[Travelers' Notes] Practicing Life in Tokyo

Text by TRAVELER Luxe Travelers' Notes / Li Zhishan
 
Practice One: A New Way of Life Movement

It's a trend, and also an attitude. The lifestyle philosophy of Tokyoites can be glimpsed through newly opened popular attractions. Tokyo is a city of dreams where you can practice living boldly, with endless novel experiences stimulating your sense of adventure. You can easily step out of your comfort zone and try a brand-new way of life.

● Sumida River RUN – Run, Tokyoites

Urban jogging is booming. The Tokyo Marathon has grown more spectacular year after year, and Tokyoites are no longer suppressing their active instincts. They head outdoors to chase the sunshine. Tokyo’s “mother river,” the Sumida River, has regained attention in recent years thanks to urban redevelopment, with newly laid riverside paths becoming popular spots for city runners. Cherry blossoms of the Somei Yoshino variety dance along the riverbanks, accompanied by fresh greenery all around. Immersed in the refreshing riverside vibe, your heartbeat quickens, but your spirit remains lively and carefree.

The urge to move isn’t limited by time or place. When you’re eager to run freely, just hop on a train, rent a towel and running shoes at Nippon Terrace (N！TERRACE), and you’re ready to go. The Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association has planned a jogging route along the Sumida River, with a one-way distance of 4.3 km from the former Yasuda Garden to Etorofu Island Park. Running a full loop around both banks covers about 10 km. Jogging along the wide riverside roads, you’ll notice the embankment designed with an Edo-period lacquerware aesthetic, adorned with ukiyo-e prints of sumo wrestlers that add a touch of classic charm. Iconic bridges like the 400-year-old Ryogoku Bridge, the suspension-style Tsukuda Bridge, the Sumida River Ohashi, and the century-old iron Yotsuya Bridge flash by one after another, as if unfolding a historical scroll spanning centuries. You’re running freely through the ever-flowing history of Edo.

On the opposite bank, the sun shines brightly. Deciding to cross the bridge to the other side of the track, you’re suddenly greeted by the sight of Tokyo Skytree, standing majestically under the radiant sunlight. “Good morning!” a friendly elderly woman walking her dog greets you. A young man coming toward you is walking on stilts, seemingly practicing something. When he notices you stop and raise your camera, he strikes a few cool poses. “Make me look good!” he says with a shy smile. Even the river is bustling—futuristic-looking sightseeing boats carry excited tourists, while occasional jets of water spray up from speeding jet ski squads. All kinds of people are sharing moments of healthy living, capturing the fresh vibes along the river.

Living Well Under the Blue Sky

Back at Nippon Terrace, the café Kashima ATHLETE fills the air with appetizing aromas—it’s breakfast time. Café owner Nakagawa Masashi explains: “Nippon Terrace, with the Sumida River as its backdrop, combines time for activity, time for eating, and communal (cyclical) time.” As the launchpad for the Sumida River jogging movement, Nippon Terrace has also set up a dedicated “RUN CUBE,” offering equipment rentals, changing rooms, and shower facilities. Café Kashima ATHLETE opens at 7 a.m. on weekends, serving nutrient-packed brunches tailored for runners. At lunch, the “one soup, three dishes” set meal is designed with nutritional values aligned to post-workout needs, ensuring your body enjoys delicious, guilt-free fuel.