TOKYO MARATHON ABBOTTWMM JOURNEY
Photo Credit: TOKYO MARATHON FOUNDATION
NOTE: This package does NOT include an entry to the Tokyo Marathon. You must secure this on your own through the AbbottWMM Drawing, which will take place November 13, 2024.
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Tokyo AbbottWMM Journey Package please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
We are pleased to be the official tour operator for AbbottWMM and provide a limited number of packages for runners who have secured their own entry through the AbbottWMM drawing.
This event has become the most popular running event in Japan, if not the world. Running has always been a revered sport in Japan. Naoko Takahashi was the first woman to break the 2:20 barrier when she ran 2:19:46 in the 2001 Berlin Marathon. The country was known mostly for the Fukuoka Marathon and Osaka Ladies Marathon, which were created for elite athletes only. The TOKYO MARATHON has embraced all runners in an attempt to become one of the world’s most popular international events. In 2012, it was selected as the sixth Abbott World Marathon Majors, and since then we’ve been their international tour operator!
The TOKYO MARATHON is an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel World Age Group Qualifying Race.
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, February 26
Arrive in Tokyo and transfer (at your own expense) to your hotel by the Airport Limousine Bus. This evening we will have your Marathon Tours & Travel guides on hand at a welcome desk to answer your questions and distribute any necessary documents.
Thursday, February 27
Today we will have a bus transfer to the Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2025 to provide you with first choice of official race gear before items sellout and Packet Pick-up, including bibs. Also, if you are one of our many AbbottWMM Six Star Finisher hopefuls in Tokyo you will have time to check-in at the AbbottWMM desk to get final instructions for Race Day. The afternoon is free to enjoy on your own. This evening, we will host a welcome cocktail reception at the Hilton Tokyo. (Breakfast and welcome reception included)
Friday, February 28
Enjoy the camaraderie of old as well as new friends on a day tour of Tokyo’s top sites, including lunch and many locations on the marathon course. The evening is free to enjoy on your own. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Saturday, March 1
Today is free to explore Tokyo on your own. Some activities we recommend include: the Tokyo Marathon Friendship Run 2025, a sushi cooking class, bullet train day tours and/or a visit the Tokyo Tower to shop at Roppongi Hills. We are happy to provide suggestions. This evening we will gather for the pre-race pasta dinner and race briefing at the Hilton Tokyo. (Breakfast and dinner included)
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Packages & Rates
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TOKYO MARATHON 2025 Tours | Five-Night Deluxe Package: February 26 – March 3, 2025
Features:
- Five night hotel accommodation
- Buffet breakfast each day
- All hotel taxes
- Meet and greet with Marathon Tours & Travel Staff
- Roundtrip transfer to the Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2025
- Welcome reception
- Day Tour with lunch
- Pre-race dinner at the Hilton Tokyo on Saturday evening
- Race day transfers from finish line back to start area (for Marathon Tours & Travel guaranteed bibs only)
- Post-race celebration
- Hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff
Please Note:
- This package does NOT include an entry. You must secure this on your own.
- Rates may change due to currency fluctuations and city taxes
- If travelling with a child: Per the guidelines for hotels in Japan, if the child needs their own bed, they will be charged as an adult
Not Included:
- International roundtrip airfare to Tokyo
- Airport transfers
- Gratuities and tips unless noted above
- Travel Insurance
- Meals unless noted on itinerary
- Tokyo Marathon Entry
Flight Information:
You may book your flights into either of the main airports – Narita International Airport (NRT) (approx. 90 -120 minutes from Tokyo by shuttle) or into Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) (approx. 60-90 minutes from Tokyo by shuttle). Both airports will have the Airport Limousine Bus shuttle option for your transfer to the hotel. Transfers to and from the airport are at your own expense. The shuttle is the most convenient as it is door to door, but you may also take a train to Tokyo Station and then the subway or taxi from there.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsRates (all prices are per person and in US dollars)
Additional Nights Upon Request
Five-Night Deluxe Package Double Occupancy - Price Per Person Single Occupancy Hilton Tokyo Shinjuku $4440 per person $6400
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Hotels
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Tokyo, Japan
This is perfect base for exploring the vibrant, energetic city of Tokyo. In Shinjuku at the heart of Tokyo’s shopping and entertainment district, the hotel is in an ideal location to experience modern Japan. You are also just a walk to the start. A complimentary shuttle service is in operation from the hotel to Shinjuku station, and Tokyo Metro subway is directly connected to this Tokyo, Japan hotel. Explore nearby Tokyo attractions including Akihabara and the famous Tokyo Skytree.
