Top Marathons and Running Events in Japan: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & More

Running has been a popular sport in Japan at least since the end of World War II. Some might say it’s the second most popular sport in the country—after baseball, of course. And why not? Running is relatively affordable and convenient, with a wide variety of events to suit all levels.

While many enjoy jogging on weekends, others take the sport more seriously, participating in marathons, ultramarathons, and even triathlons. Whether you prefer a running tour through bustling cities or testing your endurance in Japan’s rugged countryside, the country’s marathons won’t disappoint. Here are eight of the best marathons in Japan, each guaranteed to get your feet moving.

Traditional Marathons in Japan

Tokyo Marathon

The Tokyo Marathon—held every February and known as Japan’s largest marathon—is a testament to the country’s marathon culture. The full marathon course passes iconic landmarks such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Ginza.

Due to high demand, entry to the marathon is determined by a lottery system. Over 300,000 people apply each year, but only around 35,000 are selected to participate. Runners must be at least 19 years old on race day, but otherwise, the race welcomes all.

This beautiful event brings together people from all walks of life—including men, women, wheelchair users, and visually impaired athletes—for an unforgettable run through Tokyo. Streets along the course are closed during the race to ensure safety.

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

Mt. Fuji Marathon (Fujisan Marathon, Yamanashi)

There will be multiple mentions of Mt. Fuji in this article, but this is the most accessible full marathon held around the iconic mountain. The course loops around two scenic lakes—Kawaguchiko and Saiko. Held in late autumn, the race offers stunning fall foliage and comfortably cool weather that helps runners maintain their pace.

Of course, Mt. Fuji offers more than just beautiful views—it also provides serious runners with opportunities to challenge themselves in even more demanding events, such as ultra marathons. Below, you’ll find information about one such ultra marathon near Mt. Fuji, as well as another event where you can race through traditional Japanese towns.

https://mtfujimarathon.com/

Ultra Marathons

Challenge Fuji 5 Lakes Ultra Marathon (Yamanashi)

The Fuji 5LAKES Ultramarathon takes runners on a stunning course around the magnificent Mt. Fuji. You can choose from three race distances: the Fuji 5LAKES run (118 km), the 4LAKES run (100 km), or the 3LAKES run (71 km). Whichever you pick, this event lets you experience Japan’s beautiful spring season, complete with cherry blossoms and a refreshing breeze.

The largest lake, Yamanakako, sits at the highest elevation among the five lakes, and runners in the 5LAKES and 4LAKES races bypass this lake during the course. The breathtaking scenery is one of the highlights of this marathon, making it impossible to just speed through.

If you plan to participate, consider staying longer to enjoy the Fujikawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival, which coincides with the race in mid-April. Participants must be at least 18 years old and in good health. Each year, around 4,000 runners take part in this remarkable event.

https://www.r-wellness.com/fuji5/

Hida Takayama Ultra Marathon (Gifu)

While Mt. Fuji may be Japan’s most iconic mountain to conquer, the Hida Takayama Ultra Marathon proves that not every challenging race centers around it. Held annually in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, this ultramarathon takes runners through well-preserved historic towns and into the rugged Hida Mountains. Known for its dramatic elevation changes, the course is considered one of Japan’s toughest. However, the reward—lush mountain scenery filled with traditional Japanese charm—is well worth the effort.

Participants must be at least 18 years old, and the event attracts over 3,000 runners each year. It’s just one of many incredible ultramarathons held across Japan.

Even after reading about these challenges, you might wonder if there’s a race in Japan for serious endurance athletes who thrive in the wild for days at a time. If you’re interested in ultra-trail or mountain trail running, here are two events that are sure to get your blood pumping.

https://www.r-wellness.com/takayama/en/index.html

Ultra-trail/Trail Running Races

Mt. FUJI 100 (Shizuoka, Yamanashi)

While the current official name of the event is Mt. FUJI 100, the iconic Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji (UTMF) race remains its centerpiece. The UTMF course takes runners counter-clockwise around the entire base of Japan’s most famous mountain, covering 167.5 km with an altitude gain of 8,634 meters. With a 44-hour time limit and significant elevation changes, it is one of the toughest trail races in Japan.

Participants must be 18 or older, and those under 20 require parental consent. Although a shorter race called STY (Shizuoka to Yamanashi) was part of past editions, it is not currently held.

https://mtfuji100.com/en/

Hasetsune Cup Race (Tokyo)

The Hasetsune Cup is now regarded as one of the top trail running races in Japan. It was established in memory of Tsuneo Hasegawa, one of Japan’s leading alpine climbers, who was a member of the Tokyo Mountaineering Federation (TMF). One year after his tragic death in an avalanche, TMF organized the first Hasetsune Cup to honor his legacy. Since then, the race has been held annually in early October.

The course features five checkpoints, and runners must reach each one within a specified time limit in order to continue. Known for its challenging terrain and strict cutoffs, the Hasetsune Cup remains a prestigious and demanding event in Japan’s trail running scene.

If running a marathon—or even an ultramarathon—in Japan isn’t challenging enough for you, don’t worry. There are also plenty of events designed to push your endurance to the limit. Test your strength on land and in the water with these incredible triathlons.

https://www.hasetsune.jp/en/cup/

Triathlons

Strongman All Japan Triathlon Miyako-jima (Okinawa)

The Strongman All Japan Triathlon takes place every April on Miyako-jima Island in Okinawa. Participants start with a 3 km swim, followed by 155 km of cycling, and finish with a full marathon of 42.195 km. What makes this event unique is the large number of volunteers supporting the race and the festive activities afterward, including traditional lion and Kuicha dances and numerous parties. The triathlon attracts about 1,500 participants annually. No matter where you come from, finishing this race will truly cement your status as a strong man or woman.

https://tri-miyako.com/

Sado International Triathlon (Niigata)

Every September, athletes from Japan and around the world come together to compete in this large-scale triathlon held on Sado Island. Since its inception in 2000, it has gained a reputation for its challenging course, often compared to the Ironman Triathlon in terms of difficulty. The event offers five different categories to accommodate beginners, juniors, and experienced athletes alike.

Even first-grade elementary school students can participate in the beginner and junior categories with parental consent. The Sado International Triathlon continues to attract a diverse and enthusiastic group of competitors each year.

https://www.scsf.jp/triathlon/

Japanese Marathons for Everyone

Marathons in Japan are fantastic, and running is truly a culture here—you just need to find the right race for you, lace up your shoes, and go for it! Preparing for a marathon means training consistently and staying healthy all year round. Especially if you live in Tokyo, there are plenty of ways to keep fit while enjoying city life—you just need to know where to look.