Tokyo Marathon 2027: Entry, Hotels & Race Guide
Tokyo Marathon · Tokyo
The Tokyo Marathon 2027 takes place on Sunday, March 7, 2027, and will mark the 20th edition of one of the world's most sought-after marathons.
For runners, Tokyo is more than a race weekend. It is one of the original Abbott World Marathon Majors, a required stop for anyone chasing the Six Star Medal, and a destination race where hotel location and pre-race logistics can make a huge difference.
The 2027 race has a record field of 40,000 runners and follows a point-to-point course from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku to Tokyo Station on Gyoko-dori Avenue.
This guide covers:
- Tokyo Marathon 2027 entry and lottery dates
- where the race starts and finishes
- where to stay for the easiest race morning
- Tokyo Marathon Expo and packet pickup
- race-day timing and transportation
- what to do before and after the marathon
- how Tokyo fits into the World Marathon Majors
Tokyo Marathon 2027 quick facts
| Detail | Tokyo Marathon 2027 |
|---|---|
| Race date | Sunday, March 7, 2027 |
| Edition | 20th |
| Distance | 42.195 km / 26.2 miles |
| Field size | 40,000 |
| Marathon start | 9:10 a.m. |
| Start area | Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku |
| Finish | Tokyo Station / Gyoko-dori Avenue |
| Race cutoff | 7 hours from the gun |
| International entry fee | $230 |
| Expo | March 4-6, 2027 |
| Packet pickup | Tokyo Big Sight |
| Race-day packet pickup | No |
The course moves through some of central Tokyo's best-known districts, including Suidobashi, Ueno, Nihombashi, Asakusa, Ryogoku, Ginza and Hibiya before finishing near Tokyo Station.
How to enter the Tokyo Marathon 2027
Getting into Tokyo can be harder than planning the trip itself.
Tokyo Marathon offers several entry routes, including general entry, membership-related entry programs, charity entry and selected competitive categories.
For most runners, the key route is the general entry drawing.
Tokyo Marathon 2027 general entry dates
For the 2027 race:
- General entry opens: August 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. JST
- General entry closes: August 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST
- General drawing results: September 18, 2026
- Payment period for selected runners: September 18-30, 2026
As of August 24, the number of applications has already exceeded the available general-entry field, so the Tokyo Marathon Foundation has confirmed that runners will be selected by random drawing.
The application is not first come, first served.
That means there is no advantage to submitting the application in the first minutes of the window, but you must complete it before the deadline.
How does the Tokyo Marathon lottery work?
When applications exceed the field size, Tokyo uses a random drawing to allocate general-entry places.
For 2027, a drawing is already guaranteed because applications exceeded capacity shortly after general entry opened.
General applicants are scheduled to receive their result through the race's My Entry system on September 18, 2026.
If selected, runners must complete payment during the designated payment window or the entry can become invalid.
For international runners, the listed 2027 race fee is $230.
Because entry rules and categories can change from year to year, always confirm the current requirements with the Tokyo Marathon Foundation before relying on a previous race's process.
Is Tokyo Marathon part of the World Marathon Majors?
Yes.
Tokyo is one of the original six Abbott World Marathon Majors and counts toward the Six Star Medal.
The six races required for Six Star are:
- Tokyo
- Boston
- London
- Berlin
- Chicago
- New York City
Sydney and Cape Town are part of the expanded World Marathon Majors series but do not replace any of the original six required for Six Star.
If you're planning more than one Major, see our complete World Marathon Majors medal guide.
Where does the Tokyo Marathon start?
The Tokyo Marathon starts near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku.
For 2027, the marathon start is scheduled for 9:10 a.m.
The Shinjuku start is one of the biggest reasons hotel location matters.
Tokyo's rail network is excellent, but race morning involves thousands of runners moving toward a restricted start area at the same time. Staying close enough to walk can remove an entire layer of uncertainty.
Where does the Tokyo Marathon finish?
The marathon finishes on Gyoko-dori Avenue near Tokyo Station.
That creates an important hotel decision:
Do you want the easiest morning before the race, or the easiest return to your hotel after the race?
Staying near Shinjuku favors race morning.
Staying near Tokyo Station favors post-race recovery.
There is no universally correct choice, but there are three areas that make the most sense for most runners.
Where to stay for the Tokyo Marathon
1. West Shinjuku — best for an easy race morning
If minimizing race-morning stress is your top priority, Nishi-Shinjuku / West Shinjuku is the strongest choice.
The start is near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, so runners staying nearby may be able to walk toward their designated start access area rather than depending on a longer train journey.
Advantages:
- closest major hotel district to the start
- less transportation risk on race morning
- enormous selection of restaurants
- excellent rail connections for sightseeing
- convenient for runners who prioritize the start over the finish
The trade-off is that after finishing near Tokyo Station, you'll need to travel back across central Tokyo.
