When I went to Barcelona in Spain the other day, I will report on the wonderful running tour “EARLY BIRD TOUR” organized by the tour company “RUNNING TOURS BARCELONA“.
OUTLINE OF “EARLY BIRD TOUR”
This tour is a perfect private tour by Robin of Ultra Runner living in Barcelona.
The price is high somewhat because it is a perfect one – to – one tour with no other customers.
However, Mr. Robin will come to pick me up at the hotel where I am staying early in the morning, and he will show me to the hotel after running.
Of course you can completely leave it up to him about the running start time and course.
In my case I stayed at a hotel near the Sagrada Familia and he adjusted for arriving at the beach just at sunrise time.
It is unique service of Robin who knew Barcelona.
The running course runs through the city of Barcelona where nobody is yet, runs through the beach, goes from La Barceloneta through the Gothic Quarter back to Sagrada Familia.
Meanwhile, Mr. Robin will guide you in English about the history, architecture, art work and customs of Barcelona without a break of time.
In addition to academic knowledge, you will never get tired of his talking with his new interpretations and trivia.
From Gaudi to the world ‘s first non – atmospheric dependent promoter submarine inventor Narcís Monturiol i Estarriol, his knowledge range was wide and I felt his love for Barcelona.
I made an appointment with the official website “https://www.runningtoursbarcelona.com/“.
If you enter the name and address of the accommodation hotel in the form, they will guide you the course optimized by you, the meeting time and the place by e-mail.
Payment was only cash.
It is a tour that you can fully enjoy the city of Barcelona before waking up from the runner’s point of view. If you are runner, and planning to travel Spain it is definitely recommended.
I am reporting that I participated in a very unique running tour “The Chasing of the Guard” sponsored by the tour company “SECRET LONDON RUNS” in London.
TOUR OVERVIEW
In front of Buckingham Palace, which is crowded with many tourists, it is very difficult to observe the ceremony sufficiently because it is so popular.
If you participate in this running tour you will be able to see the whole picture of the famous “the Changing of the Guard” ceremony while you enjoying run.
On this tour you can start a run with a cavalry from the cavalry departing point “Hyde Park Barracks” and run through Buckingham Palace and you can see the whole picture until the replacement ceremony at “Horse Guards Parede”.
During the tour the tour guide will guide you not only about “the Changing of the Guard” but also detailed information about the history of the London royal family.
For example, she talked about the information on “human nose” that jumps out to the wall of “Admiralty Arch”, and she never got tired of talking with interesting topics.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS TOUR
Although I seem to be able to book it even on the official website, I booked it on the site “Eventbrite“.
After specifying the date on the site and completing the application, the e-mail with the voucher attached in PDF format so I printed it on that day.
After applying, my wife, who was going to join together, injured her feet and she canceled, but they responded pleasantly.
It is a recommended tour that you can enjoy super famous sightseeing spots with a new perspective with unique ideas from runners.
“Sento run” refers to a running style that puts luggage in the japanese public bath and enjoying running, of course, after running, you can relax with a bath by taking a shower.
This group is for groups who can enjoy “Sento run” with public baths in various parts of Tokyo.
The manager is not good at English, but I’d like to spread the goodness of the japanese public bath as well as possible to the world, please do not hesitate to join foreigners and Japanese people!
INFORMATION ON PUBLIC BATH
The public bath that we will use at this event of this day is “Kanda Aqua House Edo | 神田アクアハウス江戸遊”. http://www.edoyu.com/kanda/
This public bath is in a building located between Ochanomizu and Kanda.
There is a bathroom on the 3rd floor, you can enjoy two types of bathtubs.
first one is a bathtub that can enjoy the scent of hinoki and the other one is using a stone of Hokkaido’s “Futamata Hot Spring”.
Sauna and water bath are also available at extra charge, if you like it!
On the second floor there is a free lounge where you can relax and there is also a restaurant so if you wish you can have evening meal here!
RUNNING INFORMATION
At this event we are planning a course of about 7 km which will start from the sento and make a round around the Imperial Palace.
