How to secure an entry bib for Tokyo Race Weekend

The Tokyo Marathon is famous for its popularity and the challenge of securing an entry bib. With a highly competitive lottery, limited charity spots, and strict time-qualifier standards, many runners spend years chasing their chance to take part.

There are a few ways to secure a spot for this highly sought-after race. Many runners enter through the official lottery system, which is highly competitive due to the event’s popularity. Charity programs offer another route, allowing runners to support a good cause while gaining entry. Each option comes with specific requirements and deadlines, so it’s essential to plan for the Tokyo Race Weekend in advance.

Once your entry is secured, the focus shifts to preparing for the race weekend itself. From small details like knowing where to pick up your race materials to familiarizing yourself with the course, these can help the day run smoothly and let you focus on the excitement of running through Tokyo.

How to secure a Tokyo race entry

Tokyo Marathon Charity Entry

Running as a charity runner is one of the most effective ways to secure a spot at Tokyo Race Weekend. Each year, the event partners with around 39 official charity programs, offering roughly 5,000 charity bibs. Applications typically open in mid-June and close by late July, with notifications sent out by mid-July. Once accepted, runners confirm their entry by completing the required donation or fundraising commitment, usually due by early to mid-August.

Charity runners enjoy more than just early entry — they often receive exclusive support, access to group meetups, and the satisfaction of running for a meaningful cause.

Some of the charities affiliated with the event include:

• CARE International Japan
• The Parkinson’s Foundation
• Save the Children UK
• Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Achilles International
• Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan
• Peace Winds Japan
• Japan Cancer Society:
• Japan for UNHCR
• Special Olympics Nippon Foundation
• Japan Environmental Education Forum
• Teach for Japan
• Tokyo Toy Museum
• NPO Florence

Most charities have a minimum fundraising target, which can range from approximately $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the organization. Many also offer tips and resources to help you reach your goal, such as peer-to-peer fundraising tools, promotional materials, and guidance on engaging friends and family. Planning and understanding the deadlines, donation amounts, and requirements ensures you maximize your charity experience while making a real impact.

For the up-to-date list of charities, visit the Tokyo Marathon charity entry page.

Tokyo Marathon Lottery & One Tokyo Marathon Member Entry

For runners not entering through a charity, the general lottery is the most common way to secure a spot at Tokyo Race Weekend. The lottery typically opens in late summer and remains open for several weeks. Results are usually announced around late September, and selected runners must confirm their entry quickly by paying within a short deadline. Due to high demand, applying as soon as registration opens is highly recommended.

ONE Tokyo is the official membership program for the event. Members receive priority access to the lottery, early registration windows, and other exclusive benefits designed to increase their chances of securing a place in the race. Membership is available to runners worldwide and can be a valuable option for those looking to maximize their entry opportunities.

Runners may apply for both the charity route and the general lottery to increase their chances of participation. Once a spot is secured, planning your race weekend becomes the next step. Sports Tours International offers travel packages and support to make the experience seamless, including accommodation, transportation, and helpful on-the-ground guidance.

Tokyo Marathon Tour Operator

With thousands of runners and spectators flooding Tokyo, hotels fill up fast — often months before the race. That’s where Sports Tours International comes in. Although we currently do not offer race bibs at this time, we’ve been helping runners travel to world-class marathons for over 50 years, and our mission has always been the same: take the stress out of race-week planning so you can focus on your run.

For many runners, Tokyo may be their first time traveling internationally for a marathon, and we understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate flights, hotels, language barriers, and logistics on your own. Our accommodation packages remove the guesswork. We carefully select hotels that are centrally located, offer easy access to the start and finish, and provide runner-friendly amenities like early breakfasts and supportive staff who understand marathoners’ needs.

By booking with Sports Tours International, you’re not just reserving a hotel — you’re gaining the peace of mind that comes from traveling with experts who’ve supported runners at every Abbott World Marathon Major, including London, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, New York, and now Sydney.

Some of the best hotels for the weekend include:

• New Otani Hotel Tokyo – Centrally located with easy access to the start line and convenient transport connections.
• Hotel Groove Shinjuku – Modern accommodations in a bustling neighborhood, perfect for exploring the city while staying close to race activities.
• New Otani Executive House Zen – Luxury rooms with a focus on comfort and recovery, ideal for unwinding after the race.

Tokyo Weekend Package Highlights

• Stress-free planning for all international marathoners
• Centrally located hotels with easy access to the race start and finish lines
• Runner-friendly amenities (early breakfasts, supportive staff, comfort-focused rooms)
• Backed by 50+ years of experience supporting runners worldwide
• Daily activities and a curated weekend itinerary for all guests

Make Your Tokyo Marathon Weekend Unforgettable

Planning your trip to Tokyo just got easier. If you’re aiming for a charity entry bib, entering through the lottery, or experiencing Tokyo for the first time, Sports Tours International makes your race weekend simple, seamless, and stress-free. With our expert support every step of the way, you can focus on the thrill of the run and experience Tokyo with confidence.

The race is always the first Sunday in March, with a maximum capacity of  39,000 runners in 2026, making early planning and accommodations very crucial.

Check out our Tokyo Race Weekend Accommodation Package for an exclusive stay in the heart of the city!

Please note: This package does not include Tokyo race entry bibs