The 5 km-long run around the Imperial Palace in the heart of Tokyo is known to many after-work joggers in the metropolitan area as a "sanctuary" because there are no traffic signals and the area is safe.
Recently, facilities for joggers to change their work clothes to running gear and shower before they head home are mushrooming around the Imperial Palace to cater to their increasing numbers.
At Runners Station Kojimachi right above Kojimachi Station on the Yurakucho Line, some 600 meters west of the palace moat, runners can use lockers in dressing rooms and shower rooms at a cost of ¥700.