You can enjoy the landscape chosen as “100 roads in Japan” such as Sakurada-mon Gate and the moat of Edo Castle.
This event is aimed at relaxing only, so running speed is slow.
If you are beginner of a running, please do not hesitate to join us.
MEETING PLACE
I will be waiting you in front of the Starbucks after leaving Hijiribashiguchi Exit at JR Ochanomizu Station at 6 PM.
I am a buzz cut man, If you do not understand please contact me via email!
↓
info@sampomaster.com
ENTRY FEE:
free
※Public Bath charge is 460 yen and coin locker use fee costs 100 yen.
WHAT TO BRING:
running shoes
running wear
towel
FACILITY:
Rental Towel Set(210 yen)
locker (100 yen)
hair dryer (free)
body shampoo, conditioner shampoo (free)
DISCLAIMER:
Please read before signing up for this event.
These organizers are not professional or trained leaders and are not medically trained to handle emergencies. Please carry a personal medical emergency kit and any medications you need. Running is an inherently dangerous activity that can lead to serious injuries including but not limited to slip and injuries, fractures, heatstroke. By participation in this event/run you agree to not hold these organizers liable for any harm that may come to you, your guests, or your property. Always remember to let the event organizer know if you are leaving the group.
If you are a runner and are interested in the 表参道 Omotesando area of Tokyo, you can also enjoy running in 明治神宮 Meiji Jingu and 原宿 Harajuku.
The running style that uses the public bath is called “Sento running” in Japan.
If you use the public bath “清水湯 Shimizu-yu” in Minami Aoyama, you can train baggage and run easily, and after running you wash your body with a fashionable and clean bathhouse.You can refresh and enjoy shopping in the state-of-the-art area of fashion.
Ginza Line, Hanzomon line, Chiyoda Line to Tokyo Metro Omotesando Station
area: Minami Aoyama Minato-Ward, Tokyo
Genre:
Running
LEVEL：
Beginner
Traveling time (not including breaks):
2 hours
Distance：
About 5km
Access：
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon line, Chiyoda Line
「表参道駅 Omotesando Station」
In Minami Aoyama “Shimizu-yu”, not only the use of public baths but also luggage storage services during running are being implemented. (Weekdays only)
If you are running Aoyama street and you can see a big mountain gate and a large precincts, it is Zenkoji. The contrast which is quiet and wide temple is impressive immediately behind Aoyama street and Omotesando which is a state-of-the-art city of trend.
In autumn it is a ginkgo trees row in front of Jingu Gaien that is crowded with many people for autumn leaves.
SHAKE SHACK
It is said that he received inspiration from the first store in Madison Square Park in New York, a table tennis table is placed on the terrace and it can play.
“Seitoku Kinen Kaiga Museum” is an art museum in Meiji Jingu Gaien in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
It is a central building of Jingu Gaien, displaying historically and culturally precious paintings depicting the results of Emperor Meiji’s lifetime from the end of the Tokugawa period to the Meiji Era.
“New National Stadium” currently undergoing renovation work
It will be the main venue for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympics to be held in 2020.
Harajuku is crowded with many tourists everyday.
Takeshita Street.
Meiji Shrine is a shrine in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Emperor Meiji and Empress Akira shall be the god of deity.
Intersection in front of “Laforet Harajuku”
At Mexican fast food “Guzman y Gomez” on the second floor of “Laforet Harajuku”, we can have lunch while overlooking Meiji Dori.
”MAX BRENNER CHOCOLATE PIZZA BAR”
Ota Memorial Art Museum is a private art museum dedicated to ukiyoe in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
Omotesando is the place of origin of Shibuya’s fashion building, restaurant and Harajuku culture where the latest trends are complete.
The area around Cat Street is crowded with many restaurants, clothes shops and stalls as one step enters.
The wall of NOW IS FOREVER.
Omotesando Hills is located in Tokyo, Omotesando, a complex that consists of commercial facilities, residential facilities, and parking lots.
Epicenter of the latest fashion and culture.
