Tokyo Marathon
Photo Credit: TOKYO MARATHON FOUNDATION
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Tokyo Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
We are pleased to be appointed the exclusive tour operator in the U.S. and Canada for the 2024 Tokyo Marathon. The event has become the most popular running event in Japan, if not the world, with about 320,000 runners vying for an entry through the lottery. As an exclusive tour operator, we can offer a guaranteed entry when you book our package.
Running has always been a revered sport in Japan. Naoko Takahashi was the first woman to break the 2:20 barrier when she ran 2:19:46 in the 2001 Berlin Marathon. The country was known mostly for the Fukuoka Marathon and Osaka Ladies Marathon, which were created for elite athletes only. The Tokyo Marathon has embraced all runners in an attempt to become one of the world’s most popular international events. In 2012, it was selected as the sixth Abbott World Marathon Majors!
Transfers
Race day transfers from the finish to hotel
Trip Extension
4-night post-race extension to Kyoto
Accommodation
Excellent five night accommodation
Celebration Party
Post-race celebration included
Excursions
Day tour with lunch included
A Helping Hand
Pre-loaded PASMO subway card included
Medal Bling
Tokyo Marathon Finisher Medal
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, February 26
Arrive in Tokyo and transfer (at your own expense) to your hotel by the Airport Limousine Bus. This evening we will have your Marathon Tours & Travel guides on hand in the lobby to answer your questions and distribute any necessary documents.
Thursday, February 27
Today we will have a bus transfer to the Tokyo Marathon EXPO to provide you with first choice of official race gear before items sellout and pick up your race packages, including bibs. Also, if you are one of our many Abbott WMM Six Star Finisher hopefuls in Tokyo you will have time to check-in at the AbbottWMM desk to get final instructions for Race Day. The afternoon is free to enjoy on your own. This evening, we will host a welcome cocktail reception at the Hilton Tokyo. (Breakfast and welcome reception included)
Friday, February 28
Enjoy the camaraderie of old as well as new friends on a day tour of Tokyo’s top sites, including lunch and many locations on the marathon course. The evening is free to enjoy on your own. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Saturday, March 1
Today is free to explore Tokyo on your own. Some activities we recommend include: the Tokyo Marathon Friendship Run, a sushi cooking class, bullet train day tours and/or a visit the Tokyo Tower to shop at Roppongi Hills. We are happy to provide suggestions. This evening we will gather for the pre-race pasta dinner and race briefing at the Hilton Tokyo. (Breakfast and dinner included)
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Extensions
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Post-Race Extension to Kyoto : Four Nights | March 3 – 7, 2025
Please note this tour ends in Kyoto, Japan. We do not transfer back to Tokyo after we conclude the Kyoto extension option. You can book your airfare into Tokyo and out of one of the Osaka Airports – Itami Osaka International Airport (ITM) (approx. 45 minutes from Kyoto) or Kansai International Airport (KIX) (approx. 90 minutes from Kyoto). If you choose to fly home from Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda (HND), do not book an early flight from Tokyo. You will need to book an evening flight from Tokyo and consider the travel time back from Kyoto. You could fly from Itami Osaka International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND), or you could take the bullet train from Kyoto Station to Tokyo Station. From Tokyo Station, you will then need to transfer to the airport.
Itinerary subject to change.
