Another hot summer is coming to Tokyo this year. To enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo with a bit of coolness during these hot and humid days, we would like to recommend some fun activities: an early morning run around the Imperial Palace and a Japanese summer festival in a traditional yukata!

Early Morning Recommendation: The Imperial Palace Run

The “Imperial Palace Run,” which circles the Imperial Palace, is the most popular running course in Tokyo. It is also a great activity for those visiting Tokyo for business trips or conferences. In summer, the best time to run is early in the morning when the sun isn’t up high and it’s not too hot. Nighttime is also great – although the view will be different because it gets dark very quickly.

There are no traffic lights on the course around the outer perimeter of the Imperial Palace, so you can run at your own pace while enjoying the beautiful scenery nonstop for the 5-kilometer distance around the palace. Because of the easy access to transportation anywhere on the course, you can start and end your run anywhere, making it enjoyable for beginners and advanced runners alike.

The Charm of the Imperial Palace Run: Sightseeing While Running

The appeal of the Imperial Palace Run is that you can see the sights around the Imperial Palace while running. The historic Sakurada-mon Gate, the moat, and the magnificent stone walls will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time to the Edo period. The Nijubashi Bridge, the entrance to the Imperial Palace, is also a must-see. Enjoy the run while taking in the sights around the Imperial Palace!

Convenient Facilities for Runners

If your hotel is far from the Imperial Palace or you do not want to go back to your hotel to take a shower after running, use a runner support facility such as JOGLIS! Not only do they have lockers and showers, but they also offer rental shoes and clothes, which are reliable in case you suddenly feel the urge to run.

JOGLIS/Hanzomon Runner’s Satellite

Hours: Weekdays 7:00-22:00 (last admission 21:00) / Weekends and holidays 7:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
http://www.joglis.jp

Experience a Summer Festival in a Yukata

Why not wear a yukata and experience the uniquely Japanese summer festival culture as a memory of your trip to Japan? Many fun festivals will be held in Tokyo’s central Chiyoda Ward this summer.

July 24/25, 2024: “Chidorigafuchi Lantern Floating at the Imperial Palace” with 2,000 Lights Flickering on the Moat

The “Lantern Floating Festival at Chidori-ga-fuchi, The Imperial Palace” will be held on two consecutive nights on July 24 (Wed.) and 25 (Thu.). In this event, 2,000 lanterns will float on the moat of Chidori-ga-fuchi, a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot, creating a beautiful and fantastic world. It is the most romantic summer event in Tokyo, and we encourage everyone to visit Chidori-ga-fuchi!
For more information, please visit: https://visit-chiyoda.com/lantern-floating-festival-tokyo-chidorigafuchi-imperial-palace-2024/

July 26/27, 2024: Otemachi, Marunouchi, Yurakucho Summer Festival 2024 “Marunouchi Summer Festival”

The “Marunouchi Summer Festival” will be held for the first time in two years to cool down Tokyo during the heat wave with mist spray from a tower called “Matsuri-yagura” and sprinkling water on the pavements (called “uchimizu“). In addition to traditional Japanese summer traditions such as uchimizu and Bon Odori dancing, there will also be kitchen cars offering gourmet food stalls.
For more information, please visit: https://www.marunouchi.com/pickup/event/3846/

August 1-2, 2024: “Otemachi Festival” (Otemachi Ennichi) 2024

“Otemachi Festival”, a summer festival in the Otemachi area in front of Tokyo Station, will be held under the theme of “Edo”! From 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., when the sun goes down, you can enjoy a variety of Japanese festival food stalls, including gourmet food stalls and cool sweets. If you bring your own yukata, free help with dressing will be offered (reservations in advance are required). Yukata can be purchased at department stores and specialty stores and are also easily found at flea markets and second-hand clothing stores.
For more information, please visit: https://www.marunouchi.com/pickup/event/3824/

August 9-11, 2024: Kanda Myojin Noryo Festival 2024 – A Summer Festival at a famous Shrine!

From the evening, traditional Bon Odori dance, food stalls, and various events will be held in the precincts of Kanda Myojin. This is one of the largest Bon dance events in central Tokyo this year! The music style changes daily – and on the first day, you can enjoy Bon Dancing to anime songs! This is not very common so be sure to mark the date!
For more information, please visit: https://www.nouryo-matsuri.com
https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/event/detail/?id=138