【Japan Marathon 2026】20 Marathons in Japan Open to Foreign Runners! Complete Guide to Entry Methods, Benefits, and Sightseeing Information

In Japan, marathon events are held all over the country, mainly from winter to spring and in autumn. Especially in races held in tourist areas, such as the Tokyo Marathon, one of the attractions is being able to enjoy sightseeing while running. Some races also offer a special "overseas entry" category for international runners. In this article, we introduce the features of five major races that are easy for overseas participants to join! We also present 15 other recommended marathons in a comprehensive table.

How to Participate in a Marathon in Japan? Things to Know Before Participating

Here are some key points that foreign travelers should know when participating in a marathon event in Japan.

Basic Information about Marathons in Japan

The main marathon seasons in Japan are winter to spring (February to March) and autumn (October to December). During these periods, the weather is cool and the air is dry, making it ideal for long-distance running. On the other hand, marathons are not recommended in summer, when high humidity and hot days are common. There are generally two types of entry methods: races where participants are selected by lottery, and races where entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. In either case, be sure to check the entry period in advance. For large-scale city marathons, the entry fee is typically around 10,000 to 20,000 yen per person, while smaller races usually cost between 5,000 and 10,000 yen. In races with a special overseas runner category, the entry fee may differ between international and general participants.

From Entry to Race Day: The Process

The process varies by event, but registration usually opens about six months in advance. For example, for the Tokyo Marathon (held in March), entry is typically in mid to late August, with the lottery results announced in mid-September. After that, don’t forget to pay the entry fee and complete important procedures such as runner check-in. If you do not complete the pre-race check-in, you will not be able to participate. Please note that if you arrive in Japan the day before the marathon, you may not be able to complete the runner check-in in time.

Unique Marathon Etiquette in Japan

In addition to running etiquette such as not running side by side, not stopping suddenly, and either calling out or slowing down when overtaking, it is also important to follow pre- and post-race manners: take your trash with you, line up properly without cutting in when toilets are crowded, and express your gratitude to volunteer staff in the finish area and to the supporters cheering along the course.

There are many marathon events held in Japan, but in this article, FUN! JAPAN introduces five carefully selected races.

[February] Osaka Marathon: Experience Osaka-Style Hospitality and Enthusiastic Support!

The Osaka Marathon is one of Japan’s largest city marathons, alongside the Tokyo Marathon, and is known for its energetic roadside supporters. In 2026, the “Runner Cheering Squad!” boosted runners’ spirits with cheerleading, taiko drumming, and dance performances along the course. While there is no special “overseas entry” category, international runners can apply as general participants (International) through JTB Sports Station. If the number of applicants exceeds the limit, a lottery will be held.

At the 2026 event, all finishers received a finisher’s medal and a finisher’s towel designed by renowned Osaka-born designer Junko Koshino for her brand “JUNKO KOSHINO.”

Course Features

In the marathon category, the race starts in front of the Osaka Prefectural Government Office and finishes at Osaka Castle Park. Runners can enjoy views of Osaka’s famous landmarks such as Osaka Castle, Namba, Midosuji, Dotonbori, and Tennoji along the way. The 720 Naniwa Marathon starts in front of the Osaka Prefectural Government Office and finishes in front of the Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest. At the aid stations, in addition to bananas, sports yokan (sweet bean jelly for athletes), and throat lozenges, the “Maido Aid” station at the 32.8-kilometer mark offered takoyaki, Billiken doll-shaped sponge cakes, croquettes, and more during the February 2026 event.

• Event Period: Late February every year
• Venue:
• Marathon: (Start) In front of Osaka Prefectural Government Office, (Finish) Osaka Castle Park
• 720 Naniwa Marathon: (Start) In front of Osaka Prefectural Government Office, (Finish) In front of Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest
• Categories: Distance / Capacity / Time Limit:
• Marathon: 42.195 km / 31,970 participants / 7 hours
• 720 Naniwa Marathon: 7.2 km / 2,030 participants / 1 hour 20 minutes
• Official Website URL (English): https://www.osaka-marathon.com/2026/en/

*All information is for the 2026 event.

[February] Kyoto Marathon: Run Past World Heritage Sites!

The appeal of the Kyoto Marathon is that you can run past multiple World Heritage Sites along the course. It is the only race where runners can see numerous World Heritage Sites while running. For the February 2026 event, there were 4,000 slots for overseas runners, who could enter through international channels such as JTB Sports Station. All participants received a “Participation Towel” as a race memento, and finishers were awarded a finisher’s medal.

Just like the Osaka Marathon, the “Cheering Squad” along the course, featuring Japanese taiko drumming, cheerleaders, and brass bands, supported the runners. At the aid stations, Kyoto’s famous sweets such as Tsujiri-no-Sato, Hime Senju Senbei, and Kyo Baum were also provided. In the area west of the finish line, the “Otsukaresama Square” offered free massages and miso soup made with Kyoto’s local ingredients, helping runners recover after the race.

