Running In Japan

Yoyogi Koen (or Yoyogi Park) leads my list of places to run in Japan. Yoyogi has three things going in its favor: first, it is one of Tokyo's largest parks, popular with runners, featuring a variety of running surfaces including paved paths that crisscross the park and dirt trails on the perimeter.

Second, the park is adjacent to the beautiful, 175 acre Meiji Shrine. The Meiji Shrine is perhaps the most peaceful place in all of Tokyo. After a long run, a meditative walk through the Shrine is the perfect way to refresh the body and soul.

And finally, Yoyogi Park is accessed by the Harajuku station, the anchor to the greater Harajuku area, "known internationally as a center of Japanese youth culture and fashion" (Wikipedia).

And Yoyogi Koen is the place where I always meet up with Tokyo's premier international running club, Namban Rengo. My last run with them was their annual "Tour de Yamanote," a run following the Yamanote metro line that circles Tokyo.

MUSIC: My music selection for Yoyogi Koen is the energetic "INVITATION" by Shibasaki Kou (柴咲 コウ). This music captures the positive energy and spirit I always feel on my first run back in Japan. Mie and I first heard this song when it was featured as the title music for television drama "Taiyo no Uta."

But the best part is this: the promotional video features two runners! Check it the promotional video at Daily Motion and, consider this your "INVITATION" to run in Japan!