Japan offers one of the most disciplined and respectful running cultures in the world. The Tokyo Marathon (a World Marathon Major), Osaka Marathon, Kyoto Marathon, and Nagoya Women’s Marathon draw runners from every continent. Add cherry-blossom timing, immaculate course logistics, and post-race onsen recovery — Japan is a peak destination-marathon experience.
Below is the complete What Race To Run directory of 6 races in Japan — marathons, half marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks, trail races, and ultras across the country. Click any race for course details, registration links, and race-weekend logistics.
Why Race in Japan?
Japan offers one of the most disciplined and respectful running cultures in the world. The Tokyo Marathon (a World Marathon Major), Osaka Marathon, Kyoto Marathon, and Nagoya Women’s Marathon draw runners from every continent. Add cherry-blossom timing, immaculate course logistics, and post-race onsen recovery — Japan is a peak destination-marathon experience.
Where to Race in Japan
Top cities for racing in Japan: Sapporo (1), Fukuoka City (1), Fujikawaguchiko (1), Kyoto (1), Shinjuku City (1). Each city offers a different flavor — from flat city-center road races to coastal courses to alpine trail runs.
All Japan Races on WRTR
Every Japan race in our database, sorted by date.
| Race | Date | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido Marathon 2026 | 2026-08-30 | Sapporo, Japan | Road Races |
| Fukuoka Marathon | 2026-11-08 | Fukuoka City, Japan | Road Races |
| Mt. Fuji International Marathon | 2026-12-13 | Fujikawaguchiko, Japan | Road Races |
| Kyoto Marathon | 2027-02-21 | Kyoto, Japan | Road Races |
| Tokyo Marathon | 2027-03-07 | Shinjuku City, Japan | Road Races |
| Nagano Marathon | 2027-12-31 | Nagano, Japan | Road Races |
Planning a Trip to Race in Japan?
Destination racing in Japan works best when you arrive 2-3 days early to acclimate to time-zone shifts and recover from travel. Most popular Japan marathons fill nearby hotels 4-6 months ahead, so register and book accommodation in the same week. Check each event page for entry deadlines, qualifying times where applicable, and any visa requirements for international visitors.
Know a great Japan race that should be on the list? Submit a race and we’ll review it for inclusion.