Running around the world: Japan
Continuing my “running around the world” series where I cover places I’ve run on my open ended trip.
So far:
I also wrote about how I got into running and why I love it.
This post covers my three week trip to Japan in August 2023.
It was during a heatwave with temperatures up to 38°. Apparently running in heat has health benefits.
Managed six runs across Tokyo, Kyoto, Okayama and Hiroshima. Missed running in Osaka due to a typhoon.
First up, Tokyo. I was staying in Ikebukuro and wanted to do a 5 km loop around the Imperial Palace, so had to get the subway. Went early. Tokyo rush hour is quite something, and I’m a Londonder.
Got another run in locally in some Ikebukuro side streets.
Fuelling my runs was some delicious food. Gyukatsu, a breaded beef cutlet. You cook them to your liking on a hot plate at your table. And then some amazing sushi on another night at an izakaya. Washed down with some highballs.
And then I was off to Kyoto on the Shinkansen. Much easier there as I was staying by the river which has paths on either side for pedestrians and cyclists. Got two runs in.
Then some sightseeing.
Running is hungry work, ramen time!
Some spectacular sights in Kyoto. Then it was time to head to Osaka. As mentioned before, I couldn’t run due to a typhoon and my other days were busy with day trips and exploring Osaka itself.
Did venture out for a walk around the city on typhoon day in my heavy duty waterproof outer shell. Unfortunately my lower half wasn’t nearly as well protected. Walking shoes got soaked all the way through. Next few days my running shoes became my regular shoes.
Protein is very important in a runner’s diet. I got some in the form of A5 grade Kobe beef while in Osaka.
Next run was in Okayama. Got there in the afternoon, after stopping for a few hours at Himeji Castle, and went for a run/explore immediately after checking into the hotel.
While there I also did a 17 km cycle route through some countryside and stopped off at temples. Cycling is good for cross training and I rarely get to do while travelling.
Some horse riding too!
Okayama castle is beautiful.
The last run in Japan was in Hiroshima. I’d been to the Peace Memorial Park and the museum. A lot to process. A run helps with that.
This was also my only 10 km run in Japan. Managed it despite the heat.
And that was it for running in Japan. Shinkansen back to Tokyo to get my flight back to Melbourne.
Japan is a beautiful and mind boggling country and I will be back for more exploration and running. I loved it.
Kanpai!
