Highlights
- 42.195 km course past seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji
- Finish line in front of Heian-jingu Shrine's vermilion torii
- 16,000-runner marathon field plus a 250-pair ekiden relay through Kyoto's temples and shrines
Background & story
Revived in 2012 after a same-named race that ran from 1969 to 1982, the Kyoto Marathon is now one of Japan's largest citizen marathons, capped at 16,000 runners to keep the course manageable through the city's narrow historic streets. The February 2027 race is the 14th edition since the relaunch.
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Start is about a 10-min walk from Nishikyogoku Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line) or 5 min from the Nishikyogoku Undokoen-mae bus stop (bus #73 from Kyoto Station, #80 from Shijo-Kawaramachi). Finish near Heian-jingu is closest to Higashiyama Station (Tozai subway line, ~10 min walk) or Jingu-Marutamachi Station (Keihan line, ~15 min walk).
- Booking & entry
- Check tickets and details on the official page (button above).
- Paying
- Marathon entry ¥18,500 (Kyoto residents) / ¥19,500 (other domestic) / ¥35,000 (overseas); pair-ekiden ¥34,000/pair; wheelchair race ¥3,000. Spectating is free.. Smaller venues in Japan are often cash-first — carry some yen (cards/IC not guaranteed).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, groups of friends
Good to know
Domestic entry is by lottery and overseas capacity is limited, so apply as soon as registration opens (from around July 2026). Not running? The Heian-jingu finish and the Kamigamo/Shimogamo shrine stretches are the liveliest free spots to cheer.