Japan Marathons 2026–2027: Dates, Entry & How Overseas Runners Get In

Japan's 2026–2027 marathon season runs from the Hokkaido Marathon (Aug 30, 2026) to the Tokyo Marathon (Mar 7, 2027) and the Nagoya Women's Marathon (Mar 14, 2027). Most of the big-city races fill by lottery three to five months in advance, so the single most important thing for an overseas runner is knowing the entry window — and the charity and tour routes that get you a guaranteed bib after the ballot closes. This guide has the full calendar, how to enter from abroad, and which race suits you.

The 2026–2027 marathon calendar

All dates verified as of July 2026. Tap a race for its full guide — course, entry window, start time and access.

How overseas runners enter

Most flagship races use a lottery (ballot), not first-come — you apply in a set window, then get drawn. Miss the ballot, or want a guaranteed place? There are three routes:

1. General lottery — apply on the official race site during the entry window (often ~6 months out). Free or low cost to enter; you pay the entry fee only if drawn. The Tokyo Marathon ballot, for example, runs in mid-to-late August for the following March.
2. Charity slots — pay a higher donation-backed fee for a guaranteed bib, usually available even after the ballot closes. The most reliable route for overseas runners with fixed travel dates.
3. Overseas tour / travel-agency packages — agencies bundle a guaranteed entry with hotel and support (English-speaking). The priciest option, but the simplest if you're flying in.

A few practical notes: you'll usually need to collect your bib in person at a pre-race EXPO (no race-day pickup), carry photo ID matching your entry, and meet the course time limit (typically ~6–7 hours). Always confirm the exact entry window and fee on the official race page — they move each year.

Which marathon should you pick?

• The bucket-list major: the Tokyo Marathon — one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, flat and fast through the capital. Hardest ballot to win, so consider charity or a tour.
• The most scenic: the Kyoto Marathon runs past seven UNESCO World Heritage sites — unbeatable for a first Japan race you'll photograph.
• Women-only & unforgettable: the Nagoya Women's Marathon, the world's largest women-only race, hands every finisher a Baccarat crystal tumbler.
• Warm-weather & festive: the Naha Marathon in Okinawa in December, and the summer Hokkaido Marathon if you want to run in the cool north.
• Big-city energy: the Osaka Marathon down Midosuji and the Yokohama Marathon on the Bay Expressway.

FAQ

When is the Tokyo Marathon 2027? Sunday, March 7, 2027. The general lottery typically runs in mid-to-late August 2026 — confirm the exact window on the official site.

How do overseas runners enter a Japanese marathon? Three ways: the official general lottery (apply in the entry window), a charity slot (a higher donation-backed fee for a guaranteed bib), or an overseas tour package that bundles a guaranteed entry with hotel and English support.

Which Japanese marathon is easiest to get into? Regional races like Hokkaido, Kobe and Naha are generally easier than Tokyo. For any race, a charity slot or tour package gives you a guaranteed place when the lottery is tight.

Do Japanese marathons have a time limit? Yes — most big-city races have an overall limit of roughly 6–7 hours, with staged cut-off points along the course. Check each race's page for its exact limit.

When is the Osaka Marathon 2027? Sunday, February 28, 2027; entry is by lottery on the official site. See the Osaka Marathon entry guide for the ballot details.