Course Features

The race starts at Takebishi Stadium Kyoto, passes through famous spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Ninna-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Kamo River, and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, and finishes in front of Heian Shrine. The course is also attractive for its variety, including bamboo groves and the Kamo River, allowing runners to enjoy nature as well.

• Event Period: Mid-February every year
• Venue: (Start) Takebishi Stadium Kyoto, (Finish) In front of Heian Shrine
• Category: Distance / Capacity / Time Limit:
• Marathon: 42.195km / 16,000 participants / 6 hours
• Official Website URL (English): https://kyoto-marathon.com/en/

*All information is for the 2026 event.

[March] Tokyo Marathon: One of the World’s Premier World Marathon Majors!

Launched in 2007, the Tokyo Marathon is a citizen-participation marathon held every year on the first Sunday of March in Tokyo, and is considered one of the world’s seven major marathons.

Due to its popularity, the lottery odds for general entry are over 10 times. In 2025, there were 27,594 male and 9,818 female runners, with about 40% of male and 60% of female participants being international runners, showing a very high proportion of overseas participants. Overseas runners must enter through the English website. For changing clothes, in 2026, changing tents or areas will be set up at both the start and finish points, but due to the heavy crowds at the Tokyo Marathon, it is recommended to change at your accommodation if possible.

Course Features

The race starts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku) and finishes on Gyoko-dori Avenue in front of Tokyo Station. Along the way, runners pass through famous Tokyo landmarks such as Akihabara, Asakusa, Ryogoku, Nihonbashi, and Ginza. Starting in 2026, a new refreshment spot called "Omotenashi Aid" will be set up, offering bananas, snacks, and more. In 2026, Tokyo Banana cakes, salted candy, Country Ma'am cookies, dried sweet potatoes, and Sports Yokan Pocket (Azuki) are scheduled to be provided.

• Event Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
• Location: (Start) Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku), (Finish) Gyoko-dori Avenue in front of Tokyo Station
• Categories: Distance / Capacity / Time Limit:
• Marathon: 42.195km / 38,500 participants / 7 hours
• 10.7km: 10.7km / 500 participants / 2 hours
• *Entry fee, administrative fee, and tax included
• Official Website URL (English): https://tokyo42195.org/

[March] Nagoya Women's Marathon: The World's Largest Women's-Only Full Marathon!

It is the world's largest women's-only full marathon. There are entry slots for overseas runners; access the ENTRY (English) page on the official website to register (first-come, first-served).

All finishers receive a Baccarat tumbler in a red box and a special original T-shirt by New Balance. Another highlight is the refreshment stations, which offer Nagoya specialties such as kishimen noodles and uiro sweets.

Course Features

Runners can enjoy sightseeing as they pass landmarks such as Nagoya Castle, the Sakae area, and Osu Kannon. The first 10 km from the start is a gentle downhill, followed by a slight uphill, but overall the course has few ups and downs. Continuing from 2025 to 2026, the event will feature the "GO RUNWAY × GO WOMEN" fashion show, where the marathon finish lane is transformed into a runway, adding to the excitement.

• Event Date: March 8, 2026
• Location (Start & Finish): Vantelin Dome Nagoya
• Category: Distance / Capacity / Time Limit:
• Women's Marathon: 42.195km / approx. 20,000 participants (including 3,500 overseas slots) / 7 hours
• Official Website URL (English): https://womens-marathon.nagoya/

[December] Mt. Fuji Marathon: Receive a Finisher Medal with a Mt. Fuji Design!

Like the Tokyo Marathon, this event attracts many runners from overseas. There are several categories: the "Marathon" (42.195 km), the "Charity Fun Run" (with part of the entry fee supporting the preservation of Mt. Fuji as a World Cultural Heritage site), and the "One Lap Around Lake Kawaguchi." All finishers receive a Mt. Fuji-designed medal and a finisher towel. The medals for the full marathon and the Lake Kawaguchi One Lap are self-standing, and if you collect five, they form a three-dimensional Mt. Fuji—a unique design. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't miss out.

Course Features

The course runs along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Saiko, offering views of Mt. Fuji from many points. In the clear winter air, you can enjoy a stunning view of snow-capped Mt. Fuji. The lakeside course is mostly flat and easy to run, but there is a challenging "Heartbreak Hill" along the way.

• Event Date: Second week of December 2026 (Details to be announced in mid-April)
• Location (Start & Finish):
• Full Marathon & Lake Kawaguchi One Lap: Funatsu-hama Parking Lot (Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture)
• Charity Fun Run: Oike Park (Fujikawaguchiko Town)
• Categories: Distance / Capacity / Time Limit:
• Full Marathon: 42.195 km / 2,300 domestic residents, 3,400 overseas residents / 6 hours
• Charity Fun Run: Approx. 11 km around Lake Kawaguchi / 700 domestic residents, 1,400 overseas residents / 3 hours
• Lake Kawaguchi One Lap: Approx. 17 km around Lake Kawaguchi / 1,000 domestic residents, 3,200 overseas residents / 3 hours
• Official Website URL (English): https://mtfujimarathon.com/

*All information is for events held in 2025.

Held in Japan! 15 Other Recommended Marathon Races