Kyoto Marathon
The Lowdown
The Kyoto Marathon, first held in 2012, has quickly become one of Japan’s most scenic city marathons, blending competitive running with the cultural and historical richness of Kyoto. Traditionally staged in February, the race draws both domestic and international runners who want to experience Japan’s ancient capital on foot. Over the years the event has emphasized mass participation and sightseeing, giving recreational runners a chance to tour Kyoto’s iconic landmarks while competing in a well-organized road race. The course threads through Kyoto’s most famous vistas — past the winding Kamo River, historic neighborhoods, and temple-lined avenues, with views of Kiyomizu-dera, the Heian Shrine, and other UNESCO-associated sites depending on the exact route used that year. Runners enjoy tree-lined streets, riverfront stretches, and cheering spectators in traditional attire; the route is relatively flat with a few gentle undulations, making it friendly for both first-time marathoners and those seeking a BQ attempt. The finish typically offers a celebratory festival atmosphere with local food, music, and cultural displays that reflect Kyoto’s heritage. The Kyoto Marathon course is AIMS-certified and accepted for Boston Marathon qualifying purposes. Race organization focuses on strong aid station support, clear course signage, and efficient baggage and transport logistics, creating a comfortable and memorable race-day experience that balances competitive ambition with cultural sightseeing.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
2026 race entries sell out rapidly, organizers report largest field in event history
Jul 1, 2025Organizers announced that general-entry spots for the 2026 Kyoto Marathon sold out in approximately 48 hours, creating the largest official field in the race's history with about 17,500 confirmed starters (including elites, charity and time-limit exemptions). The rapid sellout prompted organizers to confirm expanded wave starts and additional on-course support for 2026.
Course route tweak confirmed to reduce congestion near Kyoto Station and Heian Shrine
Oct 10, 2024Race officials released a revised course map for future editions that shifts a short segment west of Kyoto Station and reroutes the section by Heian Shrine to widen the roads and improve runner flow; the change reduces a previous bottleneck and adds approximately 200 meters to the early kilometers. The modification keeps the traditional start/finish areas and maintains the course's certification for record purposes.
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Notable Landmarks
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Runners pass by the historic former residence of the Imperial family surrounded by expansive gardens
Kamo River (Kamogawa)
A scenic riverside stretch used for flat, fast running with views of local life and bridges
Gion District
The traditional entertainment district where runners pass wooden machiya houses and may spot geisha in the streets
Heian Shrine
Notable large torii and colorful shrine grounds near the eastern part of Kyoto, a scenic point on the course
Kiyomizu-dera (views near the approach)
The famous hilltop temple area and panoramic city views visible from the route approaches
Fushimi Inari Taisha (course vicinity)
Iconic vermilion torii gates and shrine approach near the southern part of the city along the route
Kyoto Station
Major transport hub and landmark, often used near the start/finish area for spectator and runner access
Kyoto, Japan
JP
Based on nearby accommodations
- Must be 18 years or older on race day (born on or before 2008-02-15)
- Complete official online registration and pay entry fee by the stated deadline
- Entrants accepted by lottery or by meeting published guaranteed-entry qualifying standards
- Provide accurate personal and emergency-contact information; medical declaration required at registration
- Must comply with official race rules, marshals and signage; no unauthorized pacing or assistance
- Wear the official race bib and timing chip supplied by organizers for the entire race
- Respect health and safety instructions; organizers may disqualify runners deemed unfit to continue
- Finish within the official course cutoff times (subject to organizer announcement)
- International entrants must present valid passport or ID when collecting race materials
- No refunds, transfers, or deferrals except as stated in the official event policy
- Photo ID (passport or Japanese residence card)
- Proof of age (passport or official ID)
- Medical certificate or self-declaration of fitness to run
- Emergency contact information
- Signed race waiver/consent form
- Online Registration (Lottery)
- Time-qualifying (Seeded) Entry
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator / Package Entry
- Corporate Entry
- Wheelchair / Para Entry
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
No refunds after registration and payment are completed
Entries are non-transferable to another person
Deferrals to a future year are not permitted
If the organizer cancels the event, participants will be offered a full refund or deferred entry at the organizer's discretion
No refunds for medical withdrawal or failure to start
The Kyoto Marathon course weaves through the city and passes many historic landmarks including the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Heian Shrine and stretches along the Kamo River, offering a uniquely scenic tour of the city’s temples and traditional neighborhoods.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve shirt, and the event typically offers on-site post-race food and warm beverages; there is also an expo in the days before the race showcasing local vendors and official merchandise.
The race awards prize money to top finishers and age-group awards, and past editions have featured competitive international and Japanese elite fields (course record holders vary by year).
Runners should rely on public transportation—Kyoto’s trains and buses are the recommended way to reach the start as parking is very limited; expect cold February conditions, frequent aid stations approximately every 3–4 km, and bag-drop/transfer services at the start and finish for participant convenience.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.