Recommended Running Stations for Imperial Palace Runs: Hibiya, Takebashi, Hanzomon, and Kanda

I run the Imperial Palace perimeter—which has its fair share of ups and downs—every week as part of my training for the Tokyo Marathon, and today I would like to introduce some recommended running stations, commonly known as 'run-stations'.

Recommended Running Stations for Imperial Palace Runs

An Imperial Palace run involves circling the perimeter of the palace, with one lap being about 5km. For runners, it is an incredibly attractive course because there are no traffic lights, allowing for non-stop running. As you would expect from the area around the Imperial Palace in the heart of Japan, it is well-maintained and patrolled, providing a sense of comfort and security. I am very grateful for that.

Now, the running station you use will depend on where you choose to start and which station you take to get to the Imperial Palace. Please refer to the article below for some recommended starting points.

So, let's introduce some recommended running stations.
※Information is current as of February 2024.

Re.Ra.Ku PRO Takebashi Imperial Palace Store

This is a running station located on the first floor of the Palace Side Building, which houses the Mainichi Shimbun. It is a clean and tidy facility that accepts cashless payments. I use it myself.
What I like about this running station is that you can enter and exit multiple times. You can leave your belongings in a locker, go for a run before work, and then go for another run after work.
The fact that you can rent shoes at a low price is also attractive. It's great to be able to rent On running shoes.
It is right next to Takebashi Station, making it the closest running station if you choose Takebashi as your starting point, and it is also conveniently located for Imperial Palace runs if you walk a little to Jimbocho.

Raffine Running Style Neo

This is a recommended running station for those using Hibiya Station or Yurakucho Station.
Located in the basement of Hibiya Midtown, the location is excellent. From here, the recommended starting point for an Imperial Palace run is Sakuradamon Square.
They have a wide range of rental goods, and if you rent a bath towel, shoe rental is free, making it very easy to go for an Imperial Palace run on your way home from work without carrying any luggage.

Hanzomon Runners Satellite JOGLIS

This is a stylish running station located in the basement of the Tokyo FM building near Hanzomon.
The recommended starting point for an Imperial Palace run from this station is Chidorigafuchi Park. The downhill stretch from Hanzomon to Sakuradamon is a beautiful and pleasant route, isn't it?

Raffine Running Style Kanda Store

This is the recommended running station for those coming from Kanda Station or Otemachi Station.
From here, the recommended starting point is around the Wake no Kiyomaro Statue. They have a wide range of rental goods, and if you rent a bath towel, shoe rental is free, making it very easy to go for an Imperial Palace run on your way home from work without carrying any luggage.

There is also a public bath (sento) nearby that can be used like a running station, though of course, they do not have rental goods.

So, that concludes my introduction to recommended running stations for Imperial Palace runs.
Go for an Imperial Palace run after work or on the weekend!
If you want to spend a pleasant time, I highly recommend using a running station.

See you later!

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