Last updated on October 23rd, 2023
Where to Stay for Tokyo Marathon?
Given that the marathon route is a major tourist attraction many people all over the world attend the annual event in Japan’s capital city Tokyo.
The Marathon gathers approximately 35,000 participants. The race event is going to be held on the first Sunday of March and brings together runners, volunteers, and spectators. The demand for hotels rises exponentially during the event which also hosts other festivities like the Tokyo Marathon Expo.
The hotels in close proximity to the event are in high sort for obvious reasons as they are easy, hustle free transportation.
A good place to stay is near Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, which is close to the start line. You can also opt to stay close to Tokyo Station, near the finish line in Chiyoda.
There are hotels for every budget, but it’s advised book early as hotels do get expensive. Check out below some of the very best hotels for Tokyo marathon.
When : 02 March 2025
Stay near Start or Finish Line
In Japan, they have top-notch hotels that can cater to the accommodation and stay for the marathon tourists. You can choose from a range of hotels depending on your taste, preference, budget, and class. They are many hotels in the city but there 5 worthy hotels you should definitely check out if you are planning to attend the 2025 Japan Marathon.
Information about the best hotels will help a lot of the travellers who want to experience the best of Japan’s culture, entertainment and luxury.
1. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo ★★★★★ (Start)
The hotel is located close to the Shinjuku train station which is a 8-minute walk to the starting point of the Tokyo Race. Visitors who book with this hotel have over 20 dining options that they can enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. The hotel has a 5-star rating so you can expect the best hospitality to be top-notch.
Location: 8 minutes walk from Start Line
2. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku ★★★★
A hotel that will suit your need for a comfortable stay in Shinjuku. The staffs at this hotel are always eager to help their guests. Gracery Hotel is a fabulous hotel with a 4-star rating.
Location: 25 minutes walk from Start, 20 minutes Public Transport
3. Shinjuku Granbell Hotel ★★★★
The hotel is located in the kabuki-cho area in Shinjuku. Granbell hotel has the aesthetic stunning look when you view it from the outside. The 4-star hotel has unique design features that are pleasing to look at. The ambiance comfort-oriented and guests that book here will have a relaxing therapeutic stay.
Location: 21 minutes by Public Transport from Start, 28 min. walk
4. Tokyo Stay Shinjuku ★★★ (Affordable)
When it comes to proximity to important landmarks in Shinjuku Japan, you can’t beat the Tokyo Stay Hotel. The hotel caters for both smokers and non-smokers by giving different rooms for each party. All rooms are air-conditioned to provide good ambiance for all their visitors. You can walk to the major attractions like Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo National Museum. This hotel is a 3 star which is good enough if you are attending the Tokyo Marathon.
Location: 20 minutes walk from Start Line, 12 min. by public transportation
This is a 3-star hotel that is located near Omoide Yokocho. The hotel offers daily accommodation housekeeping for the guest rooms, keeping the rooms clean round the clock. From the hotel, you will take approximately 25 minutes to walk to the Tokyo Metropolitan building where the marathon starts.
Location: 25 min. walking distance to Start, 20 minutes by public transportation
Where does the Tokyo Marathon start?
Tokyo Metropolitan Government BuildingThe Tokyo Marathon in 2025 will start at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tokyo City Hall) which is located in right above Tocho-mae station. The Building is also a 10-minute walk to JR Shinjuku Station.
Accessing the Building which is quite famous in the area shouldn’t take your time. The Metropolitan building is located in Shinjuku, a major commercial and administrative district in Tokyo. It houses various offices and departments of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, including the governor’s office.
The building is often seen as a symbol of Tokyo and plays a significant role in the city’s skyline. It is featured in various movies, television shows, and photographs showcasing Tokyo.
Where does the Tokyo Marathon finish?
The finish line of the Marathon is going to be close to the Tokyo station (check hotels).
Tokyo Station is a major railway station situated in the Chiyoda Ward (Marunouchi business district) in Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the busiest and most important transportation hubs in the country, serving as a gateway to Tokyo and connecting various parts of Japan through its extensive rail network.
The station is served by numerous railway lines, including the Shinkansen (bullet trains) and conventional rail lines operated by Japan Railways (JR) and other private rail companies. Tokyo Station is connected to cities like Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya.
The station itself is considered a landmark and is often used as a reference point when navigating around central Tokyo. Book one of the top hotels near Tokyo marathon finish line and you are able to get back in your hotel directly after you finish.
The special ward of Chiyoda is known for being the political center of Japan, as it houses important government buildings and institutions, including the Imperial Palace, the National Diet Building (the Japanese parliament), and various ministries.
Chiyoda is also home to numerous historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Yasukuni Shrine, the Nippon Budokan (a martial arts and concert venue), and the Chidorigafuchi Park, which is famous for its cherry blossoms during the spring season.
About The Tokyo Marathon – March 02nd, 2025
The event has been held every year from February 2007. Before 2007 Japan actually had two marathons. The Tokyo International Marathon and Tokyo – New York Friendship International Marathon.
The marathon invites athletes and the rest apply to be part of the marathon by being registered with JAAF and satisfy the requirements of the race.
The race is going to take place on March 02nd, 2025 around 09 AM. The participants of the Tokyo Marathon have to pick their bib and packet one day before the marathon. The pick-up will be at the Tokyo Marathon Expo.
The race will begin at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Participants of the marathon should arrive at the start location early wearing their bibs. If you book a hotel with close proximity to the Government building you can walk or use the transport that your hotel offers.
You can find the building easily if you are at Shinjuku station which is approximately 10 minutes away from the Metropolitan Building. Those participants who are planning to run the full course should be aware that the time limit to finish the race is 7 hours. This time is decided from the gun time and not net time.
The weather of the day is normally expected to be between 35 and 50 Fahrenheit which is good enough conditions to complete the race in downtown Tokyo near the Tokyo station. The course will progress drops in elevation for the first 5km. The course is definitely a scenic with the city’s aesthetics.
Another major running event in Japan is the Osaka Marathon (check hotels).