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Monday, March 3
Free day in Tokyo to rest or explore the city! Spend the additional night in Tokyo at your current hotel. If you would like to participate in the optional full-day Snow Monkey Tour in Nagano, you must pre-register and pay an additional charge. The Snow Monkey Tour includes a round-trip ticket on the Bullet Train from the Tokyo Station to Nagano, the Zenkoji Temple, lunch, and a transfer to Jigokuani Yaen-koen Snow Monkey Park by coach bus. (Breakfast included)
Tuesday, March 4
After breakfast, check-out of your Tokyo Hotel and transfer to the Tokyo Station (an English speaking guide will accompany you) for the Bullet Train to Kyoto Station. Upon arrival you will be transferred to a local restaurant for lunch. Visits included: Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) and Ryoanji Temple. You will arrive at the Kyoto Century Hotel around 5:00 PM. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Wednesday, March 5
Today will be sightseeing by a private coach bus and an English Speaking Guide. Visits include: Kiyomizudera Temple, Ninen-zaka, Sanen-zaka and the Nijo Castle. Plan to return to the hotel around 5:00 PM. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Thursday, March 6
Today is another day of sightseeing by a private coach bus and an English Speaking Guide. Visits include: Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and Japanese Sake Tasting, Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and the Kasuga Shrine. Plan to return to the hotel around 5:00 PM. (Breakfast and lunch included)
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Packages & Rates
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Tokyo Marathon Tours | Five-Night Deluxe Package: February 26 – March 3, 2025
Features:
- Five night accommodation at the Hilton Tokyo
- Buffet breakfast each day
- All hotel taxes
- Meet and greet with Marathon Tours & Travel Staff
- Roundtrip transfer to the Tokyo Marathon EXPO
- Welcome reception
- Day Tour with lunch
- Pre-race dinner at a the Hilton Tokyo on Saturday evening
- Race day transfers from finish line back to start area (for Marathon Tours & Travel guaranteed bibs only)
- Post-race celebration
- Guaranteed race entry ($625.00 additional)
- Hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff
Post-Race Extension to Kyoto | Four-Night Package: March 3 – 7, 2025
Features:
- One additional hotel night in Tokyo
- Three night hotel accommodations in Kyoto
- All hotel taxes
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Ground transportation according to the itinerary
- Daily touring and sightseeing per the itinerary
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel Staff
Please Note:
- We are not allowed to sell Guaranteed Race Entry Only
- Rates may change due to currency fluctuations and city taxes
- If travelling with a child: Per the guidelines for hotels in Japan, if the child needs their own bed, they will be charged as an adult
Not Included:
- International roundtrip airfare to Tokyo
- Airport transfers
- Gratuities and tips unless noted above
- Travel Insurance
- Meals unless noted on itinerary
Tokyo Only Package:
You may book your flights into either of the main airports – Narita International Airport (NRT) (approx. 90 -120 minutes from Tokyo by shuttle) or into Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) (approx. 60-90 minutes from Tokyo by shuttle). Both airports will have the Airport Limousine Bus shuttle option for your transfer to the hotel. Transfers to and from the airport are at your own expense. The shuttle is the most convenient as it is door to door, but you may also take a train to Tokyo Station and then the subway or taxi from there.
Tokyo Package with the Kyoto Extension:
We do not transfer you back to Tokyo after we conclude the Kyoto extension option. You can book your airfare into Tokyo and out of one of the Osaka Airports – Itami Osaka International Airport (ITM) (approx. 45 minutes from Kyoto) or Kansai International Airport (KIX) (approx. 90 minutes from Kyoto). You may also opt to take the bullet train from Kyoto back to Tokyo if you prefer to book your flights in and out of one of the Tokyo airports.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsRates (all prices are per person and in US dollars) – 2025 Rates Coming Soon
Five-Night Deluxe Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Hilton Tokyo Starting at $3920 per person Starting at $5695 Hyatt Regency Tokyo Starting at $3840 per person Starting at $6005 Optional Post-Race Extensions Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Snow Monkey Day Tour Starting at $820 per person Starting at $1065 Kyoto Four-Night Package Starting at $1775 per person Starting at $2460 Snow Monkey & Kyoto Four-Night Package Starting at $2290 per person Starting at $2975
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Hotels
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Tokyo, JapanThe Hilton Tokyo Hotel
This is perfect base for exploring the vibrant, energetic city of Tokyo. In Shinjuku at the heart of Tokyo’s shopping and entertainment district, the hotel is in an ideal location to experience modern Japan. You are also just a walk to the start. A complimentary shuttle service is in operation from the hotel to Shinjuku station, and Tokyo Metro subway is directly connected to this Tokyo, Japan hotel. Explore nearby Tokyo attractions including Akihabara and the famous Tokyo Skytree.
All 630 deluxe and executive rooms and suites were transformed by renovations in spring 2013. The hotel offers wired and wireless internet access. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the Level 1 Lobby and Marble Lounge. Rejuvenate in the 24-hour health club within the hotel and relax in the sauna or soothing whirlpool spa. Play tennis on the rooftop courts or swim lengths in the indoor pool. Choose from seven tempting restaurants offering a range of delicious cuisine. For a relaxing evening drink, visit St. George’s Bar.
Tokyo, JapanHyatt Regency TokyoA short walk to the starting corals, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo offers 4-star accommodations next to Shinjuku Central Park. It features several restaurants and free WiFi access throughout the entire property. Tokyo Hyatt Regency is directly connected to Tochomae Subway Station and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. It is a pleasant 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Train Station. The hotel operates limousine buses which run directly between the hotel and the Narita and Haneda international airports. Guests can relax with a massage or beauty treatment at Joule Spa and Wellness. A fitness center is available for workouts. A 24-hour convenience store is located on the ground floor. Various menu Italian menu options are available at the cafè.
