Sports
Tokyo Marathon: Behind the Scenes, Running, and Travel in Japan
A complete journey through Japan featuring travel tips, a 5K race, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the Tokyo Marathon.
Go behind the scenes of a trip to Japan during Tokyo Marathon week. From physical therapy sessions and theme park tips in Osaka to the electrifying atmosphere of the 26.2-mile race in the Japanese capital.
Traveling to the other side of the world to experience one of the planet's premier races takes careful planning and the stamina to handle hours in transit. The journey began in São Paulo headed for Tokyo, with a layover in New York. For travelers heading from the city center to Guarulhos Airport, the train connection from Barra Funda Station paired with the automated people mover between terminals has proven to be a quick, practical way to beat the traffic.
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Strategic stopover in Osaka and travel tips
Before focusing on the work in the Japanese capital, the itinerary kicked off in Osaka following a swift arrival thanks to the digital QR code immigration form. In the city, visiting Universal Studios Japan offered practical logistical insights: opting for Single Rider lines cuts wait times down to roughly one-third on popular rides like the Hollywood Dream roller coaster and The Flying Dinosaur.
Exploring the city on foot at a training pace was also part of acclimatizing. Along Osaka’s quiet streets filled with electric vehicles, the mapped running route wound past iconic sights like the Namba Yasaka Jinja shrine—famed for its massive lion head structure—as well as themed stores and convenient grab-and-go meal options at local konbini.
Arrival in Tokyo and recovery routine
The journey continued aboard the bullet train (Shinkansen) straight to Tokyo, where marathon excitement had already taken over the streets. Staying near Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, daily life balanced exploring iconic landmarks—such as Shibuya Crossing and the observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku—with running physical therapy and recovery sessions for the Brazilian athletes competing in the race.
Based in strategic neighborhoods like Ginza and Shinjuku, pre-race care focused on getting runners primed to tackle the capital's chilly asphalt. On the eve of the main event, a 5K shakeout run along the Sumida River with views of Tokyo Skytree delivered a finisher medal and the final warmup on Japanese soil.
Tokyo Marathon excitement at kilometer 35
On Sunday, March 1, the race took over the city under cold skies and a steady breeze. Stationed along decisive sections between kilometers 35 and 40, the action started with the wheelchair division start and continued as the international elite and waves of amateur runners flew past.
Flawless hydration station logistics and tremendous spectator energy lining the sidewalks marked the finale of the event, capped off in traditional Japanese fashion with a yakiniku lunch featuring grilled wagyu beef before heading back to Brazil.
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