Gym & Running in Tokyo

Staying active while working remotely in Tokyo is easier than you might think. The city has an excellent mix of 24/7 chain gyms, boutique fitness studios, and some of the best urban running routes in the world. Most gyms offer month-to-month memberships or even day passes, making them perfect for nomads.

Below is our guide to the best gym options and running spots for digital nomads in Tokyo.

Gyms for Nomads

Anytime Fitness

~$65/mo

24/7 access, 1,000+ locations in Japan, reciprocal worldwide access. Basic equipment, compact spaces. No-frills but ultra-convenient.

Gold's Gym

~$80–120/mo

Full-scale gyms with serious equipment, free weights, group classes. Locations in Harajuku, Shibuya, and other major areas.

JOYFIT 24

~$55/mo

24/7 access, clean facilities, good machine selection. Affordable option found across Tokyo. Some locations have showers and lockers.

Municipal Gyms (Kuritsu Taiikukan)

~$3–5/visit

City-run gyms in every ward. Pay-per-use, no membership needed. Basic but functional equipment. Great for budget-conscious nomads.

Best Running Spots

Imperial Palace (Kokyogaien)

~5 km loop · Chiyoda

Tokyo's most iconic running course. Flat, well-paved path around the palace moat. Runner-friendly with water stations nearby. Best early morning or evening.

Yoyogi Park

~3.5 km loop · Shibuya

Shaded paths through one of Tokyo's largest parks. Flat terrain, popular with joggers on weekends. Close to Harajuku and Shibuya stations.

Komazawa Olympic Park

~2.1 km loop · Setagaya

Dedicated rubberized running track in a spacious park. Distance markers, stretching areas, and sports facilities. A runner's paradise.

Sumida River Path

10+ km one-way · Taito / Sumida

Riverside path with views of Tokyo Skytree. Flat, wide, and mostly uninterrupted. Great for longer runs. Beautiful at sunset.

Practical Tips

• Bring your own shoes: Large shoe sizes (above US 10) are hard to find in Japan. Pack your running shoes.
• Post-run baths: Many sento (public baths) are open early morning and evening. A great recovery option for ~$5.
• Summer heat: June to September is hot and humid. Run early morning (before 7am) or after sunset. Hydrate heavily.
• Coin lockers: Major parks and stations have coin lockers ($1–3) where you can stash your bag while running.
• Running groups: Several free running groups meet weekly in Tokyo. Check Meetup.com or local running shops for schedules.