Ever thought about trying the Imperial Palace run but worried if you can complete a full lap?
Even if you’re not confident about running a whole lap, you can still enjoy it.
Are you hesitant to run among serious runners, wondering if you’ll be okay?
No worries, as long as you follow the etiquette!
I’ll introduce you to the essential etiquette and recommend some areas to ensure a pleasant experience.
Aspirational Imperial Palace Run
The Imperial Palace Run. It was my aspiration and goal.
The distance from my home to the Imperial Palace is about 7km (4.35miles). One lap around the Imperial Palace is approximately 5km (3.11miles). With a round trip plus one lap around the palace, it adds up to roughly 20km (12.43 miles).
About six months into my running journey, I participated in my first half marathon. Despite feeling a bit wobbly, I managed to complete it. Later, reflecting on the fact that I had run 21km (13.05miles), it dawned on me, ‘Wait, I can actually run to the Imperial Palace and back!’
Realizing that I could venture to places like the Imperial Palace, Skytree, Yoyogi Park, and various other places on my own filled me with excitement about the expanding range of my running possibilities.
Be careful of the direction you run
When I ran around the Imperial Palace for the first time, I was genuinely surprised by the sheer number of runners. Wow, the Imperial Palace!
Everyone seemed so impressive, and I was running nervously, half expecting to be scolded for joining in. However, as long as you’re mindful of running counterclockwise, you won’t get into trouble!
For those planning to try the Imperial Palace run in the future, remember to go ‘counterclockwise’.
The view of Hanzomon is awesome!
The highlight of the Imperial Palace run is undoubtedly the area from Chidorigafuchi to Hanzomon.
Until then, the scenery is dominated by trees, but as you approach Hanzomon, the number of trees significantly decreases. On your left, you see the moat, and suddenly, your field of vision expands!
The view from here is absolutely fantastic! It feels exhilarating!
You’re guaranteed to shout, ‘Wow!!’ with an elevated spirit.
I highly recommend experiencing this part, even just for this.
Please note that this area is downhill, so if you focus solely on the moat, you might be at risk of slipping. Please be cautious.
As the path levels out, you’ll soon come across Sakuradamon.
‘Is this the famous Sakuradamon?!’ ‘The site where Ii Naosuke…’ – you can’t help but feel like you’re turning the pages of history with such thoughts.
Passing through Sakuradamon leads you to a spacious area.
It has a calming atmosphere with runners taking breaks and tourists snapping photos.
Many may consider this spot a finish line.
How about a 3km course?
For those who feel a bit uncertain about the 5km loop, how about trying 3km?
I recommend a course that starts from Kudanshita Station.
There’s only one traffic light stop:
Kudanshita → (Traffic light around this area) → Chidorigafuchi → Hanzomon → Sakuradamon (Finish)
This covers approximately 3km. You can enjoy the highly recommended Hanzomon. If you have the stamina, you can continue for a full loop. How does that sound?
If you’re not fixated on completing a 5km loop, you can also deviate from the Imperial Palace run course midway. Head towards Aoyama, Hibiya, Tokyo Station, Jimbocho, and explore various other areas.
Like me, if you feel, ‘I’ll tackle the Imperial Palace run once I build up a bit more stamina…,’ don’t hesitate to casually run around the Imperial Palace when the mood strikes. You don’t have to complete a full loop to enjoy it, so feel free to give it a try!
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