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Japan - The World's Ultimate Running Destination
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Japan is one of the most well known and best loved travel destinations in the world. People travel here to sample the unique history, culture, food and everything that comes with it. But few of those travelers would think about running in Japan. It’s simply not on most peoples’ radar. Yet Japan has one of the oldest established and vibrant running scenes in the world. It is worth looking into as there is so much happening with regards to distance running and so much to be gained by entering a race here.
My name is Scott Brown and I’m a 45-year-old Australian expat living in Japan. I’ve lived here for the best part of 20 years. I ran my first marathon in Japan 7 years ago. I’ve since done 13 full marathons, 20 half marathons and about 50 10K races, all in Japan. Let me relate a little about my experience of running/racing here and hopefully give you some reason to consider it also.
If you had to name 5 countries that come to mind when you think about distance running the list would probably include Kenya, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and perhaps some others. For me though, Japan leads the list and not only because it’s where I live and run but because it’s where the elites come to race and because, I believe, running here is more a part of the popular culture than anywhere else in the world.
The elite come to Japan for the big races such as the Fukuoka Marathon, Lake Biwako and Beppu marathons, international ekidens and others. There are dozens of famous and historical races that attract the best runners in Japan and from around the world. Even the not so famous marathons here can be brutally competitive. Brett Larner from Japan Running News noted a half marathon where his 1:13:00 time only netted him 500th place. Fast runners come to Japan for the competition that helps them run faster. Jeff Hunt made his debut in Japan for that reason and reaped the rewards by becoming Australia’s fastest first-time marathoner. Added to this is the general solid structure of races here. The excellent organisation and the enthusiasm from officials and fans combine to make racing in Japan a unique running experience.
Still, why would anyone beside the elite be motivated by those facts? The answer is, Japan's running scene is not solely reliant on its elite runners, it permeates all of society. Its strength is built on a base of large-scale participation. Unlike anywhere else in the World, distance running in Japan is a popular sport.
Running is the second largest spectator sport in Japan, behind baseball and in terms of participation it is by far the biggest. Marathons and ekidens get full (start to finish) television coverage on major stations, and the Hakone college ekiden has one of the largest viewerships in the world. Running is largely promoted and participated in at the school and university level. People of all walks of life and all ages regularly participate in any number of races. There isn’t a weekend that goes by here where you couldn’t find a race to run in.
People are just into running and it’s apparent at the grassroots level. On my Sunday long runs I’m regularly passing and passed by fathers running with their sons, mothers with their friends, teenage baseball teams doing running training and all sorts of clubs and individuals out for their running fix. Go to any open city space in Japan and you will see this, but for an overdose run around Osaka Castle or the Imperial Place in Tokyo-you will be stunned at the numbers of runners and at how seriously the Japanese take their running. It is this large participation rate, its
acceptance and the social aspect that make running here special.
Are you keen to have a look but you still have an image of Japan as a “hard” country to travel in, an incomprehensible and expensive travel destination? After all, most people don’t speak English and isn’t this the land of the workaholic salaried employee and the 10 dollar cup of coffee? Not anymore-things have changed. 20 years of low inflation has made Japan one of the most cost-effective travel destinations, and the Japanese are open to contact as never before.
The Japan I know and the running scene I’m part of is one where you will be welcomed and challenged to do your best in an atmosphere of friendly competition. As Jeff Huntgushed in an interview on his triumphant return from Japan, “The Japanese are very, very friendly people, very hospitable people.” I can tell you from my experience that this is true. What is no longer true is that the running scene here is closed to foreigners that aren’t elite runners. Planning is necessary and there are no same day registrations, in fact, often you have to enter months before race day, but you can and are able to enter most races with a little forethought. Hotels can also be booked online with a minimum of fuss. So give it a go, contact another runner in Japan. There are expat Australians like myself and even expat running clubs like “Namban Rengo” in Tokyo who have members willing to give advice on races to their fellow runners abroad. But for an appetizer you could start with one of the two two big ones.
Two races that can be organized before arriving, without needing Japanese, are the Tokyo and Nagano marathons. Nagano’s race is held in April and usually has perfect weather. It is run along one of the most scenic courses in Japan, with the pink and white of plum and cherry blossoms contrasting against snow capped mountains and the cobalt blue sky. The Tokyo marathon is an amazing race as well. You’ll be running in this modern mega city with thousands of smiling people along routes where the samurai once rode their horses. It is a rush you’ll not soon forget. But while these races come highly recommended I believe for the real experience of running in Japan you should come to one of the hundreds of races in which only the locals participate.
