Marathons in Japan

Japan is home to 48 marathons in our database, spread across cities including Aomori, Beppu, Fujikawaguchiko, and Fukuchiyama, and more. The country hosts an Abbott World Marathon Major — Tokyo Marathon — putting it among the most sought-after destinations on the global racing calendar. Tokyo Marathon is the largest race in the lineup, typically drawing around 38,000 finishers, while the full spread offers everything from fast urban courses to scenic regional events. Browse the races below for course maps, elevation profiles, typical weather, and practical race-day detail to help you choose your next start line. Plan by month on our marathon calendar or filter by country and region.

Browse by state: Aichi, Aomori, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka, Gunma, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyazaki, Nagano, Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Toyama, Wakayama, Yamaguchi, and Yamanashi.

Aomori, Aomori, Japan🇯🇵

Aomori Sakura Marathon

The Aomori Sakura Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each April through northern Japan's cherry-blossom capital. The course passes Hirosaki Castle's cherry-blossom tunnels, the Aomori Bay Bridge, and the Hakkoda mountain foothills on flat Tsugaru plain roads. April's peak sakura season in Tohoku makes it one of Japan's most seasonally beautiful marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan🇯🇵

Aoshima Pacific Marathon

The Aoshima Pacific Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each December on a coastal urban road in Miyazaki, Japan. Its warm southern-Japan setting makes it a popular contrast to colder mainland December races. The route passes palm-lined boulevards, Aoshima approaches, and broad roads under a subtropical coastal sky. Palm-lined boulevards and Aoshima approaches unfold under a subtropical coastal sky on a warm southern-Japan December course with only light grade changes.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Beppu, Oita, Japan🇯🇵

Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon

The Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon is one of Japan's oldest marathons, drawing approximately 3,130 finishers each February between the hot-spring cities of Beppu and Oita. The point-to-point course follows the Kunisaki Peninsula coast with views of Beppu Bay and the steam vents of Japan's most famous onsen town. February's mild Kyushu winter makes it a classic Japanese road race with deep tradition.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Otsu, Shiga, Japan🇯🇵

Biwako Marathon

The Biwako Marathon is one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious marathons, drawing approximately 5,367 finishers each March around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. The course follows Japan's largest lake with views of the Hira mountains and the Otsu waterfront. March's cool Kansai spring and flat lakeside paths make it a favourite tune-up before the Tokyo Marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Kurobe, Toyama, Japan🇯🇵

Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon

The Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each May on a scenic coastal and rural road in Kurobe, Japan. Named for Jimmy Carter, it is famous in Japan for exceptionally pure mountain-water aid stations. The route passes snowmelt-fed river sections, Toyama Bay views, and roads backed by the Northern Alps. Snowmelt-fed river sections, Toyama Bay views, and Northern Alps backdrops frame a course famous for exceptionally pure mountain-water aid stations each May.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan🇯🇵

Ehime Marathon

The Ehime Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each February on an urban road in Matsuyama, Japan. Strong local support has made it one of Japan's most beloved regional marathons. The route passes Matsuyama Castle viewpoints, tram-lined streets, and residential roads in Shikoku's largest city. Between Matsuyama Castle viewpoints and Shikoku's tram-lined streets, steady rollers test legs across the island's largest city each February.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, Japan🇯🇵

Fukuchiyama Marathon

The Fukuchiyama Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each November on a river city road in Fukuchiyama, Japan. The marathon has one of the deeper traditions among Japan's regional citizen races. The route passes castle-town streets, the Yura River corridor, and broad roads through northern Kyoto Prefecture. Castle-town streets and the Yura River corridor carry one of Japan's deeper regional traditions through northern Kyoto Prefecture on broad, mostly level roads.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Fukui, Fukui, Japan🇯🇵

Fukui Sakura Marathon

The Fukui Sakura Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each March on an urban road in Fukui, Japan. The event was launched to showcase Fukui during cherry-blossom time and immediately drew a large field. The course passes castle ruins, river sections, and streets that line up with the city's sakura season. Castle ruins, river sections, and sakura-lined March streets showcase Fukui during cherry-blossom season on a course that stays largely level.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan🇯🇵

Fukuoka Marathon

The Fukuoka Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each November on an urban to coastal road in Fukuoka, Japan. It is Fukuoka's large citizen marathon and should not be confused with the separate elite international race. The course passes Tenjin, seaside roads, and long views across Hakata Bay before the coastal finish. Tenjin, seaside roads, and long Hakata Bay views carry Fukuoka's large citizen marathon toward a coastal finish on a largely level urban-to-sea route.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Maebashi, Gunma, Japan🇯🇵

