Nanohana Marathon

YokohamaKanagawaJapan

Next race

Sunday, 24 January 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban coastal road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Nanohana Marathon in Yokohama draws about 15,000 finishers each January on a course named for the rapeseed blossoms that line parts of the route in early spring. The race shares the Yokohama bayfront with views across Tokyo Bay and passes Kannai and the harbour district. It is one of several large January marathons in the greater Tokyo area.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 15k finishers

Weather: Cool winter
4–6°C · humidity 55–70%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Nanohana Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Nanohana Marathon is a Yokohama bayfront loop starting and finishing near Yamashita Park, following the harbour promenade past Yokohama Stadium and Kannai with views across Tokyo Bay. The waterfront sections are the easiest because they stay flat and scenic, while the minor overpass rises and exposed harbour straights are tougher when bay wind picks up; spectator support is strongest around Yamashita Park, near Yokohama Stadium, and through Kannai.

Registration

Nanohana Marathon entry requirements

The Nanohana Marathon (Yokohama) uses a lottery system through nanago.jp and RUNNET, with applications typically accepted in late summer for the November race. The field is limited and oversubscribed most years. International runners can access places through Run Japan or official travel agents when lottery entry is unsuccessful.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nanohana Marathon elevation profile?: The Nanohana Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Nanohana Marathon?: The Nanohana Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban coastal road starting and finishing in the Yokohama bayfront area near Yamashita Park.
What time does the Nanohana Marathon start?: The 2027 Nanohana Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 24 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Why is it called the Nanohana Marathon?: Nanohana (rapeseed blossom) refers to the early-spring flowers that bloom along parts of the Yokohama course in January and February. The race branding celebrates this seasonal coastal landscape.
Where does the Nanohana Marathon start?: The race starts and finishes in the Yokohama waterfront district near Yamashita Park. The loop covers central Yokohama and the bayfront.
When is the Nanohana Marathon held?: The Nanohana Marathon takes place on the fourth Sunday of January. Cool winter mornings are typical for the Kanto coast.
Is the Nanohana Marathon flat?: Yes. The Yokohama bayfront loop is largely flat, similar to the Yokohama Marathon course profile, with only minor overpass climbing.
How does the Nanohana Marathon compare to the Yokohama Marathon?: Both are large January/February bayfront races in Yokohama. The Nanohana Marathon is slightly smaller and emphasises seasonal rapeseed-blossom branding, while the Yokohama Marathon runs in March with a Minato Mirai focus.

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

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Yokohama.

YokohamaKanagawaJapan· 0 km away

Yokohama Marathon

The Yokohama Marathon is a spring city race that attracts approximately 22k finishers through Japan's second-largest port. The course links Minato Mirai's waterfront towers, the historic Red Brick Warehouse district, and Yamashita Park with views across Tokyo Bay. Yokohama's flat coastal terrain and March race date make it a popular early-season marathon for Japanese runners and international visitors exploring the Kanto region.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

TokyoTokyoJapan· 29 km away

Itabashi City Marathon

The Itabashi City Marathon hosts about 14,000 runners each March in a northern Tokyo ward known for its residential neighbourhoods and Arakawa River parklands. The course is a flat urban loop through Itabashi and neighbouring wards, offering a local-community marathon experience within the Tokyo metropolitan area without the congestion of central Tokyo races.

Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027

World Marathon Major

TokyoTokyoJapan· 29 km away

Tokyo Marathon

The Tokyo Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, drawing over 38,000 runners through the heart of Japan's capital. The course showcases iconic landmarks including the Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace, and Ginza district before finishing near Tokyo Station. Known for exceptional organisation and enthusiastic crowd support, it is a bucket-list race for international runners.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

HiratsukaKanagawaJapan· 31 km away

Shonan International Marathon

The Shonan International Marathon attracts around 16,000 runners each December along the Sagami Bay coast between Hiratsuka and Kamakura. The course offers Pacific Ocean views, Enoshima Island vistas, and the relaxed beach-town atmosphere of the Shōnan region south of Tokyo. December's cool coastal weather and rolling seaside terrain make it a favourite winter marathon for Kanto-area runners.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

SaitamaSaitamaJapan· 53 km away

Saitama Marathon

The Saitama Marathon draws approximately 6,000 finishers each February on an urban road in Saitama, Japan. Wide roads and gentle elevation make it a promising fast-course option near Tokyo. The route passes Saitama Super Arena surroundings, broad planned-city boulevards, and riverbank sections. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 14 February 2027

TsukubaIbarakiJapan· 84 km away

Tsukuba Marathon

The Tsukuba Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers each November through Japan's science city in Ibaraki Prefecture. The course passes Tsukuba Expo Center, Mount Tsukuba foothills, and the vast Kasumigaura lakeside plain on flat research-campus roads. November's crisp Kanto autumn makes it a popular regional race northeast of Tokyo.

Next race: Sunday, 15 November 2026

Find a Marathon →

Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Marathon Course Profiles Explained

Marathon Course Profiles Explained

What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.

Marathon Entry: Lotteries, Ballots & Open Registration

Marathon Entry: Lotteries, Ballots & Open Registration

How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.

Marathon Weather: What to Expect

Marathon Weather: What to Expect

How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.

View all marathon guides →