A cultural and commercial facility built on the site of the old Doujunkai Aoyama Apartments. Composed of three buildings, the West Wing, Main Building, and Doujun Wing, Omotesandou Hills is lined with high-brand shops and restaurants.
Is cheers for good work!
When you return to “Shimizu-yu”, let’s clean up your body and go out for lunch and shopping!
The Tonkatsu restaurant “Maiisen” has a tastefully decorated hall, a Japanese-style room and a counter seat, which have been refurbished in places that were dressing rooms for public baths. Apart from pork cutlets, we also offer Japanese and Western menu.
The Imperial Palace refers to Edo Castle Ruins Tokugawa Shogunate used as a castle until the end of the Edo period.
Since the Meiji era, the Imperial Palace did not add a modern residential function,
so the “紫宸殿 Shishinden” (Main shrine) that conveys the style of the Heian period and the “常御殿 Tunegoten” which is a place of daily life are stored are valuable cultures It is goods.
Currently, the Imperial Palace, located in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, is one of the leading running spots in Japan,
There are many buildings symbolizing Japan such as the National Assembly building and Yasukuni Shrine in the vicinity.
While going through the Sakurada Gate from the National Assembly building, this tour tours around the Yasukuni Shrine, passing through Kitanomaru Park, with the lap of the Imperial Palace as a world heritage,
It is the only running tour in the world over the Imperial Palace, the center of politics of the Edo period, and the National Assembly building which is the center of present politics.
The guide will serve as administrator of this blog, it is not a professional guide so you can participate for free.
If you are interested in running and Japanese history, please feel free to make a reservation!
If you think that you want to run downtown in Tokyo, I strongly recommend using “Fuku no yu”.
“Fuku no yu” is the so-called Japanese Public Bath, but running is available.
You can leave your package in the locker of “Fuku no yu”, and feel free to enjoy the running downtown (with just the smartphone and the coin) by hand.
Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi areas are called “Yanesenn”, and you can enjoy many temples built in the Edo period and cheap and delicious bars and restaurants unique to downtown.
After running, after refreshing in the bath, it is good to enjoy the downtown sightseeing slowly this time!
To “Fuku no yu”, “Honkomagome Station” of Tokyo Metro Namboku Line is nearest.
area: Bunkyou-Ward in Tokyo
Genre:
Running
LEVEL：
Beginner
Traveling time (not including breaks):
2 hours
Distance：
About 3km
Maximum elevation difference：
3m
Access：
Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line「本駒込駅 Honkomagome station」
“Fuku no yu” is a wooden, stylish Japanese architecture with a modern atmosphere.
As soon as you pass through the goodwill, it is a shoebox and a series.
When you run for 5 to 10 minutes from “Fuku no yu”, you will arrive at “Yanaka Gingansa”.
“Yanaka Ginko” is a top-class famous shopping street in Japan, with about 60 large and small shops lined up.
In the retro, a city where you can feel somewhere. Not to mention shopping, there are plenty of shops that you can eat.
“Shi-no-nigoru” is a unique shop that can make your own private stickers.
Why do not you use your favorite kanji as a souvenir of Japan with Hanko?
Hanko is completed in about 30 minutes at 2600 yen per one.
It will be completed while running around Yanaka!
“Ichifuji” you can buy snacks that you can eat, such as croquettes and yakitori.
“Kanekichienn” is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony store and a traditional Japanese pottery shop.
They decorate lovely, reasonable and wonderful ceramics that they have independently found throughout Japan.
In the Yanaka Ginza shopping area, seven wooden carving cats are hiding and searching for the children is a secret boom among those who visit the shopping district.
How many cats can you find?
Yanaka, Sendagi area has grown as a “Temple town” since the Edo era.
Hongyouji Temple
It is dotted with traditional Japanese temples and historic treasures in every part of the city.
Enmyou JIzou
Suwa Shrine
“Yanaka Cemetery” The area is about 100,000 square meters and is a graveyard with about 7,000 graves.
There are tombs of celebrities such as Tokugawa family 15th generation Shogun General Yoshinobu and Yokoyama Taiman of painter of the Edo period.
