This year’s Paralympic marathon made quite a buzz as its course passed through several major Tokyo landmarks. Today, we will highlight some of those so you can retrace this historic competition while enjoying some of the sights of Tokyo! Be sure to use this handy map detailing the course.
Downloadable map: https://www.2020games.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/course_English.pdf
Japan National Stadium
Of course, the race started - and ended - at the Japan National Stadium, the symbol of Tokyo 2020’s Summer Games. The Paralympics opening and closing ceremonies were also held there. You can learn more about the Japan National Stadium and the surrounding attractions like Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu in this article here:https://www.sportsjourney.jp/highlights/558/
・Tokyo Dome
Soon after the start, athletes passed Tokyo Dome, home of the Yomiuri Giants, arguably one of the most famous baseball teams in Japan. In addition to baseball games, concerts and other events, Tokyo Dome is adored by the Japanese people and used as a sort of measuring stick when expressing the size of a large piece of land or building. (eg. “This area is as big as TWENTY Tokyo Domes!!”) Furthermore, Tokyo Dome City, the surrounding area, is an entertainment complex with many attractions where families, couples and friends can spend all day. Admission is free, making it easy to buy tickets for attractions like the roller coaster, Ferris wheel, haunted house and more! With over two dozen attractions, there’s something for everyone! Check it out!
https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/en/tourists/
Zojoji Temple
Zojoji, a Buddhist temple located southwest of Tokyo Station and Ginza, was an enormous temple where more than 3,000 scholars used to live in more than 100 dormitories. Although smaller today, it is still loved by many. Zojoji is right next to Shiba Park and is used by locals as a running course. And best of all, Tokyo Tower, a classic symbol of Tokyo, is located nearby. Be sure to take a picture of Zojoji with Tokyo Tower in the background for one of the best shots you can take in Tokyo! You’ll capture a span of more than 600 years of history in one shot!
https://www.zojoji.or.jp/en/
You’ll also find such great landmarks as Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo’s sumo-obsessed neighborhood, Kabukiza Theater, the Meiji Era-styled Tokyo Station Building, and of course The business district of Nihonbashi and the fashionable shopping district of Ginza and the Imperial Palace.
For even more information about Tokyo Area, look here: https://www.sportsjourney.jp/#exploring
The Para-marathon course was plotted together with Tokyo landmarks loved by locals and tourists alike. During your next visit, why not use this course as a guide to create your own unique and exciting tour of Tokyo? Enjoy the sites and retrace the race!
