Carbing Out for the Tokyo Marathon

Mar 15

How to enjoy Japan while prepping for the Tokyo Marathon? Three things: Sakura, stretching and… carbs.

Kiku chan, the capybara, is always hungry!

The couple own cats back home, so the “cat-themed” Kichijoji Tour was perfect for them

First stop, Gotokuji Temple

Gotokuji Temple is known for the lucky cat figurines. Legend has it that the cat dragged a poor stranger that turned out to be a powerful war lord. When the lord was nursed back to health, he paid back the favor and rebuilt the temple for the cat. Today, many tourists from all over the world go out of their way to visit Setagaya. Kindness leads to great things!

the plum (Ume) blossoms! it was a beautiful warm sunny day

Second stop, Kichijoji

They have extra clothes to change into. Just be sure to wear socks!

Last year, one of my tour guest was participating in the Tokyo Marathon, so we did a run-through from the hotel to Tochomae in Shinjuku where they will start the race. Later, I recommend that he get professionally stretched at Dr. Stretch and he felt like a million bucks!

This time, it’s David’s turn! He had a previous minor injury in his hamstring and after doing a 15-minute trial at Dr. Stretch, he too, felt like a million bucks! This is important preparation for anyone running a marathon to avoid any injuries.

It’s Carb Day

It is an unwritten rule for runners to load up on carbs before a marathon.

I took them to my favorite ramen, cream puffs and frozen yogurt!

“I saved my first ramen meal for you, Bunny!”

Garlic miso ramen for him because garlic will give you max energy. Shio ramen for me!

Froyo: Mixed berry, Lychee, Strawberry creamcheese

Capybara & Neko Cafe

They also opened another location in Harajuku!

Window-Shopping

Kichijoji is one of my favorite places to shop. They have cute affordable knick-knacks and the thrifting scene is amazing. The couple traveled with a carry-on suitcase and they’re trying to downsize their belongings at home, so they really enjoyed just window-shopping and trying new foods.

Kichijoji Park, on the way to Ghibli Museum

David also tried fortune-telling for the first time, and there was a wonderful message from Japan.

Ghibli Museum

I dropped them off at the Ghibli Museum with their tickets, where they got to go inside Miyazaki Hayao’s world. They are a fan of Kiki, the cat from “Kiki’s Delivery.”