The 2025 Tokyo Marathon Course Guide - Imperial Edition (Miles & Feet)
The Day We Unite :)
Notes: This guide is based on a Run Ready Certified GPX file, created through a standardized process that combines official course maps, measurement certificates, and other plotting techniques. The official course distance is 26.2 miles, which is the shortest possible route while staying within the course boundaries. The certified GPX file measures the course at 26.26 miles, so distances in the guide are approximate.
This is the Imperial Edition (Miles & Feet) version of the course guide. The Metric Edition (Kilometers & Meters) is available here.
Course Overview
The Tokyo Marathon—“The Day We Unite”—highlights Tokyo’s vibrant blend of history and modernity, amplified by enthusiastic spectators. Waves begin at 9:05 a.m. near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the course weaves through iconic districts—showcasing both the modern bustle and the historical allure of the city.
Expect mild temperatures (historically in the 40s–50s °F at the start) and mostly flat terrain, punctuated by a few short inclines and declines. The spirit of Tokyo shines in the crowd support, with locals enthusiastically cheering and offering encouragement along the narrow streets of Shinjuku and onward toward renowned neighborhoods like Asakusa and Ginza, before culminating near Tokyo Station.
Key Stats
Event Date: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Event Type: Road Marathon
Course Length: 26.2 miles
Course Type: Point to Point
TrailScore: 36.1
Road Marathon Rating: Easy
Total Ascent: 283.10 feet
Total Descent: 278.08 feet
Longest Uphill: Starting at Mile 19.64, 0.21 miles at an average grade of 0.67%
Longest Downhill: Starting at Mile 1.95, 0.31 miles at an average grade of -2.19%
Significant Climbs (≥3% grade & ≥0.1 miles):
None Found
Significant Descents (≤-3% grade & ≥0.1 miles):
Descent #1: from Mile 1.85 to 1.95, 0.10 mi, avg grade -3.30%, total drop 17.8 ft
Grade Distribution:
Flat: 90.19%
Minor Incline: 5.4%
Minor Decline: 3.9%
Moderate Decline: 0.4%
Course Briefing
Miles 0-6 (Shinjuku Start & Urban Introduction)
Overview
You will begin in the heart of Shinjuku, with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building towering above. Though it’s mid-morning, the energy at the start will be electric. After crossing the line, you’ll navigate predominantly flat city streets with gentle undulations. Aim for a slightly conservative pace as you settle into rhythm—these first miles are crowded and full of excitement.
Key Challenges
Early Pronounced Downhill: From Mile 1.85 to 1.95 lies the course’s only “significant descent.” While short, it’s a bit steeper compared to the surrounding flat sections—keep your effort controlled here.
Longest Downhill: Immediately following the steep drop, you’ll continue descending gently from about Mile 1.95 to 2.26. Use this opportunity to settle your breathing, but avoid pushing too hard too soon.
Aid Stations
Aid Station #1 at ~3.27 miles
Aid Station #2 at ~4.66 miles
Points of Interest
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Start)
Robert Indiana Sculpture: "LOVE" (approx. Mile 0.6): A quick visual marker as you settle in.
Shinjuku Viewpoint (approx. Mile 0.85): Brief open vantage of the Shinjuku skyline.
Miles 6-13 (Akihabara to Asakusa Skyline)
Overview
After Mile 6, you’ll transition toward Tokyo’s famous electronics and pop-culture district, Akihabara. The terrain here remains mostly flat, with occasional minor rises and falls. This is an ideal zone to settle fully into your goal pace. Expect steady crowd support, bright storefronts, and a lively atmosphere.
Key Challenges
Crowded Corridors: Particularly through Akihabara (Miles 6–7), spectators can be plentiful, so keep your line and anticipate slight slowdowns if the roadway narrows.
Maintaining Rhythm: Although no major climbs or descents appear here, staying consistent is key as the excitement of popular tourist areas can tempt you to surge.
Aid Stations
Aid Station #3 at ~6.43 miles
Aid Station #4 at ~7.78 miles
Aid Station #5 at ~9.50 miles
Aid Station #6 at ~10.68 miles
Aid Station #7 at ~12.78 miles
Points of Interest
Akihabara Electric Town (Miles 6–7): High-energy district famed for electronics and anime culture.
Manseibashi Station Remains (approx. Mile 7.3): Glimpse of Tokyo’s historical railway architecture.
Kuramae Shrine & Senso-ji vicinity (approaching Miles 11–12): A hint of Tokyo’s historic atmosphere leading into Asakusa.
Miles 13-19 (Sumida River Crossings & Downtown Views)
Overview
Crossing beyond Mile 13, you’ll move through Asakusa—famed for the Kaminarimon Gate—then over the Sumida River. Bridges here introduce short inclines and declines. By now, you’re well into the marathon’s middle miles, so dialing in consistent fueling and hydration is crucial.
Key Challenges
Bridge Undulations: Expect occasional small bumps; they’re not long but can add up if you’re fatigued.
Mid-Race Focus: The marathon’s middle miles can be mentally tough. Stay locked on your fueling strategy and even pacing.
Aid Stations
Aid Station #8 at ~13.69 miles
Aid Station #9 at ~15.77 miles
Aid Station #10 at ~16.80 miles
Aid Station #11 at ~18.92 miles
Points of Interest
Kaminarimon Gate & Asakusa (~Miles 13–14): Iconic Tokyo sight; crowd support is usually strong here.
Yokoamicho Park & Great Kanto Earthquake Memorial (Miles 12.6, 17): A somber historical landmark with peaceful greenery.
Sumida River Ryokudō Park (~Mile 17.35): Scenic river views accompany the short climbs.
Miles 19-26.2 (Ginza District & Tokyo Station Finale)
Overview
Past Mile 19, you head into the upscale Ginza district. This final stretch remains mostly flat to gently rolling, though any incline may feel more pronounced after so many miles. Stay vigilant with pacing and maintain form—envision the inspiring finish near Tokyo Station, capturing Tokyo’s blend of history and modernity.
Key Challenges
Mile 19.64 Incline: This is your longest uphill (0.21 miles). Although gentle at 0.67%, it can feel tougher in the late miles.
Late-Race Terrain: Minimal elevation changes remain, but any slope can seem magnified when fatigue sets in.
Aid Stations
Aid Station #12 at ~19.93 miles
Aid Station #13 at ~21.90 miles
Aid Station #14 at ~23.70 miles
Aid Station #15 at ~25.04 miles
Points of Interest
Ginza Central Street (Miles 20–21): Tokyo’s luxury shopping corridor.
Police Museum & Kyobashi Bridge area (Miles 20–21): Showcases some of the city’s historical touches and architecture.
Tokyo Marathon Finish Line (near 26.2): Located by Tokyo Station, a landmark of modern Tokyo and your well-earned finish.