All 630 deluxe and executive rooms and suites were transformed by renovations in spring 2013. The hotel offers wired and wireless internet access. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the Level 1 Lobby and Marble Lounge. Rejuvenate in the 24-hour health club within the hotel and relax in the sauna or soothing whirlpool spa. Play tennis on the rooftop courts or swim lengths in the indoor pool. Choose from seven tempting restaurants offering a range of delicious cuisine. For a relaxing evening drink, visit St. George’s Bar.
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Event Information
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Race Date: March 2, 2025
Race Time: 9:10 AM
Minimum Pace / Cut-Off Time Policy: 7 hours;
(i) The time limits are based on the gun time (not on the net time).
(ii) The cut-off time will be enforced at each checkpoint due to limited duration of traffic control, security operation and event operation. The runners, who fail to pass through the checkpoint before the cut-off time will be disqualified from the race. Furthermore, runners who lag excessively behind the cut-off time pace may be asked to leave the course at any time.Course: The course starts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It drops about 100 feet in elevation during the beginning 5K. The course provides a tour of downtown Tokyo with the finish near Tokyo Station.
Entry: This package does NOT Include an entry. You must secure this on your own.
Eligibility: Marathon Tours & Travel, an authorized tour operator, is required to offer travel arrangements in conjunction with guaranteed race entry. All runners must be residents of the USA, Canada, and/or a Seven Continents Club® (SCC) member; and must be 19 years or older on race day to be eligible for our guaranteed entries. The race is limited to 25,000 runners. For additional details, please visit the official TOKYO MARATHON website.
Time Limit: The course is open for seven hours. The time limit is based on the GUN TIME, not net time. A cut-off time is strictly enforced at each checkpoint due to limited duration of traffic control, security operation and even operation. The runners who fail to pass through the checkpoint before the cut-off time will be pulled from the race and disqualified.
Number Pickup: You must pick up your race bib and packet at the TOKYO MARATHON EXPO prior to race day. Marathon Tours & Travel has scheduled roundtrip transportation to the TOKYO MARATHON EXPO on Thursday, February 27.
Temperature: Average temperatures on race day are between 35 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Difficulty: Moderate
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Registration & Booking
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Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with a deposit of $500 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment must be received before December 1, 2024. Final payments received after December 1, 2024 will be charged a $50 late payment fee.
Eligibility: Marathon Tours & Travel, an authorized tour operator, is required to offer travel arrangements in conjunction with guaranteed race entry. All runners must be residents of the USA, Canada, and/or a Seven Continents Club® (SCC) member; and must be 19 years or older on race day to be eligible for our guaranteed entries.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. Land Prices may change due to currency fluctuations.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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"I so loved the Tokyo trip and marathon..." - 2024
I so loved the Tokyo trip and marathon. The Marathon Tours & Travel team thought of every detail before and after the race to make it a pleasant experience for all of us. It was a wonderful day on the Tokyo city tour and you organized things very well. The dinners and gatherings were fun to meet and talk with others. It was so nice to visit with the entire MTT group–you all are professional and kind!
