Exploring Tokyo by Foot

Earlier this week, I moved from Hayama, where I was staying for a one-week Japanese language course to Tokyo, where I will be working for the next few weeks through the NSF EAPSI program (http://www.nsfsi.org/). I live in an apartment at the Oiwake International Lodge, which is a short ten-minute walk from my the University of Tokyo.

With the SD Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in my rear view mirror, and with all of the logistical complication associated with moving to another country, running fell to the bottom of my priority list. Nonetheless, at the end of this week, I managed to get back on track, with two short runs in the morning. What I quickly realized -- beyond how hot and humid it is in Tokyo (even at 6 am) -- is that I've never really run in an urban environment before. The constant weaving through pedestrian traffic, coupled with the requisite stop and go of busy intersections gives urban running a very distinct rhythm.

This weekend with temperatures dipping down to tolerable levels, I decided to explore the city on foot on Saturday and Sunday morning by taking long runs to target spots in and around Bunkyo-ku. On Saturday, I trekked to nearby Ueno Park, which is small green space with two pond areas, with a total circumference of roughly 1-2 miles. I was surprised to see many runners out early on a Saturday in addition to the many homeless people who apparently frequent the park (which is odd, because Tokyo has very few homeless people for a city of its size). I took one loop around the small bond, which has a paddle boat station for youngsters, and decided to call it quits early due to the heat. On Sunday I woke up late after a late night at a Nozaki group party (a welcome/goodbye party). Thankfully the heat had subsided drastically, so it was safe to go for a run in the afternoon. My targets were the Tokyo Dome, where the Tokyo Giants play, and then on to the running mecca of Tokyo, the Imerperial Palace. I took care to study a map before I left, and I began winding my way through the city. The Dome and the Imperial Palace, I figured were practically too big to miss. I was running along a busy main street dodging pedestrian traffic and was quite shocked to see the giant white puff of the Dome in front of me. I tried to steer clear of the swarms of people, and continued southeast towards the Imperial Palace. I traversed a river and passed under a few highways, before I saw it: a splash of green in a grey urban jungle. As I made my way towards it, I noticed was the massive moat around the palace, such that the palace grounds themselves appeared almost like an island. I hurried towards the sidewalk and began making my way around its three mile circumference. A handful of briskly moving Japanese locals passed me as I plodded forward, fully enjoying the serenity of the moment.

As I finally finished my loop, and snapped back into reality I realized to my dismay that I had no idea how to get back! Uncertain where to go, I reasoned that I could get back to the Tokyo Dome, so I set that as my first goal. From there, maybe I would recognize the way. After navigating through a different set of streets than the ones I had come on, I stumbled upon a crowd of thousands of people. I gave up hopes of running, and fell in line. We crossed over a bridge and under a sign that read "Tokyo Dome City". At least I had found it! I power-walked my way around the slow moving shoppers in search of some familiar territory, but I found none. I ran around the dome and started running in one direction. Then I changed my mind and back-tracked. I did this a few times before I noticed how long I had been running (nearly 1 hour and 45 minutes). I could tell that I was dehydrated because I was no longer sweating. This was getting bad. As I made my way back to the dome, I saw a ray of hope in the form of a big city map just outside the Dome City. After quite a lot of confusion. I set my eyes on two main roads that would get me close to the University. By this point, running was slow and I looked longingly towards the endless series of vending machines that I passed, but I was determined to make it. After losing my way a few more times, I finally found a familiar looking street. "North or south?" I asked myself. Reluctantly, my feet started moving south. I passed a Dominos Pizza that looked familiar, and then just as I was picking up my pace. I noticed that I was passing by a very familiar looking building: home!

After slurping down two glasses of water, I went immediately to Familymart for some "Pine Cola" and soba (noodles), which I consumed with ferocity. Overall, a fun adventure that could have gone a lot worse. I hope this portends well for the remainder of my stay.