Before I introduce a run, I always run it myself first. And to the extent possible I like to provide you with a way to try the run comfortably, which means to identify the train or bus route and hopefully a place to shower afterwards. I did not get the shower part down this time, sorry.
Kiba is a section of Tokyo that has experienced some of the biggest physical changes over the last 100 years. Located just above the northwest end of Tokyo bay, its name comes from the raw lumber trade for which the area was famous when moving the great logs by water was the most efficient form of transportation. It is an area that has experienced some land reclamation but still has many canals and waterways criss-crossing the neighborhoods. The population there now is mostly living in recently built high rise residential towers but there is also plenty of small and medium manufacturing going on. There are a number of bridges over these waterways that afford you with some dramatic views of the tall buildings juxtaposed with the canals and river craft. And there happen to be some excellent running paths. My original scouting run found the best spot in the middle of the run and then moved on to an area along the Arakawa and Fukagawa rivers. Lets start with the poorer parts first. The Fukagawa has experienced some well meaning work in terms of landscaping, but there are so many bridges crossing it that there is no decent view as you run it and precious few trees. Concrete, water, steel, dirt and grass fields are what make up this course. The trail itself is dirt and soft and you can go several kilometers without stopping. The Arakawa is a better river run but it is a much bigger river with a lot of open space and very windy. If there is any wind inland, don’t come out here to run because it will be gale force. The Fukagawa had some homeless living under the bridges. If you are interested in volunteer work with the homeless, I can set you up with a couple of groups, but when it comes to your running, there are better places, one of them very nearby.
The good stuff: There is a particular canal that runs right down the middle of Kiba park. This is a great pedestrian path and avoids several intersections by running under the bridges, some of them on floating sidewalks. Great landscaping, waterfalls and fountains and adjoining parks keep your interest. There are several of these paths to explore in Kiba. You can reach Kiba Park via the Tozai line and get off at Kiba Station using the exit 1. I admit on this trip I did not use a public bath. I found one but as I actually drove with my family to Toyosu, I started my run from Toyosu to Kiba (not necessarily recommended), and toweled off before changing in the car before going home. My guess is that the park at the end may have showers but not all public showers have hot water…
Sections of this route will not have drinking fountains. Toilets were reasonably plentiful along the pedestrian paths and in the parks.
Kiba is a section of Tokyo that has experienced some of the biggest physical changes over the last 100 years. Located just above the northwest end of Tokyo bay, its name comes from the raw lumber trade for which the area was famous when moving the great logs by water was the most efficient form of transportation. It is an area that has experienced some land reclamation but still has many canals and waterways criss-crossing the neighborhoods. The population there now is mostly living in recently built high rise residential towers but there is also plenty of small and medium manufacturing going on. There are a number of bridges over these waterways that afford you with some dramatic views of the tall buildings juxtaposed with the canals and river craft. And there happen to be some excellent running paths. My original scouting run found the best spot in the middle of the run and then moved on to an area along the Arakawa and Fukagawa rivers. Lets start with the poorer parts first. The Fukagawa has experienced some well meaning work in terms of landscaping, but there are so many bridges crossing it that there is no decent view as you run it and precious few trees. Concrete, water, steel, dirt and grass fields are what make up this course. The trail itself is dirt and soft and you can go several kilometers without stopping. The Arakawa is a better river run but it is a much bigger river with a lot of open space and very windy. If there is any wind inland, don’t come out here to run because it will be gale force. The Fukagawa had some homeless living under the bridges. If you are interested in volunteer work with the homeless, I can set you up with a couple of groups, but when it comes to your running, there are better places, one of them very nearby.
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| Toyosu, Kiba, Fukagawa |
The good stuff: There is a particular canal that runs right down the middle of Kiba park. This is a great pedestrian path and avoids several intersections by running under the bridges, some of them on floating sidewalks. Great landscaping, waterfalls and fountains and adjoining parks keep your interest. There are several of these paths to explore in Kiba. You can reach Kiba Park via the Tozai line and get off at Kiba Station using the exit 1. I admit on this trip I did not use a public bath. I found one but as I actually drove with my family to Toyosu, I started my run from Toyosu to Kiba (not necessarily recommended), and toweled off before changing in the car before going home. My guess is that the park at the end may have showers but not all public showers have hot water…
Sections of this route will not have drinking fountains. Toilets were reasonably plentiful along the pedestrian paths and in the parks.
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