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13 events on now, coming up or open year-round · This weekend · Calendar

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Runners fill the street at the Tokyo Marathon, Japan's World Marathon MajorUpcoming© TheNickster · CC BY-SA 2.0

Outdoor

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) through to the Tokyo Marathon (Mar 7, 2027) and the Nagoya Women's Marathon (Mar 14, 2027). Most big-city races enter by lottery months ahead — but overseas runners can also get in via charity slots and travel-agency tour packages. Below: the full calendar, how to enter from abroad, and which race to pick.

Across Japan

Saga International Balloon FiestaOfficialOn now© Pekachu · CC BY-SA 4.0

Outdoor

Saga Balloon Fiesta 2026: Oct 30–Nov 3 Flight Times, Night Glow & Access

The Saga International Balloon Fiesta 2026 runs Friday, October 30 to Tuesday, November 3, 2026 on the Kase River banks in Saga City, and entry is free. Competition flights go up daily 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 3:00–5:00 p.m. (final day mornings only), and the La Montgolfier Nocturne night glow is on November 2 and 3 from 6:30 p.m. A temporary JR station, Balloon Saga Station, opens at the venue during the fiesta (official info checked 2026-10-13).

Until Tue, Nov 3, 2026 19:00 JST FukuokaFree

Runners at the Naha Marathon, OkinawaOfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY 2.5

Outdoor

Naha Marathon 2026: December 6, the 40th NAHA Marathon

Naha Marathon 2026 starts 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, Dec 6 at Onoyama Park, with a 6h15m limit. General entry closed July 11. Bib pick-up is Dec 5; cut-offs are 21.3 km at 12:15 and 34.3 km at 14:10 (checked 2026-10-13).

Sun, Dec 6, 2026 09:00 JST OkinawaEntry ¥11,000 (general) / ¥9,000 (aged 65+ or high-school age, 16+ on race day); non-refundable. General entry for 2026 closed on July 11.

Zao Snow Monsters (Juhyo) Light-UpOfficialUpcoming© Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY 2.0

Outdoor

Zao Snow Monsters Light-Up 2026-2027: 31 Nights, Dec 26–Feb 23, 5–9 pm

The 2026-2027 Zao Snow Monsters light-up runs on 31 nights between Dec 26, 2026 and Feb 23, 2027, 17:00–21:00 (last ride up 19:45 from Zao Sanroku Station). Ropeway round trip: ¥4,600 adults, ¥2,300 children (Zao Ropeway, checked 2026-10-13).

Sat, Dec 26, 2026 17:00 JST Across JapanRound trip Zao Sanroku Station ⇔ Jizo Sancho Station: ¥4,600 adults, ¥2,300 children (6–11), 2026-2027 season (Zao Ropeway, checked 2026-10-13). Groups of 20 or more need a reservation.

Ito Orange Beach, Shizuoka — start and finish of the marathonOfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0

Outdoor

Ito Orange Beach Marathon 2027 — Sun 17 Jan, 2 km / 5 km / 10 km along the Izu coast

A flat seaside fun-run in Ito, Shizuoka: Sun 17 Jan 2027, starting and finishing at Ito Orange Beach with 2 km, 5 km and 10 km courses plus a family category. About 2,500 runners; 15 min walk from JR Ito Station.

Sun, Jan 17, 2027 08:00 JST Across JapanEntry fees vary by distance; 2027 fees and the entry window were not yet posted when checked (see Ito City's official page). Free to watch.