日本でどこで運動できるの?Where Can I Exercise on My Tokyo Business Trip? PART 2 – Jog Around the Imperial Palace
- India Bodien
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
As an employment lawyer who spends long hours in front of a computer, I’ve learned the hard way that fitness isn’t a luxury — it’s a professional advantage. That’s why I’m passionate about fitness for lawyers and even coach other lawyers on how to stay active on the road. On a recent business trip to Tokyo in January, I found one of the best running routes I’ve ever experienced: the loop around the Tokyo Imperial Palace. For any attorney or busy professional visiting Japan, it’s the perfect way to combine exercise, sightseeing, and stress relief — all before your first client meeting.

Tokyo can seem overwhelming at first, especially if you’re staying in the Marunouchi or Otemachi business districts. Between jet lag, client dinners, and long workdays, finding time to move can feel impossible. But fitness for lawyers isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency. After a long train ride back from Nagano, one crisp January afternoon, I laced up my running shoes and joined a dozen or so locals and jogging the 5-kilometer path that circles the Imperial Palace. The wide sidewalks, scenic moat views, and gentle rolling terrain make it ideal for all fitness levels. Even in the winter chill, the air felt clean, the mood calm, and the city surprisingly peaceful.

What makes the Imperial Palace loop so special is its accessibility. You can start near Sakuradamon Station, Tokyo Station, or Hibiya Station — all easy to reach from major hotels. There are lockers and showers available at several running stations nearby, such as RunBase Tokyo, where you can rent gear if you didn’t pack workout clothes. As a lawyer on a tight schedule, I appreciated that I could run, shower, and still be ready for morning meetings without missing a beat. The route has clear signage, traffic lights at crossings, and even water fountains. For visiting attorneys or business travelers, this is the easiest way to fit exercise into your day without needing a gym membership.

From an employment lawyer’s perspective, maintaining fitness while traveling isn’t just about health — it’s about performance and professionalism. When I work with clients as a personal trainer for lawyers, I emphasize that staying active and getting into fighting shape enhances focus, decision-making, and stress management — skills that directly affect how we practice law. Whether you’re preparing for arbitration, client negotiations, or court appearances, movement clears the mental clutter. Jogging around the Imperial Palace was more than a workout; it was a mental reset.
For attorneys visiting Tokyo, my advice is simple: pack your running shoes and schedule one morning or afternoon to jog around the Imperial Palace. Even 30 minutes will leave you energized, clear-headed, and more productive for the rest of the day. If you prefer structure or accountability, consider hiring a personal trainer for lawyers who understands your demanding schedule and can build quick, travel-friendly programs tailored to your caseload and travel commitments.
Tokyo offers endless ways to stay active, but few match the beauty and serenity of the Imperial Palace route. For lawyers balancing long hours and client deadlines, fitness isn’t optional — it’s part of doing your job well. So the next time you’re in Japan and wondering “日本でどこで運動できるの?Where can I exercise on my Tokyo business trip?” — head for the Imperial Palace, lace up, and jog your way to better focus, stamina, and wellbeing.

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