HEART OF TOKYO RUN – 7K

As you take a look at the map of Tokyo, you will notice a vast expanse of greenery in the heart of the city. This sprawling green area is nothing but the Edo Castle, which is now more popularly known as the Emperor Palace. The castle serves as the axis of Tokyo, both in space and time. The castle itself has not existed for almost 400 years, and the residence of the Emperor is hidden among the trees of the surrounding park, but old walls, towers, gates, and ditches still bear testimony to the historical significance of this island of greenery that is surrounded by towering skyscrapers, governmental buildings, and residential houses.

As you run along the route, you will notice a slight elevation, which is due to the specific location of the castle. It was built right in the middle of two main parts of central Tokyo – Shitamachi and Yamanote, the lower city of merchants and peasants, and the hillside of samurai and aristocrats. But this elevation allows us to see multiple facets of Tokyo, not just during the same route but even at the same time. You can witness the glass and concrete of Marunouchi, Shimbashi, and Minato areas, shaping the Tokyo skyline, red bricks of the pseudo-European Tokyo station, and the grandeur of the governmental district of Tokyo. Not to forget the massive torii gates of Yasukuni shrine and the sakura promenade that turn white and pink early April, during the cherry blossom season.

If you are looking to feel the pulse of Tokyo, then there is no better way than running through the heart of the city!