Recently, many Japanese business persons have become early birds. “Asakatsu”, morning activities are on current trend and many followers wake up earlier to pursue their hobbies or skill up for their career. Because of this “asakatsu” trend in Japan, more activities and culture school started to open from early morning to meet the people’s demand. Here we are going to introduce how and where you can participate your glorious morning activities.

1. Running around the Imperial Palace

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Circle route around the Imperial Palace is the best-known public track in Tokyo. About 5 km long circuit around the palace is an ideal training path for anyone who are seeking for anything from casual fitness to marathon. Great thing about running around the palace is not only you don’t find obstacles but also you can enjoy the mini-sightseeing while running. On the way, you encounter National Museum of Modern Art, the British Embassy, and Tokyo Tower from distance as well as a lot of greens! Changing facilities are available in Jimbocho and Kojimachi for those who runs before work.

2. Morning yoga (+bonus: park yoga)


To do yoga from the early in the morning reset your brain and mind and kick off your day smoother. Many yoga school in Tokyo offers morning yoga from early morning. One recommendation is “Tokyo Yoga Center”, in Shinjuku. They teach classes from 8 a.m. they teaches traditional Indian-style yoga and are ideal choice for those who work in the Shinjuku area. Also as weather getting warmer, there is no excuse to enjoy being outside from the morning and do some activities. Another yoga school in Shinjuku, Lohas Moon offers park yoga at Shinjuku Gyoen on every Sunday from 9:30 throughout until October.

3. Zen meditation in a temple


If you want to start your day sinking into Japanese culture, one thing you should do is to practice zen medication in a buddhist temple.  Going to a buddhist temple from early in the morning calm and clean your mind and release all stress you have. Azabu Jouen in Azabu Juban offers morning Zen meditation session from 6 a.m. everyday. As well as Kourinin in Hiroo offers one from 7 a.m. during weekday and from 5 a.m on Sunday.

4. Take classes

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From cooking course to sumo study lecture series, Morning University of Marunouchi offers extended courses mostly for those business persons who want to deepen their hobby and personal skills from 7 in the morning. Most of their class offerings are limited in Japanese though they offer a few English classes as well. Their current ongoing class in English is, “Producing Japan: Discovering and Sharing a Culture with the World.”