Gunma Marathon

The Gunma Marathon attracts approximately 3,500 finishers each November through Maebashi, the capital of Gunma Prefecture northwest of Tokyo. The course passes the Tone River, Mount Akagi foothills, and the Maebashi city centre on wide Kanto plain roads. November's crisp autumn and flat terrain make it a popular late-season race in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Next race: Sunday, 15 November 2026

Hitachi, Ibaraki, Japan🇯🇵

Hitachi Seaside Marathon

The Hitachi Seaside Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each November on a seaside road in Hitachi, Japan. It quickly became known for combining ocean scenery with a more demanding profile than flatter Japanese city races. The course passes Pacific Ocean lookouts, port roads, and urban climbs characteristic of the city's hillside coastline. Pacific Ocean lookouts and port roads climb along Hitachi's hillside coastline, giving the seaside course a more demanding profile than flatter Japanese city races.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan🇯🇵

Hofu Yomiuri Marathon

The Hofu Yomiuri Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each December on an urban road in Hofu, Japan. It has long been respected in Japan as a serious late-year performance marathon. The route passes wide Yamaguchi plain roads, shrine-town approaches, and efficient straight sections designed for speed. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan🇯🇵

Hokkaido Marathon

The Hokkaido Marathon is northern Japan's largest marathon, drawing approximately 12k finishers each August through Sapporo. The course passes Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower, and the Toyohira River on wide Hokkaido boulevards with views toward the Ishikari plain. August's mild Sapporo summer — far cooler than mainland Japan — makes it a popular escape race.

Next race: Sunday, 23 August 2026

Ibusuki, Kagoshima, Japan🇯🇵

Ibusuki Marathon

The Ibusuki Marathon in southern Kyushu attracts about 14,000 runners each January to a course along Kagoshima Bay with views of Sakurajima volcano. Ibusuki is famous for its natural hot-sand baths, and the marathon showcases the subtropical Satsuma Peninsula coastline. Warm winter temperatures and volcanic backdrop make it one of Japan's most distinctive regional marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan🇯🇵

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

Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan🇯🇵

Kagoshima Marathon

The Kagoshima Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each March on a scenic bay road in Kagoshima, Japan. Running with the active volcano Sakurajima in sight makes the course instantly recognizable. The course passes Sakurajima views, Kinko Bay roads, and palm-lined city boulevards in the southern port city. Sakurajima views, Kinko Bay roads, and palm-lined boulevards keep the active volcano in sight across a scenic southern-port course with subtle rises.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan🇯🇵

Kanazawa Marathon

The Kanazawa Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers each October on a historic urban road in Kanazawa, Japan. The race is especially known for blending modern boulevards with preserved samurai-era city scenery. The course passes Kenrokuen approaches, Kanazawa Castle Park, and traditional districts near the Asano and Sai rivers. Samurai-era districts and river crossings give way to steady climbs between Kenrokuen approaches and the castle park above downtown Kanazawa.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan🇯🇵

Kasumigaura Marathon

The Kasumigaura Marathon near Tsuchiura attracts about 12,000 runners each April around Japan's second-largest lake, Kasumigaura. The flat rural course follows the lakeshore through Ibaraki Prefecture with views of the wide freshwater basin and countryside. April cherry-blossom season and the lake's open horizons make it a popular spring marathon in the Kanto plain.

Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027

Kamitonda, Wakayama, Japan🇯🇵

Kishu Kuchikumano Marathon

The Kishu Kuchikumano Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers each February on a rural road in Kamitonda, Japan. It is the established full marathon of Wakayama's Kumano gateway region and has a long history of large local support. The route passes Kumano foothill roads, farm villages, and open Wakayama valley scenery. Kumano foothill roads and open Wakayama valley scenery climb steadily through farm villages on this gateway route to sacred mountain country.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan🇯🇵

Kobe Marathon

The Kobe Marathon draws around 18,000 runners each November on a course that celebrates the port city's recovery and waterfront identity. The route crosses the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge area and follows Kobe's harbourfront with views of the Rokko mountains and Osaka Bay. Kobe's mild autumn climate and enthusiastic local crowds make it one of western Japan's most popular marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 15 November 2026

