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Best running destinations in Asia

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Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
Runners circle the Imperial Palace counterclockwise, a loop of about five kilometers with lockers and showers nearby. Yoyogi Park and the Sumida River have quiet paths for easy daily runs. The Tokyo Marathon is held in March and is one of the six World Marathon Majors.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savor sushi at a local eatery
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
As a small city state, this place has a network of park connectors of more than 300 kilometers. Routes link green spaces, reservoirs and the waterfront. Humidity is high all year, so run early or late in the day. The Singapore Marathon is held each December.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Flatter and calmer than Tokyo, this city has riverside paths along the Kamo River and temple hill trails. The stone gate paths at Fushimi Inari lead up a wooded mountain. They are narrow and busy with visitors by midday. The Kyoto Marathon is held each February.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
8.5
Peaceful and mountainous, this kingdom has trails past monasteries, prayer flags and rice terraces. Thimphu sits at about 2,300 meters, so easy, slow runs are wise in the early days. The hike to Tiger's Nest near Paro climbs to about 3,100 meters through pine forest.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Admire Himalayan panoramas from Dochula Pass’ 108 chortens
  • 🎉 Join a colorful Buddhist festival at Punakha Dzong
  • 🏔️ Hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro
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