Running in Japan

Imperial Palace (Tokyo, Japan)

I headed to Japan with few expectations, simply hoping for another adventure with Christina and to discover a country and culture I wasn't very familiar with. A week of traveling between Osaka, Kyoto, Minakami, and Tokyo, included visits to shrines, temples, an amazing Onsen in the snowy mountains, and great food thanks to the Lonely Planet book!

Of course, the week also included some running. In Kyoto, the Kamo River, with its paths on both sides, was ideal for a short run on the first day followed by 13 miles the next day. In Tokyo, the Imperial Palace was close to our hotel and is a popular running spot for both locals and tourists. We were able to run there twice.

Along the river in Kyoto, on a Sunday, we ran by an artist who was doing a painting of the river, kids at soccer practice, and even kids doing running drills. In downtown Tokyo, on a weekday morning, we were dodging cars, bikes, and pedestrians like a real-life game of Frogger, as they headed to work. In both cities, we ran along with many local runners, most dressed in very nice running gear from Japanese brands like Asics and Mizuno. These are the types of sights you will not find in the Lonely Planet book.

I have found that running in foreign cities, or countries, allows me to witness the culture and the daily life of locals, in a way that is different than regular sightseeing. Along the river, we were among locals, not tourists. In the city, we were part of the morning rush. Running offers a small window into the lives of those living in the neighborhoods where we run. As we passed other runners while running around the Imperial Palace, I wondered if, at least from behind, we looked like local Japanese runners. With my shaved head under that running hat and Christina's hair...I don't think so!

This is why I run.

Kamo River (Kyoto, Japan)