Most prefectures in Japan hold their own marathons, half marathons or 10K races and each highlight the foods and local culture. Last month I ran the Kishukuchikumano Half Marathon, in the beautiful sea-side town of Shirahama. I was cheered on by the locals as the sole foreigner running. It was a wonderful course. They had us running through tunnels and small villages with the ocean on one side and lush mountains on the other. The locals made all the runners feel welcome and after the race we could soak in hot springs, drink local beer and eat delicious local food.
Why don’t you come to Japan! Pack your running shoes, run in a race. You'll have a ball and in the process gain a greater understanding of this country and its people.
Scott Brown
March 10, 2010
Check out Scott's webpage here
Check out Scott's blog here
Check out the Namban Rengo running club here
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10 comments to "Japan - The World's Ultimate Running Destination"
Hi Scott, I'm glad you wrote this article. I lived in Japan for three years and became a minor celebrity by joining my city's ekiden team. On my last trip back I ran in a small 5k/10k/half marathon in my wife's hometown of Takahata. I wrote about it for Runner's Tribe here: http://bit.ly/aWAi1b
If anyone has questions about running in Japan, they can feel free to email me as well. buraian (at) lifeofburaian (dot) com.
Bryan
You are spot on with your observations. Described the experience almost exactly. I've too burnt off the high school kids in a 5K and wondered where all the adults were ;)
I get a bit evangelistic about it but it is really something I'd like people to experience as well.
It will change a lot of stereotypes (us and them) and show that the Japanese are not at all the arrogant whale eaters they are sometimes made out to be ;)
Keep in touch.
very nice article and, from what i recall during my 9 yrs in japan, all very true. unfortunately most of my running was limited to station platforms, trying to catch the last train, usually making it 'giri-giri.' scott-san, ganbatte kudasai...
Very informative article Scott - I once lived and worked in Japan - still visit regularly, and will be relocating there in the near future. What is the best source for obtaining info on upcoming runs ? I'd also like to joing a local running group if possible....
Great article. 3 of us are running in Nagano in 6 weeks time. I have travelled to Japan 3 times and enjoyed runs around a number of castles, through Peace Park and along the river in Kyoto. Nagano is our first race there so are looking forward to it. A cheap place to get to from Adelaide.
Scott,
Great article, you convinced me to give Japan a try, I look forward to doing a marathon in Japan in the future. Keep up the writing and the running.
Also, I'm running the Hilo Marathon again this year
Take care,
Mario
Denis, try me if your coming to the Kansai region or "Namban Rengo" if you'll be closer to the Kanto region.
Rob, I hope your trip will live with you forever. Adelaide is a hard place to leave but you'll love Nagano.
Mario, Mahalo. I wanted to come back to Hilo this Month but can't make it. If you don't come to Japan soon I'll see you on the big Island next year. You know where I am. Keep in contact.
I heard there is a famous trails ultra in Japan, along the route Samurai used to travel to pay their annual taxes? Can anyone tell me its name and a website with information? Many thanks.
I don't know what exactly you are talking about need more details but anyway their is no English info on ultras here. You are going to have to ask someone from here to help you of translate this website or do it for yourself from there. I can't help anymore than this here but if you're serious please contact me directly.
http://www.r-wellness.com/
Thanks
below are some races but links are old and in Japanese too
Road
History Road Tango 100K Ultramarathon
歴史街道・丹後100kmウルトラマラソン
Next Race: Sept. 16
http://www.r-wellness.com/tango
Challenge Fuji Five Lakes 72K / 100K / 112K
チャレンジ富士五湖 72km/100km/112km
http://www.r-wellness.com/fuji5/index.html
Hoshi no Sato Yatsugatake Nobeyama Kogen 100K Ultramarathon
星の郷八ヶ岳野辺山高原100km ウルトラマラソン
http://www.r-wellness.com/nobeyama/index.html
Saroma Lake 100K Ultramarathon
サロマ湖100kmウルトラマラソン
http://www.runnet.co.jp/info/a/2007/saroma
Trail & Mountain
Japan Mountain Endurance Race (Hasegawa Tsuneo Cup) 72km
日本山岳耐久レース（長谷川恒夫カップ）72km
http://www.hasetsune.com
The North Face Endurance OSJ Hakone 50K
ザ・ノース・フェイス エンデュランスラン OSJハコネ５０K
http://www.powersports.co.jp/osj/07_hakonetrail/index.htm
http://www.goldwin.co.jp/thenorthface (Hakone 50K Endurance Race)
Kita-Tanzawa 12-Hour Mountain Endurance Race 43.86 km.
北丹沢１２時間山岳耐久レース 43.86km
http://www.tanzawa-green.co.jp/html/race/12h/index.html
very nice article!