FAQ's

What is The Yamathon?

The Yamathon is a charity challenge organized by International Volunteer Group (IVG), where teams of three or four people walk around the 30 stations of Tokyo’s JR Yamanote line, in less than 12 hours, and take pictures of their team at each one of the stations. The Yamanote line is Japan’s busiest and most important commuter rail line which circles the capital.

Why do teams have to have 3 to 4 members?

For safety reasons (overcrowding on footpaths, etc.) , the team size is limited to a maximum of 4 people. We realize that it may be a problem for some people to get a team of 4 people together, so to make it easier to join our event you can even apply with 1 member!

How much is it to take part in Your Yamathon?

It is 14,000 per team

The full amount of this mandatory donation will be donated to the charity partner NPO Yokohama Children’s Hospice.

When is the registration closing date?

The deadline for team registration is from September 12th to October 10th, 2021, depending on your selected Your Yamathon day.

Where is the start/finish point?

Your starting / finishing point will be whichever JR Yamanote Line station you decide to start from.

How long will it take?

A gentle walking pace would probably take about 12 hours, depending on how well your team plan the route.

Will we have access to a map?

Smartphone users will be sent an online Google map before the event. However, the suggested route is really just a guide to help you plan a course. You are allowed to make as many shortcuts as long as you visit all 30 stations.

Part of the challenge is navigating for yourself!

Can our team run?

The Yamathon is not a marathon event, therefore, we do not encourage running. If you do jog, please follow the traffic rules whenever necessary. Obey all traffic laws and traffic signals. Obey any instructions given by police. There will be no road closures and teams will use the everyday pavements (sidewalks) of Tokyo alongside other road users. You must follow our safety guidelines and all team members must finish together as a team.

Will our team be disqualified if we do not complete the Yamathon in 12 hours?

12 hours is a target time and something to aim for. You will not be disqualified if you do not complete the Yamathon in 12 hours.

How long is the Yamanote route?

Those who are navigational geniuses may complete the event in 38km. Others who follow the train line may take 44km. It really depends on which route you take. We encourage shortcuts, as long you take a photo outside all 30 stations!

IVG FAQ’s

What is IVG?

Founded in 2007, the International Volunteer Group (IVG) is, like its name states, an international group of volunteers made up of multiple nationalities living in Japan.

Yes! We come from Japan, UK, Canada, India, US, Australia, and a host of other countries.

And, Yes! We are volunteers – we work hard to come up with fantastic ideas to raise funds for people and projects that need them.

Why is IVG Japan supporting Yokohama Children's Hospice Project?

In Japan, there are approximately 20,000 children with incurable LLTC such as paediatric cancer, genetic, neurological, or metabolic diseases. Children’s Hospices is a place where children, who fight serious illness, and their families, create smiles and memories, and bring up and protect their dreams. Tokyo Yamathon would like to support the construction of such facilities.