"I think this trip delivered on countless levels..." - 2024I think this trip delivered on countless levels. Please know all of your hard work didn’t go unnoticed; it was appreciated by all of us! The trip and all of its elements were delivered with precision and ease. Everything was laid out and communicated flawlessly. We know there was an army of us yet it all progressed seamlessly. Each day organically built upon one another without it feeling like a checklist. There’s A LOT to see in Tokyo and Kyoto and you managed to capture great elements in both cities. Maybe it’s the Japanese quality of life that made this trip especially fulfilling and memorable–a week-plus later, this trip has stayed with me and likely everyone else. Safe to say we’re all smitten with this amazing city and trip. BIG, BIG, BIG thanks again for another outstanding experience!!
"I had an amazing Tokyo trip, and I look forward to my next MTT race..." - 2024I had an amazing Tokyo trip, and I look forward to my next MTT race. Words don’t adequately express my gratitude for learning about MTT back in 2013. You’ve helped make some big dreams and goals a reality. As always, everything is done with great attention to detail and quality. Thanks for all of your hard work!
"Five-stars..." - 2023Everything about this experience was fabulous. Five-stars to Marathon Tours & Travel across the board.
"I found the experience so amazing..." - 2023As the non-runner of our group, I found the experience so amazing and memorable. Thank you so much Nicole and MTT staff for an outstanding job, making my husband’s dream of completing the six majors come true. It was an absolutely wonderful time and it was wonderful to meet up with other runners from previous excursions (London) here at Tokyo.
"I have used MTT since 2015..." - 2023Nicole, as the coordinator for this trip was always fantastic. She responds quickly if you have concerns about the whole ordeal during the pre- trip and post- race. Well organized. I have used MTT since 2015 and they never fail from your expectations.
"MTT staff are a treasure..." - 2023MTT staff are a treasure for those of us that have used them. I think that this is my 5th trip with your company and every one of them has exceeded my expectations!
"Wow!" - 2023Wow! Kyoto was an incredible highlight of the trip. Everything was fabulous! The hotel, food, tours and especially our tour guides.
"Traveling with MTT is the way to go" - 2023Traveling with Marathon Tours & Travel is the way to go for international races. MTT provides a nice balance of scheduled events and free time. And everyone on the tour is either a runner or a family member/friend to a runner–everyone has similar interests and it makes it easy to connect and relate to each other.
"I cannot say enough about how thankful I am to her and MTT" - 2023Nicole was amazing throughout this looooong process from Tokyo 2020 to 2023. I personally ended up throwing some curveballs her way with flights and issues, and she handled them quickly and helpfully. I cannot say enough about how thankful I am to her and Marathon Tours & Travel.
"Marathon Tours & Travel is the premier tours group..." - 2023Marathon Tours & Travel is the premier tours group in helping runners navigate the expo, start, and finish of a marathon along with touring the local sights and sounds of the host location.
"My favorite thing..." - 2023My favorite thing about Marathon Tours is that you put the runners and their health, safety and comfort as your number one priorities!
This is just a quick note to remind you of the incredible services that each of you offer, and I myself have just been so thankful for all of you over these years. As a wife, mother, professional and runner you have brought such peace of mind to my life. I am so thankful to know that when it comes to the one activity of me that brings me joy, I know I can count on all of you for help when I want to do something adventurous!
Thank you for all that you do to make people’s dreams come true and support them even when they just have to wait a bit longer. In the end, Marathon Tours and their agents are always going to be ready and willing to make sure that each person gets the best of the best! I just wanted you to know that for some of us, our experiences with marathon tours holds deep meaning in our lives because of all the goodness you have contributed.
"MT had everything covered..." - 2019Was a little nervous traveling somewhere that English is not the primary language. MT had everything covered so it was not an issue. Fellow travelers, staff made this a wonderful experience. Extension to Kyoto gave me a better feel of Japan than being in the big city (Tokyo). Well worth the extra time and money. And who doesn’t like a trip with Jacqui on it??!!
"I can't thank the MTT staff..." - 2019I can’t thank the MTT staff and the Abbott people for the support, encouragement and recognition.
"MT staff are helpful and made it such an easy trip..." - 2019MT staff are helpful and made it such an easy trip. I appreciate the organization and that everything was taken care of. I think what I enjoyed the most was meeting other runners and making new friends that I hope to connect with on future trips and future races. The hotels were great with excellent locations too.
