TOKYO · JAPAN

SakuradamonTokyo Station

This course follows the moats around the Imperial Palace to Tokyo Station. Stretches skimming the water alternate with climbs over banks and gates, and you finish by threading between the towers of Marunouchi.

5.1km
Distance: 20
Rings: —
World #1

Play This Course

Photo: Dmitrijs Tokyo / Unsplash

Course map of Sakuradamon → Tokyo Station — Map: © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

ROUTE

The Route

01
Sakuradamon to the Sakurada Moat
You start above Hibiya Park. Clear Sakuradamon Gate and drop straight into the Sakurada Moat, flying just over ten meters above the water between tall banks. Where the moat bends to the northwest is your first real test.
02
Hanzomon and Chidorigafuchi
Climb over the bank at Hanzomon Gate and drop into the Hanzo Moat. At Chidorigafuchi an expressway runs above the water, so you climb over it. Up, down, up again: this section is all about rhythm.
03
Over the Nippon Budokan
When the Budokan’s roof comes into view, aim for the ring right above the ornament on top. Then descend gently over Kitanomaru Park.
04
The Ote and Wadakura Moats
Past Takebashi you are back low over the Ote Moat. Clear Otemon Gate, then drop south past the west side of the Palace Hotel Tokyo into the Wadakura Moat, about 30 meters from the hotel wall.
05
Gyoko-dori to Tokyo Station
A gentle right turn takes you onto Gyoko-dori, the avenue linking the palace and the station. Fly low between the Marunouchi and Shin-Marunouchi Buildings, then pull up over the station’s dome to finish.

STRATEGY

Strategy

Climb early before the banks

Where you leave a moat to cross a bank or gate, the ring sits high. Start pitching up a little before you reach it, then dive once you are over to win back speed.