Kyoto Marathon

KyotoKyotoJapan

Next race

Sunday, 21 February 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Historic urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Kyoto Marathon brings roughly 17,000 runners through Japan's ancient capital each February. The course links UNESCO-listed temples, the Kamo River, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace with views of forested hills on the city's eastern edge. Kyoto's cultural landmarks and spring-adjacent race date make it one of Japan's most scenic urban marathons despite a largely flat profile.

Kyoto Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 17k finishers

Weather: Cool and humid winter
3–6°C · humidity 70–75%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:14:15 — Yuma Morii (2024)Women: 2:45:15 — Yuria Ikuno (2017)

Course & terrain

Kyoto Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Kyoto Marathon is a point-to-point-style city course that starts near Nijo Castle and finishes at Heian Jingu in Okazaki Park, linking the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Kamo River, Gion, and the Philosopher's Path area under the Higashiyama hills. The riverside and palace-ground sections are easiest while the small rises and tighter turns around the temple districts and eastern neighbourhoods are tougher, and spectator support is strongest at the Nijo start, along the Kamo River and Gion, and on the final approach to the shrine finish.

Kyoto Marathon route map

Registration

Kyoto Marathon entry requirements

The Kyoto Marathon takes place on the third Sunday of February. Registration is through https://kyoto-marathon.com/en/ and is competitive due to the race's scenic reputation.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the Kyoto Marathon route map?: This page includes a Kyoto Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kamo River, Gion, and the Philosopher's Path area with views toward the Higashiyama hills.
How long is the Kyoto Marathon?: The Kyoto Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starts near Nijō Castle and finishes at Heian Jingu shrine in Okazaki Park.
What time does the Kyoto Marathon start?: The 2027 Kyoto Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 21 February 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What is the Kyoto Marathon elevation profile?: The Kyoto Marathon has modest elevation gain over 42.195 km because the course stays on the flat Kamo River valley floor and palace districts rather than the hillside temple areas. Total climbing is low for a Japanese city marathon, making it faster than courses that climb into the surrounding hills.
What temples and landmarks does the Kyoto Marathon pass?: The course passes Nijō Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Kamo River, Heian Jingu shrine, and views toward Kiyomizu-dera and the Higashiyama district. Exact routing varies slightly by year but always emphasises Kyoto's historic centre.
When is the Kyoto Marathon held?: The Kyoto Marathon takes place on the third Sunday of February. and is competitive due to the race's scenic reputation.
Is the Kyoto Marathon hilly?: No. Despite Kyoto's reputation for hillside temples, the marathon course stays in the flat valley floor along the Kamo River and palace districts. Total climbing is modest, though February weather can be cold.
Where does the Kyoto Marathon finish?: The finish is at Heian Jingu shrine in Okazaki Park, one of Kyoto's grandest Shinto shrines. The torii gate and shrine gardens provide a memorable cultural finish setting.
What should I wear for the Kyoto Marathon in February?: February mornings in Kyoto are cold, often 2–8 °C (36–46 °F) at the start. Gloves, a hat, and layered clothing are essential. Temperatures may rise into the low teens by finish but rarely feel warm.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

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