Kochi, Kochi, Japan🇯🇵

Kochi Ryoma Marathon

The Kochi Ryoma Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each February on a scenic coastal road in Kochi, Japan. The Ryoma branding gives the marathon a strong local-hero identity unique in Japan. The route passes the Kagami River, open Pacific-facing roads, and city sections tied to Sakamoto Ryoma's home prefecture. The Kagami River, open Pacific-facing roads, and Ryoma-linked city sections give Kochi's February marathon a strong local-hero identity on a largely flat coast.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan🇯🇵

Kumamoto Castle Marathon

The Kumamoto Castle Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each February through the Kyushu city rebuilding its iconic fortress after the 2016 earthquakes. The course passes the restored Kumamoto Castle, the Tsuboi River, and the Suizenji Garden district on flat Kyushu terrain. February's mild Kyushu winter and the castle's resilience story make it a deeply symbolic Japanese regional marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 28 February 2027

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan🇯🇵

Kyoto Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 21 February 2027

Matsue, Shimane, Japan🇯🇵

Matsue Castle Marathon

The Matsue Castle Marathon draws approximately 3,000 finishers each December on a historic city road in Matsue, Japan. It is one of the few Japanese marathons whose identity centers squarely on a surviving feudal castle. The course passes Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji approaches, and canal-side streets through the old castle town. Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji approaches, and canal-side streets carry December's race through one of Japan's few marathons centered on a surviving feudal castle.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Matsusaka, Mie, Japan🇯🇵

Mie Matsusaka Marathon

The Mie Matsusaka Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each December on an urban and rural road in Matsusaka, Japan. Local food culture is a major part of the race identity and post-race atmosphere. The route passes castle-town streets, open countryside, and roads linked to the city famous for Matsusaka beef. Castle-town streets and open countryside linked to Matsusaka beef carry December's race through a region where local food culture shapes the post-race atmosphere.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Mito, Ibaraki, Japan🇯🇵

Mito Komon Marathon

The Mito Komon Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each October on an urban road in Mito, Japan. The race honors the famous Mito Komon figure and leans strongly into local history. The route passes Kodokan approaches, city parks, and broad Ibaraki roads connected to the Tokugawa-era Mito heritage. Kodokan approaches, city parks, and broad Ibaraki roads honor Tokugawa-era Mito heritage on a largely flat October course with strong local history.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan🇯🇵

Mt Fuji Marathon

The Mt Fuji Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each November around the Fuji Five Lakes region at the base of Japan's iconic volcano. The course passes Lake Kawaguchi, the Fuji Subaru Line approach, and lakeside roads with Mount Fuji views on clear autumn days. November's crisp highland weather and the sacred mountain backdrop make it Japan's most visually stunning road marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 22 November 2026

Nagano, Nagano, Japan🇯🇵

Nagano Marathon

The Nagano Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each April on an urban and plain road in Nagano, Japan. Its Olympic-city backdrop still shapes the event's image years after the 1998 Games. The route passes Zenkoji-area approaches, broad valley roads, and snow-capped mountain views around the basin. Zenkoji-area approaches, broad valley roads, and snow-capped mountain views around the Olympic-city basin make April's race scenic yet largely runnable.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Nagoya, Aichi, Japan🇯🇵

Nagoya Women's Marathon

The Nagoya Women's Marathon is the world's largest women-only marathon, with nearly 20,000 female finishers each March. Every finisher receives a Tiffany & Co. pendant at the finish — a tradition that has made Nagoya a bucket-list race for women worldwide. The flat urban course runs through central Nagoya past Nagoya Castle and the Sakae district, and the race weekend atmosphere centres entirely on celebrating women's running.

Next race: Sunday, 14 March 2027

Naha, Okinawa, Japan🇯🇵

Naha Marathon

The Naha Marathon brings roughly 14,000 runners to Okinawa's capital each December for a subtropical marathon experience unique in Japan. The course runs along the East China Sea coast and through Naha's urban centre with warm winter temperatures and ocean breezes. For runners seeking a December marathon in shorts and a vest, Naha is Japan's answer.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan🇯🇵

Nanohana Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 24 January 2027

Nara, Japan🇯🇵

Nara Marathon

The Nara Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each December on a historic urban road through Japan's ancient capital. The route passes temple precinct approaches, the Nara Park edge, and roads with glimpses of wooded hills above the old city. Modest climbs through the middle miles reward runners with shifting views of shrines, deer-filled parkland, and Nara's rolling skyline.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Niigata, Niigata, Japan🇯🇵

