Osaka Marathon

Osaka Marathon course route

The Osaka Marathon is a city loop starting at Osaka Castle Park and finishing near Nagai Stadium, heading through the dense urban grid along Tanimachi and Sakaisuji, over Okawa River bridges, and through Namba. The route is mostly flat and easiest on the long city straights, while the bridge approaches add the tougher gentle rises; crowd support is strongest around Osaka Castle, through the Namba entertainment district, and at the finish.

Osaka Marathon elevation profile

The Osaka Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 21 metres of climbing and 21 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.

Entry requirements

Osaka Marathon is held on the last Sunday of February each year. Registration is by lottery — applications open in summer and close within weeks. The field is approximately 32,000 runners. February in Osaka brings cool temperatures averaging 6–12 °C (43–54 °F), making it ideal racing weather. Because the lottery is competitive, international runners are advised to also consider official travel partners who sometimes offer guaranteed international entry packages.

Osaka Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

OSAKA WONDER LOOP - INTRODUCTION

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Osaka Marathon elevation profile?

The Osaka Marathon has 21 metres of total climbing and 21 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.

How long is the Osaka Marathon?

The Osaka Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Osaka Castle Park.

Is the Osaka Marathon flat?

Yes. The Osaka Marathon is mostly flat with gentle undulations with 21 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — a profile that suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.

What time does the Osaka Marathon start?

The 2027 Osaka Marathon starts at 9:15 am local time on Sunday, 28 February 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.osaka-marathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

What is the Osaka Marathon course route?

The Osaka Marathon starts at Osaka Castle Park (Osakajo Koen), one of Japan's most iconic landmarks, and heads south through the city's dense urban grid. The route passes along major thoroughfares including Tanimachi and Sakaisuji avenues, crosses several of Osaka's bridges spanning the Okawa River, loops through the Namba entertainment district and southern wards, and finishes near Nagai Stadium in the south of the city. The castle view at the start is the race's defining visual moment.

When is the Osaka Marathon and how do I enter?

Osaka Marathon is held on the last Sunday of February each year. Registration is by lottery — applications open in summer and close within weeks. The field is approximately 32,000 runners. February in Osaka brings cool temperatures averaging 6–12 °C (43–54 °F), making it ideal racing weather. Because the lottery is competitive, international runners are advised to also consider official travel partners who sometimes offer guaranteed international entry packages.

How does Osaka Marathon compare to Tokyo Marathon?

Both are major Japanese marathons with lottery entry and world-class organisation, but Osaka has a notably flatter course — total climbing of approximately 21 metres versus around 60 metres in Tokyo — making it marginally faster in profile. Osaka (late February) has a smaller international field than Tokyo (first Sunday of March, a WMM event), and has a stronger local Japanese character. Osaka's unique advantage is the Osaka Castle start, one of Japan's most spectacular race-start settings.

What should international runners know about participating in Osaka?

The official Osaka Marathon website and communications are primarily in Japanese, though an English-language section exists. International runners often use the same lottery as domestic runners, and some official travel agents provide English-language entry assistance. Post-race, Dotonbori — Osaka's famous riverside entertainment district featuring the giant illuminated Glico man sign — is just minutes from the course and provides one of Japan's best post-marathon celebration environments.

What is Osaka known for as a destination city for runners?

Osaka is Japan's food capital — locally nicknamed 'the nation's kitchen' (tenka no daidokoro). The city is famous for takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), kushikatsu (skewered and breaded deep-fry), and ramen. Post-race carbohydrate loading in Dotonbori or Shinsekai is a highlight runners often cite as a reason to return. The city is also compact and easy to navigate by subway, with excellent transport links to Kyoto (15 minutes by Shinkansen) for pre- or post-race tourism.