Image courtesy of: Osaka Marathon Organizing Committee
Here is an on-site report of the "Osaka Marathon 2026," which is highly popular among international runners. The Osaka Marathon is one of Japan's leading urban marathons, running through the heart of Osaka, and this year marks its 14th edition. Before the race, the "Osaka Marathon EXPO 2026" event was held as well. From the race itself to the pre-race events and the delights of "Kuidaore" (Osaka's food culture), we introduce five reasons why this marathon is recommended for international runners.
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1. Enjoy the Festivities Even Before the Race! An Inside Report on the "Osaka Marathon EXPO"
For major marathons in Japan, such as the Osaka Marathon and the Nagoya Women's Marathon, it is common to hold pre-race events that also serve as runner registration.
One of Japan's Largest Events: The Excitement Begins with Registration at INTEX Osaka
Runners who have been selected to participate in the marathon must complete their registration procedures by the day before the race.
"Osaka Marathon EXPO 2026," held at INTEX Osaka on Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21 before the race, is a large-scale event that also serves as runner registration. The event attracted about 50,000 visitors, including runners, their companions, and general attendees. The entire venue was filled with the excitement of a festival on the eve of the race, and some international runners even commented that "the EXPO alone is worth the trip." The lively atmosphere and hospitality unique to Osaka lift runners' spirits from the moment they arrive.
We had the opportunity to interview a mother and son who came from Thailand. The mother is the one participating in the race; although she has run full marathons several times before, this is her first time joining one in Japan. Her kind son accompanied her all the way from Thailand to cheer her on.
There were also many other international runners at the venue, each enjoying the exhibition booths and local food on offer.
Inside the venue, there was a food corner where you could enjoy Osaka specialties such as “Takoyaki” (octopus balls), “Nikusui” (a soup with thinly sliced beef and dashi broth), and even “Kobe Beef,” a famous premium beef brand from the Kansai region. One of the highlights was being able to sample and compare various local dishes right at the venue.
Get Your Hands on Limited Edition Goods: Exclusive “Osaka Vibes” Items Only Available Here
The venue was lined with booths featuring the latest running shoes, apparel, supplements, and recovery items. The try-on and experience corners were so popular that there were always lines, further building excitement among runners. The most sought-after items were the ASICS event-exclusive models and the official wear featuring colorful and pop designs unique to Osaka. T-shirts with “OSAKA” printed on them were especially popular among international runners, selling out even in the morning.
At the reception, there were dedicated counters for English and Traditional Chinese, and the staff provided courteous guidance. There was also a cloakroom where large suitcases could be stored, so international runners could come straight to the venue without worry. Even when crowded, the flow was smooth, and first-time international participants gave high praise, saying, “You can join Japanese races with peace of mind.”
2. An Impressive Start! About 30,000 Runners Set Off with Osaka Castle as the Backdrop
A Treasure Trove of Photo Spots: A Stunning Start with the Golden Osaka Castle as the Backdrop
The starting point was in front of the Osaka Prefectural Government Office. Even before sunrise, many runners gathered at the site. Just before the start, guest runners and event officials took the stage, and the excitement throughout the venue soared. With the starting gun, runners dashed into the streets of Osaka. The moment when 34,000 runners set off with Osaka Castle glowing in the morning sun behind them was truly a breathtaking sight.
Wave Start System
To ensure that about 30,000 runners can start safely, the Osaka Marathon uses a wave (staggered) start system. Runners are divided into several groups based on their personal best or expected finish time, and each group starts at intervals of a few minutes. The first wave starts at 9:15 a.m., followed by the second and third waves. The orderly and smooth start, so characteristic of Japan, is a must-see.
3. [On-site Report] This is the Famous “Maido Aid”!
A Huge Refreshment Area Run by Local Shopping Streets Appears Near the End of the Course (around 32 km)
When it comes to the Osaka Marathon, one of its legendary highlights among runners is the “Maido Aid.” This massive refreshment area suddenly appears around the 32 km mark near the end of the course, where local shopping streets come together to offer delicious local hospitality. You’ll find a wide variety of Osaka specialties such as cream puffs, Billiken-shaped cakes, hamo tempura, croquettes, torafugu jelly, takoyaki, oyatsu inari, pickled shallots, and more. The selection is so extensive that you might find yourself wanting to linger, even if you’re worried about your time! The menu gets better every year, and social media is filled with posts like “This was so good!” and “I want to try this next year!”
Don’t Miss the Warmth of the “Unofficial Aid Stations”!
Along the Osaka Marathon course, in addition to the official “Maido Aid,” there are numerous “unofficial aid stations” set up voluntarily by local residents. Runners are cheered on with a variety of treats, from candy and chocolate to salt tablets and mikan (mandarin oranges). Locals hand these out with encouraging words in Osaka dialect like “Ganbariya!” (“Keep it up!”) and “Ato chotto yade!” (“Just a little more to go!”), creating a uniquely Osaka sense of closeness. The chance to experience not just the run, but also the warmth of the people, is one of the Osaka Marathon’s greatest attractions.
