Public Relations Office, Government of Japan

Sporting Nation

Sporting competitions and events

Japan hosts a range of sporting competitions and events year-round. These include not only ones you can watch, but also ones you can take part in yourself.

Paragliding
Niseko Sky Rally / Hokkaido
Mid-September through late September every year
The Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area is used during the off-season for paragliding competitions. Gliders launch off the slopes of Mount Niseko and pick up the wind, enjoying airborne views of the majesty of Hokkaido.

Marathons
Osaka Marathon / Osaka Prefecture
Fourth Sunday of October every year (this year: October 25)
Offering a full marathon for 30,000 people and a “challenge circuit” for 2,000, this is Japan’s next-largest marathon after the Tokyo Marathon. The course runs through famous sites in central Osaka as well as historical remains, and the ground is uniformly level and flat, making this a race known as an easy run for beginners and pros alike.
http://www.osaka-marathon.com/index_en.html

Fukuoka Marathon / Fukuoka Prefecture
Every November (this year: November 8)
Fukuoka Prefecture has been rated as the number one place to live in Japan, and the Fukuoka Marathon starts in Tenjin, which is considered among the most iconic city centers in the Kyushu region. The course then runs through Hakata Bay and along the coast of the Genkai Sea, letting you enjoy all of the nature Fukuoka has to offer.
http://www.f-marathon.jp/en/

Trail Running
Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji / Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures (foothills of Mount Fuji)
Late September every year
The foothills of Mount Fuji have been declared a World Heritage Site, and it is there, with the support of two prefectures and eleven towns, that you can run a trail that is 167 kilometers long and has a cumulative elevation of 8,634 meters. Japan’s first hundred-mile trail race, this is also the world’s first sister trail to the L’Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc, which is the world’s highest trail run in terms of elevation.
http://www.ultratrailmtfuji.com/en/

Triathlons
5 Strongman—All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima / Okinawa Prefecture
Every April
Of the nearly 280 triathlons held in Japan, this is one of the most popular. Participants see the beautiful emerald green seas around the island of Miyakojima in Okinawa as they swim for 3 kilometers, bike for 157 kilometers, and run for 42.195 kilometers.


Lixil IRONMAN 70.3 Centrair Chita Peninsula Japan / Aichi Prefecture
Early June every year
Lixil’s 70.3 triathlon is a half-sized version of a full 140.6-kilometer course. The proximity to Chubu Centrair International Airport and the excellent natural scenery make this an event that draws many overseas participants.

ITU World Triathlon Yokohama / Kanagawa Prefecture
Mid-May every year
The only part of the ITU World Triathlon Series held in Asia. Athletes from various countries come together in the historic port town of Yokohama, which blends the cultures of East and West. Seeing the racers sprint across town has become an iconic sign of the season.
http://yokohama.triathlon.org/en/

Cycling
Japan Cup Cycle Road Race / Tochigi Prefecture
Mid-October every year (this year: October 16-18)
Considered Asia’s foremost road cycling race. This is the only cycling event in Japan that brings celebrated cyclists from the Tour de France all the way to Japan’s shores.
https://www.japancup.gr.jp/

Shonan Open / Kanagawa Prefecture
Late July every year
The Kugenuma Coast is where surfing was born in Japan. Kugenuma hosts this summer event as a way to maintain its status as a top region in promoting sports culture. The beachside venue is where you go to surf, while the parkside venue is home to skateboarding and street-dancing competitions.
http://www.shonanopen.com/

Snowboarding
AIRMIX / Niigata Prefecture
Mid-March every year
This is one of Japan’s largest snowboarding contests, taking place at Gala Yuzawa ski resort. Everyone from amateurs to former Winter Olympic athletes appear in this freestyle event where people show off their prowess on the slopes.
http://www.airmix.tv/

Outdoor Sports
SEA TO SUMMIT / Sites nationwide
Weekends in May through October every year; held in sequential order
This sporting event sees you powering a kayak in the ocean, changing to a bicycle to ride through the countryside and then ascending mountain peaks in a hike. See nature in all its beauty as you make the circuit. This is an ideal chance to see Japan’s nature and culture in one shot.
http://www.seatosummit.jp/

Fishing
Boat Game Fishing / Sites nationwide
June through November every year; held in sequential order
This nationwide sport-fishing contest is designed to raise awareness about protecting the oceans and their resources. Lures are used to catch fish from boats. The event is open from June through November, so the fish available change depending on which area you visit and when.
http://www.marine-jbia.or.jp/event/fishing.html