2. Marunouchi or Otemachi — best for the finish
For the easiest post-race experience, stay near Tokyo Station in Marunouchi or Otemachi.
The race finishes nearby, which can be extremely valuable after 26.2 miles.
Advantages:
- close to the finish
- potentially easy walk back after the race
- excellent rail access
- convenient arrival point for many intercity trains
- Imperial Palace nearby for a pre-race shakeout
The trade-off is race morning. You will need to travel to Shinjuku before the start.
3. Ginza — best overall compromise
Ginza sits between the start and finish experience.
It is not as convenient for the start as West Shinjuku or as convenient for the finish as Marunouchi, but it is extremely well connected and puts you in one of Tokyo's most convenient visitor districts.
Advantages:
- central location
- strong subway access
- close to Tokyo Station
- excellent dining
- easy sightseeing before and after the race
For runners extending the marathon into a longer Tokyo trip, Ginza can be the most balanced option.
Tokyo Marathon hotel strategy
Book lodging as soon as you have a confirmed entry.
Marathon weekend creates concentrated demand in the areas most useful to runners, especially around Shinjuku and Tokyo Station.
When comparing hotels, look beyond price.
Consider:
- walking distance to a useful station
- number of transfers required on race morning
- distance from the marathon start
- distance from the finish
- breakfast availability or nearby convenience stores
- late checkout options
- access to restaurants you will actually want before the race
A slightly more expensive hotel can be worth it if it eliminates a stressful race-morning connection or a long post-marathon journey.
Tokyo Marathon Expo and packet pickup
Tokyo Marathon runners must complete packet pickup before race day.
For 2027, packet pickup takes place at Tokyo Big Sight South Exhibition Halls.
Packet pickup dates
Thursday, March 4: 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday, March 5: 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 6: 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
All times are Japan Standard Time.
Runners must complete packet pickup in person.
There is no race-day packet pickup.
That is one of the most important travel-planning rules for international runners.
Do not schedule a flight that lands in Tokyo on Saturday evening and assume you can collect your bib Sunday morning.
You cannot.
When should you arrive in Tokyo?
For most international runners, arriving at least several days before the race is a much better plan than treating Tokyo like a normal weekend trip.
That gives you time to:
- adjust to the time difference
- complete packet pickup
- recover from a long flight
- learn the train system
- buy any forgotten race supplies
- eat normally for a few days before racing
For runners traveling from North America or Europe, jet lag can be as important as the course itself.
If possible, avoid making the day before the marathon your first full day in Japan.
Tokyo Marathon race-day logistics
Start time
The 2027 marathon begins at 9:10 a.m.
Your personal race morning will begin much earlier.
Expect time for:
- breakfast
- travel to Shinjuku
- navigating the start area
- security and entry procedures
- baggage procedures if applicable
- finding your assigned corral
- bathroom lines
The official Runner Guidebook with detailed race-day procedures is normally released closer to the race, so confirm your exact start-area instructions once it becomes available.
Cutoff time
The marathon has a 7-hour race cutoff measured from the starting gun.
The 2027 race is scheduled from 9:10 a.m. to 4:10 p.m.
There are also intermediate cutoff points along the course for traffic control, security and race operations.
The entry requirements state that general runners should be capable of completing the marathon within 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Getting to the start
Use Tokyo's trains and subway system rather than road transportation.
Road closures affect much of the course, and the rail system is designed to handle large volumes of passengers.
If you are staying in Shinjuku, walking may be simplest.
If you're staying elsewhere, plan your exact rail route before race morning and leave more time than a normal Tokyo journey would require.
What is the Tokyo Marathon course like?
Tokyo is widely considered a fast destination marathon.
The course starts in Shinjuku and works through central Tokyo before finishing near Tokyo Station.
Major points along the official route include:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- Suidobashi
- Ueno
- Nihombashi
- Asakusa and Kaminarimon Gate
- Ryogoku
- Ginza
- Hibiya
- Tokyo Station
For a visiting runner, one of the best parts of the course is that you race through neighborhoods you may want to revisit after the marathon.
Save the high-mileage sightseeing for later.
Where to eat before the Tokyo Marathon
Tokyo makes pre-race eating unusually easy because simple carbohydrate-heavy foods are available almost everywhere.
Common options include:
- rice
- onigiri
- udon
- soba
- bread
- bananas
- simple rice bowls
Convenience stores are especially useful because they open early and make it easy to buy familiar breakfast foods the night before.
The important rule is the same as every marathon:
Race weekend is not the time to experiment.
Tokyo has extraordinary food, but save the adventurous meals for after you finish.
What to do before the race
Tokyo can easily turn into a 20,000-step sightseeing day without you noticing.
That is exactly what you want to avoid before a marathon.
Good pre-race options include:
Imperial Palace area
A convenient option for an easy walk or short shakeout run without committing to a full sightseeing day.
