1 · The short answer

The Tokyo Marathon 2027 is on Sunday 7 March, the race's 20th edition, with the field raised to 40,000 runners. It starts outside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and finishes in front of Tokyo Station, passing Asakusa, Ginza and the Imperial Palace along the way. Runners must collect their bib in person at the expo, which runs from 4 to 6 March.

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Dates: Sunday 7 March 2027, the 20th Tokyo Marathon, field size 40,000. The expo runs from 4 to 6 March. Organiser's page

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2 · Getting to Tokyo and the start

Haneda is the closest airport to central Tokyo; Narita is further out but well linked by the Narita Express and the Keisei Skyliner. On race morning, Shinjuku station is the gateway to the start area, and it is one of the busiest stations in the world: give yourself extra time and follow the signs for your start block.

Add a Suica or PASMO card to your phone wallet if your phone supports it, or buy a physical card at the airport. Google Maps and the Japan Transit Planner apps give exact platforms and train times.

3 · Entry, the expo and tracking

  • ✓Getting a place. General entry is by lottery, with charity places and overseas travel partners as other routes. Check the entry information page on the official site.
  • ✓Expo and bib pickup. Runners must collect their packet in person at the expo, with ID, during the set hours. There is no race day pickup.
  • ✓Tracking a runner. The official site and app offer live tracking of runners by bib number during the race.
  • ✓Translation. Download Japanese for offline use in your translation app: signs at stations are bilingual, but small restaurants often are not.

4 · Signal in the crowds

Japanese networks are strong, but Shinjuku on race morning and the finish area around Tokyo Station still slow down when tens of thousands of phones crowd the same streets. Refresh the tracker before your runner is due, agree a meeting point near the finish in advance, and send photos once you are on the train home.

Supporters can move between viewing spots by subway, since the course crosses several lines; Asakusa and Ginza are popular. Save your route offline in case the station is packed.

5 · Tokyo around the race

Early March is the start of spring in Tokyo, with plum blossom and sometimes early cherry blossom. Spend a recovery day in Asakusa at Sensō-ji, walk through Meiji Jingu's forest, and see the Shibuya Crossing at night. The observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, at the start line, are free on most days.

6 · Along the Tokyo Marathon

The course passes many of the places you would visit anyway.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku
ShinjukuTokyo Metropolitan Government BuildingThe start line, with free observation decks on the 45th floor on most days.✓Visit before race day to learn the walk from Shinjuku station.Photo: Markus Leupold-Löwenthal, CC BY-SA 3.0
Sensō-ji, Asakusa
AsakusaSensō-jiTokyo's oldest temple and the Kaminarimon gate, on the course.✓A popular cheering spot: arrive early and refresh the tracker.Photo: Another Believer, CC BY-SA 4.0
Tokyo Station, Marunouchi
MarunouchiTokyo StationThe red brick station building, next to the finish.✓Agree a meeting exit in advance: the station is huge.Photo: Alexandr3126, CC BY-SA 4.0
Meiji Jingu, Harajuku
HarajukuMeiji JinguA shrine in a quiet forest, a gentle walk for tired legs.✓Close to Harajuku and Shibuya for the evening.Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya
ShibuyaShibuya CrossingThe famous scramble, best seen at night.✓Save the station exit offline; Shibuya station has dozens.Photo: Benh LIEU SONG, CC BY-SA 2.0

7 · Frequently asked questions

When is the Tokyo Marathon 2027?+
Sunday 7 March 2027, the 20th edition. The expo runs from 4 to 6 March.
Where does the Tokyo Marathon start and finish?+
It starts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and finishes in front of Tokyo Station.
Do I need to collect my bib in person?+
Yes. Runners collect their packet in person at the expo before race day, with ID.
Will my phone work along the course?+
Japanese networks are strong, but the start and finish areas slow down in the crowds. Refresh the tracker before your runner is due.
Which Ringo Light plan covers Tokyo?+
The Japan plan covers Tokyo and the rest of Japan, with unlimited data at full speed.

8 · Sources

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