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 the Yamanote line, starting at Tokyo Tokia Building (close to Tokyo Station), 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 3 members!

Is there a fee?

Yes. The fee is 14,000 JPY per team.

When is the registration closing date?

Closing date for registrations havenot been decided yet. However, we reserve the right to close registrations when we reach 200 teams.

Where is the start/finish line?

The Tokyo Yamathon will start and finish at Tokyo TOKIA Building – only 3 minutes from Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit.

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 29 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, but IVG volunteers will be waiting for you at the finish line until late evening. The time limit for all teams to finish will be 21:15. If you cannot finish within this time, your team will be disqualified.

What is the schedule for the day itself?

07:15: General teams will arrive with all their team members at the entrance to Tokyo Tokia Building (3 mins walk from Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit) to register their teams.

At 07:45, we will hold a short opening ceremony.

08:00: General teams will be released in groups with a staggered start. Team leaders will be given an electronic chip which will give teams an official start time.

08:30: Sponsor & supporter teams will arrive with all their team members at the entrance to Tokyo Tokia Building (3 mins walk from Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit) to register their teams.

At 09:00, we will hold a short opening ceremony.

09:15: Sponsor teams and supporter teams will be released in groups with a staggered start. Team leaders will be given an electronic chip which will give teams an official start time.

During the challenge: Participants must visit all 30 stations. If you do not visit every station your team will be disqualified.

Finishing point: Make your way back to the starting point at Tokyo Tokia Building. We will record the results and announce official times and rankings after the event.

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 picture 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 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.