Shinjuku Gyoen
A calmer way to experience Tokyo near the start area without spending hours crossing the city.
Tokyo Marathon Expo
Treat the Expo as part of your schedule rather than something to squeeze in at the last minute.
Going Thursday or Friday can give you more flexibility than leaving everything until Saturday.
What to do after the Tokyo Marathon
The day after the race should be designed around tired legs.
Good recovery-day ideas include:
- a Sumida River cruise
- a slow visit to Asakusa
- museums
- relaxed meals
- neighborhoods with easy rail access
- viewpoints that do not require hours of walking
One useful trick is to revisit something you saw during the race.
You will pass through areas such as Asakusa, Ginza and Nihombashi on the course but will not have time to experience them properly.
Use the days after the marathon to go back.
How to get around Tokyo during marathon weekend
Tokyo's train and subway system is the easiest way to move around the city.
For visitors, a rechargeable transit card such as Suica or PASMO can simplify everyday travel.
During marathon weekend, rail transportation becomes even more important because road closures affect the course area.
Before race day:
- Save your hotel station.
- Save your start-area station.
- Check the first-train schedule if you are staying far away.
- Screenshot your route in case mobile service is slow.
- Leave a substantial time buffer.
Do not rely on a taxi being able to drive directly to the start.
Should you stay longer after the Tokyo Marathon?
If you are traveling internationally, yes.
Tokyo is a difficult destination to justify visiting for only two or three nights, especially when the first half of the trip revolves around conserving energy for a marathon.
Adding several post-race days allows you to experience the city without worrying about how much you are walking.
It also creates an opportunity to continue elsewhere in Japan once your race obligations are over.
A simple structure is:
Wednesday or Thursday: arrive in Tokyo Thursday or Friday: Expo and packet pickup Saturday: low-key sightseeing and race preparation Sunday: Tokyo Marathon Monday: recovery day Tuesday onward: full Tokyo sightseeing or onward travel
Tokyo Marathon 2027 FAQ
When is the Tokyo Marathon 2027?
The Tokyo Marathon 2027 takes place on Sunday, March 7, 2027.
Is Tokyo Marathon 2027 the 20th edition?
Yes. Tokyo Marathon 2027 is the race's 20th edition.
How many runners are in the Tokyo Marathon 2027?
The official 2027 field size is 40,000 runners, up from 39,000 for the previous edition.
When does Tokyo Marathon 2027 general entry close?
General entry closes at 5:00 p.m. JST on August 28, 2026.
Will there be a lottery for Tokyo Marathon 2027?
Yes. Applications have already exceeded the field size, so the race organizers have confirmed a random drawing for general entry.
When are Tokyo Marathon 2027 lottery results?
General drawing results are scheduled for September 18, 2026.
How much is Tokyo Marathon 2027 for international runners?
The listed international entry fee is $230.
Where does the Tokyo Marathon start?
The race starts near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku.
Where does the Tokyo Marathon finish?
The race finishes on Gyoko-dori Avenue near Tokyo Station.
What time does the Tokyo Marathon start?
The 2027 marathon start is scheduled for 9:10 a.m.
What is the Tokyo Marathon cutoff?
The marathon has a 7-hour cutoff from the starting gun, with additional cutoff checkpoints along the course.
Where is the Tokyo Marathon Expo?
Tokyo Marathon Expo 2027 and runner packet pickup are at Tokyo Big Sight South Exhibition Halls.
Can I pick up my Tokyo Marathon bib on race day?
No. There is no race-day packet pickup.
Runners must collect their packet in person between March 4 and March 6.
Where is the best place to stay for Tokyo Marathon?
For most runners:
- West Shinjuku is best for the start.
- Marunouchi / Otemachi is best for the finish.
- Ginza is the best compromise for a longer Tokyo trip.
Does Tokyo count toward the Six Star Medal?
Yes. Tokyo is one of the original six World Marathon Majors required for the Six Star Medal.
Plan the rest of your World Marathon Majors
Tokyo may be one race, but for many runners it is part of a multi-year travel project.
Continue with:
- World Marathon Majors medal guide
- Best marathons to travel for
- Race weekend trip guide
- Race weekend checklist
Turn your Tokyo Marathon entry into a trip
Once you have a bib, the race is only one piece of the trip.
Claira can keep your flights, hotel, Expo visit, restaurant plans, sightseeing and race-week schedule together in one itinerary so you can see how the entire trip fits around marathon day.
Plan your Tokyo Marathon trip →
Tokyo Marathon dates, entry periods, drawing schedules, fees, field size, packet-pickup rules and race logistics can change. This guide was updated August 24, 2026. Always confirm current information with the Tokyo Marathon Foundation before booking travel or making race plans. Claira is an independent travel-planning tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation or Abbott World Marathon Majors.