Tennoji is a temple where the lottery official certified by the Edo shogunate was performed.
From “Toho Goshiki”, “The figure of Yanaka Tennoji Lottery”
Even now, you can enjoy a quiet Japanese garden.
A large seated statue of Buddha, look-like for the giant image of the Buddha in Kamakura, has been enshrined in the this precinct since 1690.
When I finish running my recommendation is “Standing Bar Sharaku”.
You can enjoy 10 kinds of homemade fresh lemon sour.
It is the original potato salad, which is like a ice cream, with mentaiko riding, it was delicious.
Running around the Imperial Palace is one of the most famous running courses in Japan.
Here we will introduce the course running through the Imperial Palace via the National Assembly building.
The running style that uses the public bath is called “Sento run” in Japan, and the person who enjoys it is called “Sento runner”.
You can run all the baggage in the public bath and you can enjoy the running of the moat of Edo castle easily.
Of course after the running let’s clean the body cleanly with a shower and let’s relax!
I will introduce a running course that passes Meiji Jingu from Yoyogi Park using the running facility “& MOSH” of Yoyogi Uehara with shower and cafe.
Of course, you can run all the baggage in “& MOSH” while running, so you can run it easily.
Even if you run slowly, it will take about 2 hours of course and you will be showered after running, so you can sip a sweat and go shopping in Shibuya!
It is an exciting course where you can enjoy traditional Japanese shrines and parks in spacious urban areas.
Towards Yoyogi Park, we will proceed “Central Ring Line”.
Eventually you will see Yoyogi Park on the left.
There are many entrances in Yoyogi Park, but today we enter from the West gate（西門）.
Green in the park is beautiful.
There is also a dog run. But the day was early in the morning, so the dogs were still less.
You can enjoy various plants and flowers.
You can purchase drinks and snacks with a shop in the park.
You can also see exciting graffiti.
There is almost no difference in elevation so you can have fun running.
Fountains and ponds are also cool.
To go to Meiji Jingu Shrine, I will leave the Harajuku gate.
As soon as I left the Harajuku gate there is Jingu Bridge, the other side of the bridge is Harajuku station.
The left side of the bridge is the Torii of Meiji Jingu Shrine.
A shrine with luxuriant green surroundings where around 100,000 trees donated from all parts of japan have been planted on a site of about 700,000㎡.
In the precincts, you can find gardens, known as Gyoen, and the treasure museum annex Homotsu Tenjishitsu, which has exhibitions related to deities.
The square in front of the treasure museum Homotsu-den is a place where you can relax.
A wonderful green forest spreads through the torii.
Extensive trees cover the shrine so that it is incredible that this is the middle of the city.
The Otorii gate
With a height of about 12m, the wooden Myojin Torii gate is the largest in japan.
Third Torii.
If you go through this gate it is main temple。
The crest of the chrysanthemum is the emblem of the Imperial family.
The Main Shrine
The main shrine visited by many worshipers from japan and abroad.
Where the souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are enshrinned.
In the vicinity of the Main Shrine there are two camphor trees which were planted at the time of foundation, which are called the “camphor couple”.
To return to the running facility break the main hall to the left and “西参道West entrance (参宮橋方面 towards Shingūbashi)”
Let’s proceed to the “西参道West entrance (参宮橋方面 towards Shingūbashi)” sign.
You can see the group of buildings in Shinjuku beyond the huge lawn square.
It is the exit of west approach.
When you leave the shrine there is the “Tokyo riding club“. If you have a child you can ride a pony.
As soon as you leave the “Tokyo riding club” you will find the station on the Odakyu Line Sanguubashi brige.
When you go down the hill along the railway track, you will return to the Yoyogi Park gates again.
You have returned to “& MOSH” from Yoyogi Park.
Take a shower and change clothes.
Each towel can be used freely.
Homemade smoothie follows with an additional charge of 200 yen, charging of mobile phone is free.
There are a lot of delicious restaurants around “& MOSH”.
On this day, I got a dumplings of “按田餃子 Anda dumplings”.
