The Sumida River is still very pleasant! In preparation for the opening of TOTOKEN, we held a pre-group run with the people of Nihonbashi Hamacho.

previous reportAs shown in the "HOUYHNHNM's Running Club♡", a running station with sauna and bar will be built in Nihonbashi Hamacho. Its name is "TOTONOU（revitalize） Laboratory" or "TOTONOU（revitalize） Laboratory" for short.TOTOKEN".

TOTOKEN is a completely new concept of run-station with a sauna that has been carefully designed to meet the requirements of TOTOKEN, a single (less than 10℃) water bath that is ice-cold, and a bar space where you can also enjoy craft beer. Of course, people who do not run but like saunas and drinking are also welcome. We aim to create a communication spot in East Tokyo where people from all walks of life can gather freely and interact with each other.

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What is the appeal of the Sumida River as a run spot?

TOTOKEN's mission is to make the Sumida River a sacred place for running. It is to make the Sumida River a sacred place for running.

Along the Sumida River, which is only a 3-minute walk or 1-minute run from TOTOKEN, there is a promenade called the "Sumida River Terrace," which is paved and greened with wide pathways and excellent scenery. The path is wide and the scenery is excellent. It is also easily accessible to sightseeing spots such as Ueno, Asakusa, and Sky Tree, making it easy to enjoy a sightseeing run.

We want as many people as possible to know the appeal of the Sumida River as a running spot. We also want people to actually run and experience its potential. This is the idea behind TOTOKEN.

The main members of HOUYHNHNM RUNNING CLUB♡s have also run along the Sumida River several times. We understand firsthand how attractive it is as a running spot.

However, we also talked about this. In order to make the Sumida River a sacred place for running, it is necessary for us to know more deeply about its charms. To know the charms of the Sumida River more deeply, we need to run there ourselves. It would be even better if we could hear the opinions of local runners who run in this area on a regular basis.

Run along the Sumida River with local residents of Nihonbashi Hamacho!

That is why we suddenly decided to hold a pre-group run along the Sumida River. It was the people of the Nihonbashi Hamacho neighborhood who called on us.

The base is "Hama House" in Nihonbashi Hamacho. One evening in June, runners were gathering there one after another.

The total number of participants was about 30, including the main members of HOUYHNHNM RUNNING CLUB♡s. People who work or live in Nihonbashi Hamacho and who have a connection with this neighborhood gathered together. The participants were diverse, ranging from serious runners to casual runners.

With a moderate amount of preparatory exercise, I immediately started running!

At ......, we arrived at the promenade along the Sumida River as soon as we started running! The expression "three minutes to walk to the Sumida River, one minute to run" is not an exaggeration.

The Sumida River is just a stone's throw away. This location is too attractive for runners.

And again, I felt that it is easy to drive along the Sumida River! The road is wide and there are not many pedestrians. The road is wide and there are not many pedestrians on it, and the scenery is constantly changing, so I never get tired of it.

After walking north along the Sumida River for a while, the Tokyo Sky Tree came into view on the other side of the river.

The Tokyo Sky Tree soars high into the sky. It was still before sunset, but the Skytree is beautiful when it is lit up after dark.

Crossing the Azuma Bridge in Asakusa, you will see the golden headquarters building of Asahi Breweries and next to it, an objet d'art created by Philippe Starck. It is a landmark of this neighborhood, and seeing it up close is very exciting.

The tour finishes by heading south along the left bank of the Sumida River at dusk!

I just finished a 7 km run from Nihonbashi Hamacho to Asakusa and Ryogoku. Well, that was fun! I think all the participants were able to feel firsthand the high potential of the Sumida River as a running spot.

After the run, we took a long bath in a public bathhouse and toasted at a nearby Chinese restaurant! This was the case at TOTOKEN because the interior is currently under construction, but when TOTOKEN opens, it will be a one-stop shop for everything from run to bath to beer. This means that an ideal route for runners will be provided.

Group runs, in which "anyone can participate," are held regularly!

Afterwards, we had a get-together with Nihonbashi Hamacho residents. The exchange was deepened beyond the boundaries of industries and occupations.

We talked about this and that with beer in hand, and the love for one's hometown was so passionate. I could clearly feel their desire to make the town of Nihonbashi Hamacho more lively and their expectations for "TOTOKEN".

This group run was a closed event, but after the opening of TOTOKEN, it will be held regularly in an open style "open to all" as in the past HOUYHNHNM RUNNING CLUB♡♡. We hope that many people will participate.

TOTOKEN will open in Nihonbashi Hamacho, a hot area where many unique stores are opening one after another. It will open in late September. Please look forward to this new endeavor by "HOUYHNHNM" and "HOUYHNHNM Running Club♡". And to make the facility even better.crowdfundingis also still underway. Please help us out here, too!

Photo_Yuya Wada
Text_Issey Enomoto