Kyoto, JapanKyoto Century HotelThe Kyoto Century Hotel is located in a convenient place for both sightseeing and business at only a two-minute walk from JR and subway Kyoto Station. Taking one step inside from the entrance, you will be welcomed into a relaxing space with hospitality that will let you forget the noise and clamor outside.
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Event Information
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Race Date: March 2, 2025
Race Time: 9:10 AM
Minimum Pace / Cut-Off Time Policy: 7 hours;
(i) The time limits are based on the gun time (not on the net time).
(ii) The cut-off time will be enforced at each checkpoint due to limited duration of traffic control, security operation and event operation. The runners, who fail to pass through the checkpoint before the cut-off time will be disqualified from the race. Furthermore, runners who lag excessively behind the cut-off time pace may be asked to leave the course at any time.Course: The course starts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It drops about 100 feet in elevation during the beginning 5K. The course provides a tour of downtown Tokyo with the finish near Tokyo Station.
Entry Fee: The entry fee is not included in your package price and is an additional cost. Marathon Tours & Travel will coordinate all race entries with the Tokyo Marathon.
Eligibility: Marathon Tours & Travel, an authorized tour operator, is required to offer travel arrangements in conjunction with guaranteed race entry. All runners must be residents of the USA, Canada, and/or a Seven Continents Club® (SCC) member; and must be 19 years or older on race day to be eligible for our guaranteed entries. The race is limited to 25,000 runners. For additional details, please visit the official Tokyo Marathon website.
Time Limit: The course is open for seven hours. The time limit is based on the gun time, not net time. A cut-off time is strictly enforced at each checkpoint due to limited duration of traffic control, security operation and even operation. The runners who fail to pass through the checkpoint before the cut-off time will be pulled from the race and disqualified.
Number Pickup: You must pick up your race bib and packet at the Tokyo Marathon EXPO prior to race day. Marathon Tours & Travel has scheduled roundtrip transportation to the Tokyo Marathon EXPO on Thursday, February 27 for clients booked on the Deluxe Five Nights Package only.
Temperature: Average temperatures on race day are between 35 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Difficulty: Moderate
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Registration & Booking
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Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with a deposit of $1000 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment must be received before November 1, 2024. Final payments received after November 1, 2024 will be charged a $50 late payment fee.
Eligibility: Marathon Tours & Travel, an authorized tour operator, is required to offer travel arrangements in conjunction with guaranteed race entry. All runners must be residents of the USA, Canada, and/or a Seven Continents Club® (SCC) member; and must be 19 years or older on race day to be eligible for our guaranteed entries.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. Entry fee and airport transfers are in addition to the package pricing. Land Prices may change due to currency fluctuations.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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"Five-stars..." - 2023
Everything about this experience was fabulous. Five-stars to Marathon Tours & Travel across the board.
"I found the experience so amazing..." - 2023As the non-runner of our group, I found the experience so amazing and memorable. Thank you so much Nicole and MTT staff for an outstanding job, making my husband’s dream of completing the six majors come true. It was an absolutely wonderful time and it was wonderful to meet up with other runners from previous excursions (London) here at Tokyo.
"I have used MTT since 2015..." - 2023Nicole, as the coordinator for this trip was always fantastic. She responds quickly if you have concerns about the whole ordeal during the pre- trip and post- race. Well organized. I have used MTT since 2015 and they never fail from your expectations.
"MTT staff are a treasure..." - 2023MTT staff are a treasure for those of us that have used them. I think that this is my 5th trip with your company and every one of them has exceeded my expectations!
"Wow!" - 2023Wow! Kyoto was an incredible highlight of the trip. Everything was fabulous! The hotel, food, tours and especially our tour guides.
"Traveling with MTT is the way to go" - 2023Traveling with Marathon Tours & Travel is the way to go for international races. MTT provides a nice balance of scheduled events and free time. And everyone on the tour is either a runner or a family member/friend to a runner–everyone has similar interests and it makes it easy to connect and relate to each other.
"I cannot say enough about how thankful I am to her and MTT" - 2023Nicole was amazing throughout this looooong process from Tokyo 2020 to 2023. I personally ended up throwing some curveballs her way with flights and issues, and she handled them quickly and helpfully. I cannot say enough about how thankful I am to her and Marathon Tours & Travel.
"Marathon Tours & Travel is the premier tours group..." - 2023Marathon Tours & Travel is the premier tours group in helping runners navigate the expo, start, and finish of a marathon along with touring the local sights and sounds of the host location.
"My favorite thing..." - 2023My favorite thing about Marathon Tours is that you put the runners and their health, safety and comfort as your number one priorities!
