Japanese alternative marathon

Every year, there are thousands of Tokyo Marathon applications, but there are only 38,000 positions on the starting line of the race. If you missed one of the seven major World Marathon Grand Slams, don’t be afraid. Although special, there are many alternative marathons around the capital and Japan. So put on running shoes and join other joggers. Not having a position in Tokyo Marathon is not an excuse.

Harcourt Marathon

2025 Marathon

Kashiwazaki Sea Breeze Marathon

Kashiwazaki Sea Breeze Marathon also took place on May 18, which is an intimate event. The marathon has only 1,000 runners, and is designed not only to create a competition, but also to create community-building activities. This route turns runners inland along the coastline.

Harcourt Marathon

Hakodate Marathon has 4,000 participants and is a big game. It is relatively flat, with a route traversing local markets near the Hucod Mountains and Bay Area.

• Date: June 29, 2025
• Cost: ¥12,000
• Entrance window: February to April
• Official website

Kashiwanoha Spring Marathon

Kashiwanoha Spring Marathon has only 400 participants, and it is a small event. However, it runs along with the other nine games, making it feel very busy. The course is a short 3km cycle that marathon athletes complete 14 times. It is perfect for beginners or those who recover from injuries, as you can shoot from the entire distance, but can be done early if you need it.

• Date: March 20, 2025
• Cost: ¥5,980
• Entrance window: November to March
• Official website

Challenge

The challenge took place nine times between January and May. These activities are designed to help people break records. The course is a 5km route along the Arakawa River and has many walkers to help people achieve their personal best. They are JAAF certified race.

• Date: Multiple days
• Cost: ¥11,000
• Entrance window: Closed a week before each game begins
• Official website

Kyoto Marathon

2026 Marathon

Entries for the following marathons are now closed, but are worth considering in 2026.

iwate Oshu Kirameki Marathon

The Iwate Oshu Kirameki marathon is one of the most candid courses in any marathon in Japan. There is also a shuttle bus that can collect anyone who can’t finish the race and take it to the finish line. With its beautiful scenery and lively atmosphere, this is the first time trying a great competition for marathon distance.

• Date: May 18, 2025
• Cost: ¥4,000
• Entrance window: November to February
• Official website

Sakura Asahi Kenko Marathon

The Sakura Asahi Kenko Marathon is a circular route. Ivana Sports Park. Thanks to a later start date, the runner’s spirit will be glimpsed by the early days of the cherry blossoms. Participants ran along the roads trained by two Olympic medalist Yuko Arimori and 2000 Olympic champion Naoko Takahashi.

• Time: March
• Estimated cost: ¥9,500
• Entrance window: November to January
• Official website

Kasumigaura Marathon

The Kasumigaura Marathon is one of the major marathons in Tokyo, with 14,000 marathons in all marathons. It is held with Japan’s only international blind marathon, with a small portion of each admission fee being used for the guide dogs of the event.

• Time: April
• Estimated cost: 10,000 yen (delayed entry 11,000 yen)
• Entrance window: December to January
• Official website

Tateyama Wakashio Marathon

The January marathon is the perfect motivation to stay active during the holidays. The Tateyama Wakashio marathon in Chiba Prefecture is only two hours away from central Tokyo. The route winds along the gorgeous coastline through Johoe Beach, along the path decorated with flowers. With only 5,000 participants at Tateyama Marathon, it is certainly less crowded than Tokyo’s marathon. For those who don’t like the entire marathon, there is a 10km race that day.

• Time: January
• Estimated cost: ¥9,000
• Entrance window: September to November
• Official website

Itabashi City Marathon

The Itabashi City Marathon is the best alternative for those who missed the Tokyo Marathon. This flat route follows the Arakawa River closely, making it accessible to beginners and is perfect for those seeking their personal best. The marathon has a capacity of 10,000, and will start in early August and close in early December. This game is JAAF certified.

• Time: March
• Estimated cost: ¥11,550
• Entrance window: August to December
• Official website

Kyoto Marathon

The Kyoto Marathon is a common alternative to Tokyo Marathon. The route takes advantage of the history of the former capital, and the course passes seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The competition is dedicated to sustainability with official slogans: “Did you know Kyoto?

• Time: February
• Estimated costs: 17,500 yen for domestic participants and 30,000 yen for overseas participants
• Entrance window: July to September
• Official website

Shizuoka Marathon

Shizuoka Marathon is another relatively large event with 14,000 participants each year. The flat route makes this the perfect marathon for No. 1. Like Itabashi, Shizuoka Marathon is a JAAF certified contest.

• Time: February
• Estimated cost: ¥15,000
• Entrance window: October to November
• Official website

Honorary mention

Akabane Marathon

The Akabane Marathon has a misleading name. It is in Akabane, but not a marathon. The longest route is 31.6 km, and runners avoid the last tough 11 km full route. This is the ideal competition to build a long-distance experience.

• Time: February
• Estimated cost: ¥3,690
• Entrance window: October to January
• Official website

Oh, marathon

The OME marathon began in 1967, making it one of the oldest races in Japan. To popularize long-distance running, it is just a 30km race, not a full 42km. However, with 14,000 participants, the OME marathon is a popular road race for many. The route follows the Tama River, where runners face an altitude of about 85 meters at the first 15 kilometers of the first 15 kilometers.

• Time: February
• Estimated cost: ¥11,000
• Entrance window: August to October
• Official website

Note: The estimated entry cost is based on the 2025 price.

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