"The volunteers on the race course were amazing..." - 2019The volunteers on the race course were amazing. MTT staff were great too. I appreciated being with a group to take care of me, as I traveled by myself.
"The extension to Kyoto was fabulous..." - 2019The extension to Kyoto was fabulous. The transfer to the train station and to Kyoto was very smoothly executed and I always felt like we were in good hands. Our guide – Harumi – was phenomenal – a true gem. She was so informational and really, really funny – she truly made the trip. I loved the itinerary and the various temples we saw.
"Kudos to you wonderful people!" - 2019I thought that Nicole and Jeff and the the entire Tokyo Marathon group did an excellent job in sending out an email and asking athletes for their questions on the trip and addressing it in the Conference call, and further following it up with an email so that everyone that missed the opportunity to participate that day and time still had the ability to benefit from it. It was very proactive and forward thinking. Kudos to you wonderful people!
"I received my Six Star..." - 2018I received my Six Star, so hard to beat the feeling of accomplishment. The comradery of the group, being so well taken care of/supported by the Marathon Tours staff and the Japanese people themselves… Are all tied for next best.
"I love meeting fellow runners from the Marathon Tours group..." - 2018I love meeting fellow runners from the Marathon Tours group, great camaraderie, great stories, great fun! Insights on the course, start area, recognition of Seven Continents Club and AbbottWMM Six Star finishers, you truly feel like a community when you travel with Marathon Tours!
"Every Marathon Tours trip is unique in its own way..." - 2018Every Marathon Tours trip is unique in its own way. The Park Hyatt was incredible as was having the chance to experience Tokyo in general. The post race gathering at the Park Hyatt was also outstanding. It was a wonderful experience.
"Loved the tour activities..." - 2018Loved the tour activities: shrine & temples, tea ceremony, drumming ceremony, etc.
Meals were varied, interesting and so good!! Loved the bullet train. Thanks Nicole for getting us all there and on time! A stressful day, but well done. The shuttle to the airport at the conclusion of the tour was awesome, and so appreciated. Nicole told us to trust her… It will all work well, and it really did.
"Communication with the Marathon Tours and Travel staff was excellent..." - 2018Communication with the Marathon Tours and Travel staff was excellent. Nicole was very responsive, and incredibly helpful. Her emails with trip details were thorough and easy to understand. I was nervous about traveling to a country that I didn’t speak the language, but felt much better with all of the detailed information that was provided.
"One of the things I appreciate most..." - 2018One of the things I appreciate most is that Marathon Tours plans everything, all I have to do is show up. I love the people on this tour – staff and other travelers! How do you manage to put together such a nice group of people to travel with? I love how knowledgeable the staff is about the race and the destination.
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Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship
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This event is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship Qualifying Race. If you achieve the automatic qualifying time for your age group, found here, you’ll be invited to the 2025 Age Group World Championship race (destination still to be announced). For more information on the Age Group World Rankings and Championship click here.
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Meet the Reps
Karen Hoch
Business Development Officer | Senior Trip Designer
Karen Hoch
Business Development Officer | Senior Trip Designer
With more than twenty years of experience in travel logistics, conference planning, and marketing it has been a dream to blend her passion of running and travel with her career. Karen has completed 30 marathons, including Boston (2011, 2022, 2023), one ultra-marathon, and many half marathons and local races. She earned her Abbott Six Star Finisher Medal in London (April 2023).
Karen is certified as a running coach with Road Runners Club of America, a member of USATF and Marathon Maniacs, is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), earned her MS in Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas and BS in Economics/Finance from Bentley University. In addition to working on Marathon Tours & Travel marketing efforts, Karen manages our programs to Bermuda, Israel, Kenya, the Italy Coast to Coast Relay, Madagascar, Scotland, Athens and supports our U.S. packages to Big Sur and Boston. She is always looking forward to the next adventure!