Hiroshima is a historic city on Japan's western coast, and is known for its Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing.

Sapporo is the largest city on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, and is known for its winter sports and beer.

The Tokyo Marathon, first held in 2007, has become one of the most popular marathons in the world, with over 30,000 runners participating each year.