction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tokyo Marathon elevation profile?

The Tokyo Marathon has 60 metres of total climbing and 98 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 38 metres of net descent from start to finish.

Where can I find the Tokyo Marathon route map?

This page includes a Tokyo Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The official course map is published at www.marathon.tokyo/en/about/course/. Passes the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Ginza, Nihonbashi, and Kanda before returning along wide boulevards.

How long is the Tokyo Marathon?

The Tokyo Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in the government district west of the Imperial Palace, near Tokyo Station.

Is the Tokyo Marathon flat?

Yes. The Tokyo Marathon is very flat with 60 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — a profile that suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.

What time does the Tokyo Marathon start?

The 2027 Tokyo Marathon starts at 9:10 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.marathon.tokyo confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

How do I enter the Tokyo Marathon?

Entry is primarily through an annual public lottery. Applications open in August each year and results are announced in October or November for the following March race. With over 300,000 applicants competing for roughly 38,000 spots, acceptance is far from guaranteed. Charity entries are available through official partner organisations, typically requiring a fundraising commitment of around ¥300,000. Elite athletes qualify through a separate invitational channel.

What is the Tokyo Marathon course route?

The course starts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and finishes at Tokyo Big Sight in the Ariake waterfront district. The route passes through Shinjuku, down into Asakusa (home of Senso-ji Temple), through Ginza, and along the waterfront. It is certified flat with minimal elevation change — total climbing is around 60 metres — making it a genuine personal-best course backed by world-class aid station organisation.

When exactly does the Tokyo Marathon take place?

Tokyo Marathon is held on the first Sunday of March each year. Race-day temperatures typically range from 5 °C to 12 °C (41–54 °F), providing ideal running conditions. This cool, dry window is one reason the course consistently produces fast times and is marketed as the PB-friendly World Marathon Major of Asia.

Is Tokyo Marathon part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors?

Yes. Tokyo joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2013 as the fifth race in the series, alongside Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. Runners who complete those six original Majors receive the Six Star finisher medal. Tokyo is often one of the hardest Majors to enter via the public lottery.

What should I know about race-day logistics in Tokyo?

The start area near Shinjuku City Hall is best reached via the Tocho-mae subway station on the Oedo Line. Bag drop operates in tents at the start, and gear is transported to the finish at Tokyo Big Sight (served by the Yurikamome monorail line). Japan's famously precise road-closure windows mean runners who fall significantly behind the pacers may be directed to the sidewalk — pacing conservatively from the start is strongly advised.