6 Popular Marathon Events In Japan You Don't Want To Miss

2. Tokyo Marathon (Full Marathon & 10K Run)

The Tokyo Marathon is a world-renowned marathon for its fun and lively vibes. Many participants show up in unique costumes.

This event also has a lottery when the number of applicants exceeds the maximum number of participants.

Date: February 25th, 2018
Application Period: August 1st - August 31st, 2017
Eligibility: Full Marathon - Runners must be 19 years or older on the day of the event, 10K Run - Runners must be 16 years or older on the day of the event.

Entrance Fee: Full Marathon - 10,000 yen, (runners from overseas) 12,800 yen. 10K Run - 5600 yen, (runners from overseas) 6700 yen.

Course: Full Marathon -- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - Iidabashi - Kanda - Nihombashi - Asakusa Kaminari-Mon - Ryogoku - Monzen-nakacho - Ginza - Takanawa - Hibiya -Tokyo Station Gyoko-dori Ave.
10K Run -- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - Iidabashi - Kanda - Nihombashi.

Website: http://www.marathon.tokyo/en/

3. Shizuoka Marathon (Full Marathon, Fun Run & Elementary School Student Race)

At the refreshment points you'll find local specialties like the Ishigaki Ichigo strawberries, Shizuoka Oden, and Abekawa Mochi. The Ieyasu Award was newly created in honor of senior citizen runners, taking the name of long-lived Edo period shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

While running you'll see in the distance beautiful scenery like the World Heritage listed Mt. Fuji, as well as the Suruga Bay and Mt. Kuno.

Date: March 4th, 2018
Application Period: October 7th - November 17th, 2017
Eligibility: Full Marathon - Runners born on or before April 1st, 1999, Fun Run - Runners born on or before April 1st, 2002, Elementary School Student Race - Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grade students.

Entrance Fee: Full Marathon - 10,000 yen, Fun Run - 3000 yen, Elementary School Student Race - 500 yen

Course: Shizuoka City Aoi Ward Office - JR Shimizu Station East Exit

Website: http://www.shizuoka-marathon.com/en/

4. Nagoya Women's Marathon (Full Marathon)

This event was recognized as the World's Largest Women's Marathon in 2002. A Tiffany & Co. necklace, cosmetics, and a NEW BALANCE T-shirt are awarded to all who complete the race (*gifts are subject to change depending on the year).

Date: March 11th, 2018
Application Period: September 25th - October 2nd, 2017
Eligibility: Women 19 or older on day of event
Entrance Fee: 12,000 yen (additional service fee of 650 yen), escort runners for runners who are visually impaired free, escort runners can run regardless of gender.

Course: Nagoya Dome - Nagoya City Museum - Osu Kannon - Nagoya Castle - Nagoya Dome

Website: http://womens-marathon.nagoya/en/

5. Osaka Marathon (Full Marathon)

Japan's largest city marathon. Participants are chosen by lottery when the number of applicants exceeds the maximum number. The course runs through popular sightseeing spots.

Date: November 26th, 2017
Application Period: April 7th - May 12th, 2017
Eligibility: Runners born on or before April 1st, 1999. Challenge Run - Runners born on or before April 1st, 2002.

Entrance Fee: Full Marathon - 13,000 yen, Challenge Run - 6500 yen *Additional service fee required

Course: Osaka Castle Park - runs through Midosuji Boulevard, Nakanoshima, Osaka City Central Public Hall, Kyocera Dome, and Tsutenkaku

Website: http://www.osaka-marathon.com/index_en.html

6. Kyoto Marathon (Full Marathon)

Photo courtesy of: 芃欣

Photo courtesy of: 芃欣

Participants run through the beautiful city of Kyoto, passing by seven cultural heritages and Gozan, which is known for the Okuribi festival. Participants are chosen by lottery when applications exceed 16000.

Date: February 18th, 2018
Application Period: July 20th - August 31st, 2017
Eligibility: Runners born before April 1st, 1999

Entrance Fee: 15,000 yen (participants from Japan 12,000)
Course: Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium - Heian Shrine

Website: http://www.kyoto-marathon.com/en/

Points to Note

Choosing Shoes

Good shoes are a must when running a marathon. Well-cushioned stable shoes are recommended. They should be breathable and have durable soles as well.

Frequent Hydration

Make sure you don't get dehydrated by drinking water frequently.

Preparation

Other than the proper shoes and clothes, you might also want to prepare a sports watch to check your pace and speed. Light snacks and nutrient drinks may also help you run with energy.

Some rain wear, sunblock, a change of clothes, a coat, and food to help yourself recover after running are also items you don't want to forget.

Get Fit and See Japan!

Running a marathon in Japan allows you to see the area with your own feet, as well as get closer to the locals. Just stopping by to cheer the runners on is a fun experience as well.

How about taking part in one while you're in Japan?

*This article was translated and revised from a traditional Chinese article.