Tokyo’s palace runners say respect vital as Chiyoda considers new safety measures

In response to complaints from pedestrians, Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward has said that it will examine whether new safety measures are needed for runners around the Imperial Palace. | JOHAN BROOKS

Oct 9, 2026

With views of Edo Period architecture, stunning foliage and the gleaming Marunouchi skyline, the 5-kilometer route that snakes around the Imperial Palace attracts thousands of runners each morning, wearing down the tread of their running shoes and working up a sweat as they keep pace around the beloved running track and mainstay of the Tokyo running scene.

But recently, the circuit, a rarity in the bustling capital given its close proximity to the central business district and long stretches unbroken by traffic lights, has made headlines for the wrong reasons. Angry commenters have argued on social media that runners pose a safety concern, particularly as more tourists congest the pathway.

“The Imperial Palace run — maybe it’s about time we banned it, huh? With more tourists around, and families with kids or elderly folks walking on what’s supposed to be an ordinary sidewalk, it’s pretty dangerous having runners zooming by one after another at a decent clip,” wrote one user on X in a post that has attracted 8,400 likes.

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