Niigata City Marathon

The Niigata City Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each October through Japan's rice-basket capital on the Sea of Japan coast. The course passes the Bandai Bridge, the Shinano River mouth, and the Niigata waterfront with views of Sado Island on clear days. October's crisp Sea-of-Japan autumn and flat coastal terrain make it a popular Tohoku-region race.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

Okayama, Okayama, Japan🇯🇵

Okayama Marathon

The Okayama Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers each November on an urban road in Okayama, Japan. Its rapid growth turned it into western Honshu's marquee autumn citizen marathon. The route passes Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden approaches, and broad streets along the Asahi River. Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden approaches, and broad Asahi River streets make western Honshu's marquee autumn citizen marathon a largely flat city loop.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Omachi, Nagano, Japan🇯🇵

Omachi Alps Marathon

The Omachi Alps Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each October on a mountain basin road in Omachi, Japan. Snow-capped mountain backdrops are the race's defining visual feature on clear days. The course passes agricultural basin roads, spring-water areas, and constant views of the Northern Alps. Agricultural basin roads and spring-water areas climb beneath constant views of the Northern Alps on clear October days in Omachi.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Osaka, Osaka, Japan🇯🇵

Osaka Marathon

The Osaka Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 32k finishers on an urban road in Osaka, Japan. The course starts and finishes at Osaka Castle Park. The route passes Osaka Castle, Nakanoshima, Umeda, and Namba through central Osaka. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on bridge approaches over the city's rivers.

Next race: Sunday, 28 February 2027

Otawara, Tochigi, Japan🇯🇵

Otawara Marathon

The Otawara Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each November on a rural road in Otawara, Japan. It is a classic runners' race with little distraction from rhythm and pacing. The course passes open Tochigi farm roads, lowland fields, and distant mountain views on quiet straightaways. Open Tochigi farm roads, lowland fields, and distant mountain views on quiet straightaways make November's rural race a classic runners' pacing test.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Saga, Saga, Japan🇯🇵

Saga Sakura Marathon

The Saga Sakura Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each March on an urban and rural road in Saga, Japan. The combination of pancake-flat terrain and blossom timing defines the event's character. The course passes flat farm-country roads, creek networks, and cherry-tree sections around the city outskirts. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Saitama, Saitama, Japan🇯🇵

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, 7 February 2027

Shimada, Shizuoka, Japan🇯🇵

Shimada Oigawa Marathon in Ryokucha-no-Miyako

The Shimada Oigawa Marathon in Ryokucha-no-Miyako draws approximately 7,000 finishers each October on a river road in Shimada, Japan. The tea-country setting and flat levee running make it a distinctive Shizuoka marathon. The course passes tea fields, wide levee roads, and long straight sections along the Oi River. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, Japan🇯🇵

Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon

The Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon draws approximately 9,000 finishers each November on a harbor road in Shimonoseki, Japan. The narrow strait setting gives the race a dramatic maritime character from start to finish. The course passes Kanmon Strait waterfronts, fishing-port districts, and repeated sea views toward Kitakyushu. Kanmon Strait waterfronts and fishing-port districts rise and fall beside repeated sea views toward Kitakyushu across the narrow channel.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan🇯🇵

Shizuoka Marathon

The Shizuoka Marathon attracts approximately 7,987 finishers each March through the green-tea capital of Japan with views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The course passes the Abe River, Shizuoka Station, and the Miho no Matsubara pine grove near Suruga Bay. March's early spring weather and flat coastal-plain terrain make it a popular pre-Tokyo-Marathon tune-up.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan🇯🇵

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

Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan🇯🇵

Tokushima Marathon

The Tokushima Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each March on a river road in Tokushima, Japan. Its levee-road profile makes it one of Japan's steadier pacing courses. The course passes Shinmachi River areas, wide embankment roads, and open views toward the surrounding low mountains. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan🇯🇵World Marathon Major

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

Toyama, Toyama, Japan🇯🇵

Toyama Marathon

The Toyama Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 13k finishers each November on a bay-to-city road in Toyama, Japan. Clear-weather views of the Northern Alps are the signature visual payoff of the race. The route passes Toyama Bay views, river crossings, and long roads with the Tateyama mountain range as a backdrop. Toyama Bay views, river crossings, and long roads with the Tateyama range as backdrop reward runners on a bay-to-city course with subtle grade changes.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan🇯🇵

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

Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan🇯🇵

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