4. 30,000 Runners vs. 1 Million Supporters!?
Passionate Kansai-Style Cheers Along the Entire 42km Course
Because the course passes through Osaka’s main streets—such as Midosuji, Nakanoshima, Namba, Tenmabashi, and Osaka Castle Park—, all popular landmarks, the roadside support is lively and energetic. The endless high-fives from supporters along the route give runners a boost of energy. Cheers in true Osaka style, like “Ganbariya~” and “Ee pace yade~” (“You’re doing great!”), encourage runners all the way to the finish line.
Brass Bands, Cheer Dance, and Osaka’s Famous “Flashy Costumed Runners”
The official cheering performance group, "Runner Cheer Squad!", is one of the signature features of the Osaka Marathon. From Yosakoi and cheer dance, to Japanese taiko drumming, band music, and local university cheer squads, a wide variety of performances cheer on runners along the course. Every year, runners rave about it, saying, "It gave me energy!" and "Thanks to them, I was able to keep going until the end." And let's not forget the famous Osaka spectacle—runners in flashy costumes. Superheroes, anime characters, and more: the course is filled with moving entertainment that's fun just to watch.
Cheering Guide for Family and Friends
The Osaka Marathon is an event that supporters can enjoy as well. Since the course runs through the city and public transportation is well-developed, it's easy to move between multiple cheering spots and get ahead of your runner. Recommended spots include the dynamic "Midosuji Area," where runners dash down a major avenue; "Dotonbori," famous for the Glico Sign; the photogenic "Nakanoshima Area," which lifts runners' spirits; and finally, "Osaka Castle Park," the finish area where runners are welcomed at the end.
There's also a dedicated app for supporters. You can check in real time where your registered runner is on the course, so you can time your cheers perfectly!
5. Post-Race Fun: Recovery with Food and Baths
At the finish line in Osaka Castle Park, runners who completed the race pass through the goal gate one after another, receiving their finisher towels. Some hugged their friends, some were moved to tears, and others took photos with their families... The venue is filled with moments where each person's challenge comes to fruition, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere.
After finishing, be sure to take a commemorative photo with your finisher medal! In the "Taiyo no Hiroba" (Sun Plaza) of Osaka Castle Park, you'll find many photo spots set up by sponsor companies to celebrate your achievement. Capture the joy and sense of accomplishment with your running buddies or supportive family in a memorable shot.
Relieve Muscle Soreness with a "Sento" Experience: Osaka is a paradise for baths
After the marathon, make sure to recover well before heading home. In Osaka, there are plenty of runner-friendly baths, from natural onsen hot springs and traditional sento public baths to sauna facilities. It's a great way to soothe your tired body after the race. If you prefer natural onsen, head to "Spa World (Shinsekai)" or "Naniwa no Yu (Tenjinbashi)"; for a nostalgic atmosphere, try "Asahi Onsen"; or if you want to relax at a hot spring theme park, "Solaniwa Onsen" is a great choice. These bath facilities are highly recommended for runners.
👉A Complete Guide to the Onsen Theme Park "Solaniwa Onsen"
“After-Carbo” Instead of Carb Loading
When it comes to post-race rewards, Osaka gourmet is the obvious choice. Whether it’s freshly fried kushikatsu, classic takoyaki with a crispy outside and gooey inside, authentic okonomiyaki, negiyaki, or yakisoba, you’ll be spoiled for choice! Toasting with these local specialties is truly the best moment.
👉Stop by After the Marathon! Osaka Shinsekai Walking Guide
👉8 Recommended Takoyaki Spots in Osaka Dotonbori & Namba
👉Complete Guide to Osaka’s Annual Events!
[Summary] The Benefits of Making the Osaka Marathon Your “Travel Destination”
The Osaka Marathon features a mostly flat course that makes it easy to aim for a personal best, and the generous time limit of 7 hours also makes it accessible even for first-time full marathon runners. Above all, what captivates so many runners is that this is the ultimate urban marathon, combining running, eating, and having fun. Once you run it, you’ll understand why so many international runners choose the Osaka Marathon as their travel destination.
Marathon events in Japan are becoming more popular every year, with the number of international runners and the competition for entry slots on the rise. Judging by the number of entries and the popularity in recent years, the next event is also expected to be highly competitive to enter. The Osaka Marathon is an event where the entire city of Osaka takes center stage. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to run a full marathon someday,” or “I want to race through the streets of Osaka,” be sure to consider applying!
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Event Overview
- Event: Osaka Marathon 2026 (14th Edition) ・ Date: Sunday, February 22
- Course: Start in front of Osaka Prefectural Government Office – Finish inside Osaka Castle Park
- Categories: Full Marathon, 720
Marathon (7.2km run / 720m wheelchair) ・ Participants (Capacity): 34,000 - Official URL: https://www.osaka-marathon.com/ (Japanese/English)
- Entry Period: Usually from late July to late August each year
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