This is just a quick note to remind you of the incredible services that each of you offer, and I myself have just been so thankful for all of you over these years. As a wife, mother, professional and runner you have brought such peace of mind to my life. I am so thankful to know that when it comes to the one activity of me that brings me joy, I know I can count on all of you for help when I want to do something adventurous!
Thank you for all that you do to make people’s dreams come true and support them even when they just have to wait a bit longer. In the end, Marathon Tours and their agents are always going to be ready and willing to make sure that each person gets the best of the best! I just wanted you to know that for some of us, our experiences with marathon tours holds deep meaning in our lives because of all the goodness you have contributed.
"MT had everything covered..." - 2019Was a little nervous traveling somewhere that English is not the primary language. MT had everything covered so it was not an issue. Fellow travelers, staff made this a wonderful experience. Extension to Kyoto gave me a better feel of Japan than being in the big city (Tokyo). Well worth the extra time and money. And who doesn’t like a trip with Jacqui on it??!!
"I can't thank the MTT staff..." - 2019I can’t thank the MTT staff and the Abbott people for the support, encouragement and recognition.
"MT staff are helpful and made it such an easy trip..." - 2019MT staff are helpful and made it such an easy trip. I appreciate the organization and that everything was taken care of. I think what I enjoyed the most was meeting other runners and making new friends that I hope to connect with on future trips and future races. The hotels were great with excellent locations too.
"The volunteers on the race course were amazing..." - 2019The volunteers on the race course were amazing. MTT staff were great too. I appreciated being with a group to take care of me, as I traveled by myself.
"The extension to Kyoto was fabulous..." - 2019The extension to Kyoto was fabulous. The transfer to the train station and to Kyoto was very smoothly executed and I always felt like we were in good hands. Our guide – Harumi – was phenomenal – a true gem. She was so informational and really, really funny – she truly made the trip. I loved the itinerary and the various temples we saw.
"Kudos to you wonderful people!" - 2019I thought that Nicole and Jeff and the the entire Tokyo Marathon group did an excellent job in sending out an email and asking athletes for their questions on the trip and addressing it in the Conference call, and further following it up with an email so that everyone that missed the opportunity to participate that day and time still had the ability to benefit from it. It was very proactive and forward thinking. Kudos to you wonderful people!
"I received my Six Star..." - 2018I received my Six Star, so hard to beat the feeling of accomplishment. The comradery of the group, being so well taken care of/supported by the Marathon Tours staff and the Japanese people themselves… Are all tied for next best.
"I love meeting fellow runners from the Marathon Tours group..." - 2018I love meeting fellow runners from the Marathon Tours group, great camaraderie, great stories, great fun! Insights on the course, start area, recognition of Seven Continents Club and AbbottWMM Six Star finishers, you truly feel like a community when you travel with Marathon Tours!
"Every Marathon Tours trip is unique in its own way..." - 2018Every Marathon Tours trip is unique in its own way. The Park Hyatt was incredible as was having the chance to experience Tokyo in general. The post race gathering at the Park Hyatt was also outstanding. It was a wonderful experience.
"Loved the tour activities..." - 2018Loved the tour activities: shrine & temples, tea ceremony, drumming ceremony, etc.
Meals were varied, interesting and so good!! Loved the bullet train. Thanks Nicole for getting us all there and on time! A stressful day, but well done. The shuttle to the airport at the conclusion of the tour was awesome, and so appreciated. Nicole told us to trust her… It will all work well, and it really did.
"Communication with the Marathon Tours and Travel staff was excellent..." - 2018Communication with the Marathon Tours and Travel staff was excellent. Nicole was very responsive, and incredibly helpful. Her emails with trip details were thorough and easy to understand. I was nervous about traveling to a country that I didn’t speak the language, but felt much better with all of the detailed information that was provided.
"One of the things I appreciate most..." - 2018One of the things I appreciate most is that Marathon Tours plans everything, all I have to do is show up. I love the people on this tour – staff and other travelers! How do you manage to put together such a nice group of people to travel with? I love how knowledgeable the staff is about the race and the destination.
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Meet the Reps
Nicole Langone
Senior Trip Designer | Administration Manager
Nicole Langone
Senior Trip Designer | Administration Manager
Nicole joined us in 2011 with eight years of professional experience in international and domestic group travel and flight management. From middle school age, she has had the travel bug and loved being on the road and exploring new places.
With a year abroad and sometimes intentionally getting lost on a quaint cobblestone pathway in Belgium or Germany, it was the true history and beauty that struck a chord within her that keeps her travel passion still alive. Nicole currently manages marathon trips to Berlin, Rome, Reykjavik and Tokyo and also serves as Administration Manager.
