Tokyo Marathon Baggage Check: Bag Drop Rules and Options

Running the Tokyo Marathon requires planning your post-race gear months ahead of race day. Unlike some World Marathon Majors where bag drop is automatically included for all participants, Tokyo treats baggage check as an optional service with strict registration deadlines and specific race-day procedures.

Whether you checked a bag or chose to travel light, here is how Tokyo Marathon baggage logistics work, what every finisher receives, and how to navigate the start and finish areas.

How does baggage check work at the Tokyo Marathon?

Baggage check for the Tokyo Marathon is an optional, paid service. For international participants, adding baggage check costs USD 12 (tax included). If you select the service, you must complete a separate payment procedure in your personal "My Entry" account after paying the event entry fee.

Packet pickup takes place at Tokyo Big Sight South Exhibition Halls prior to race day. Baggage check service is only available to those who applied for it at the time of entry.

Can you add or change baggage check after entry?

No. The Tokyo Marathon enforces an inflexible opt-in policy. Under Entry Regulation 15, participants who wish to use the baggage check service must apply for it at the time of entry.

Once entry is completed, requests to add, cancel, or change baggage check arrangements cannot be accepted under any circumstances. If you did not select and pay for the baggage check service during the required entry window, your registration is locked into the no-baggage option.

What do runners without baggage check receive at the finish?

Runners who opt out of baggage check do not have personal gear transported to the finish area. However, all finishers receive warm cover:

• Finisher robe: Every finisher receives an official finisher robe along with their finisher medal.
• Start changing tents: Changing tents in the start area (within the restricted area after passing through each entry gate) are available to participants. Finish-area changing tents or changing areas are accessible only to runners who applied for the baggage check service.

Japanese race regulations strictly prohibit changing clothes in undesignated public places, including train stations, station restrooms, or commercial facilities.

Where and how is baggage dropped off on race morning?

The race starts in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, accessible via Shinjuku Station and Nishi-Shinjuku Station.

When arriving on race morning:

• Security screening: You must enter only through your designated entrance gate. For security, runners are required to wear wristbands fastened at packet pickup, which must remain on until after the race.
• Corral transition: Runners must start from their designated corral or wave, as starting from a different wave may lead to disqualification.

Race regulations advise all runners to carry a smartphone and a transportation IC card during the race in case of emergency or unexpected course interruptions.

Where do you collect your checked baggage after finishing?

Designated baggage pickup locations in the finish area differ by the color of the athlete bibs. Details regarding specific locations are provided in the official Runner Guidebook.

Runners who applied for the baggage check service will have access to changing tents or changing areas in the finish area after completing their race.

Plan your race-day timing, checkpoint cutoffs, and course details on our Tokyo Marathon page.

Sources: Tokyo Marathon FAQ, Tokyo Marathon Entry Information