Run through the ancient capital, feel history and nature. Kyoto, 42.195km of elegance
The Kyoto Marathon is an urban marathon held in Kyoto, Japan’s beautiful ancient capital. Held in late February every year, it is a spectacular 42.195km journey starting from Nishikyogoku Athletic Park and visiting numerous World Heritage Sites and tourist attractions such as Arashiyama, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kamigamo Shrine, and Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Running through Kyoto’s atmospheric streets, experiencing historical buildings and beautiful nature up close, gives runners a special feeling. The warm cheers of local residents echo along the roadside, and the performance of Japanese drums and Kyoto-style hospitality will encourage runners and create unforgettable memories.
Kyoto Marathon: A 42.195km journey woven with history and nature
The Kyoto Marathon is not just a race. It is a heartwarming adventure through the history and natural beauty of the thousand-year capital. Feel the breath of the ancient city, experience Japanese culture firsthand with runners from all over the world, and write your story.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The emotional journey begins at the Nishikyogoku Athletic Park Athletics Stadium in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City. Early in the morning, runners lining up at the starting line of the stadium are filled with anticipation for the scenery of the ancient city they are about to visit, and a sense of exhilaration. The start is a gentle downhill, but the excitement of running with many other runners will lift your spirits.
Sights along the way
The Kyoto Marathon course attracts runners with its historical highlights and beautiful scenery.
・Start to 7km：After starting from Nishikyogoku Athletic Park, the first major highlight is Arashiyama. Runners will cross the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River and run through the bamboo grove path of Arashiyama, famous for its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. This section is relatively flat, allowing runners to enjoy running through beautiful nature.
・7km to 15km：After Arashiyama, runners will pass through scenic spots such as Tenryu-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site, Hirosawa Pond, and Kinukake-no-michi Road. Kinukake-no-michi Road has gentle ups and downs, but the beautiful scenery along the road will make you forget your fatigue.
・15km to 25km：World Heritage Sites and historical buildings such as Kinkaku-ji Temple, Daitoku-ji Temple, and Kamigamo Shrine appear one after another. Especially in front of Kinkaku-ji Temple, you can see its magnificent appearance up close, which will boost the morale of the runners. This section is mostly flat, but the enthusiastic cheers from tourists and local residents will encourage the runners.
・25km to 35km: Runners will run alongside the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden and enter the cycling road along the Kamo River. This is a relatively flat section with views of the clear stream of the Kamo River and Mount Hiei. This section has an open feel and it will be easy to maintain your pace.
・35km to Finish：Runners will run on the east side of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and pass through the large torii gate of Heian Shrine. Then, finally, the finish line will be “in front of the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art.” This final section has some gentle ups and downs, but the exhilaration of heading towards the goal will support the runners.
Finish point
Finish in front of the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art! The sense of accomplishment of completing a race in the ancient capital, adorned with history and culture, and the warm applause waiting for you at the finish line will be the best memories.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The elevation difference of the entire course is approximately 158m in elevation gain and approximately 180m in cumulative elevation descent. The highest point is 68m and the lowest point is 26m. Overall, there are few major ups and downs, but there are gentle undulations around Arashiyama, Kinukake-no-michi Road, and near Heian Shrine in the final stages.
・Weather：Kyoto in late February, when the race is held, is a relatively chilly time with an average temperature of 3-10°C. The weather is often sunny, but strong winds or snow can occur rarely. It is important to be well prepared for cold weather.
Participants’ comments
・ “The course visiting World Heritage Sites was truly moving!”
・ “The support from the roadside was very warm and encouraging.”
・ “Running through the bamboo grove in Arashiyama was an amazing experience.”
・ “I think Kyoto is the only marathon where you can run while feeling the history.”
・ “The pork soup with plenty of Kyoto vegetables after the goal was incredibly delicious!”
・ “The sound of Japanese drums echoed, giving me energy.”
・ “I am deeply grateful for the wonderful scenery of Kyoto and the warm hospitality of the locals.”
・ “It was a wonderful race that allowed me to rediscover the beauty of Japan.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Kyoto Marathon is to relax with the beautiful scenery of Arashiyama in the beginning, and then calmly clear the gentle ups and downs of Kinukake-no-michi Road. In the middle of the race, around Kinkaku-ji Temple, enjoy the World Heritage scenery and use the cheers from tourists as motivation. The section along the Kamo River at the end is relatively flat, so pick up your pace here and prepare for the gentle uphill climb to Heian Shrine. Kyoto in late February can be cold, so body temperature management and cold weather preparation are important. The secret to success is to enjoy the beauty of history and nature while running at your own pace.
The Kyoto Marathon is a special 42.195km journey held in Kyoto, the thousand-year capital. Run through the beautiful scenery woven with history and nature, experience Japanese culture firsthand, and enjoy an unforgettable feeling and sense of accomplishment.
2025 Kyoto Marathon Summary
・Date and time: February 16, 2025
・Number of finishers: –
・Average time: –
MEN
1:Yuma Morii:2:16:19
2:Yudai Fukuda:2:16:50
3:Tatsuya Itagaki:2:18:56
4:Ryusei Okuda:2:20:22
5:Taisuke Ueda:2:22:59
6:Keigo Ashida:2:23:17
7:Koshichiro Oyama:2:23:31
8:Ryota Matsui:2:24:06
9:Taiga Yamaguchi:2:25:00
10:Masato Ikui:2:25:43
WOMEN
1:Fuka Hirokawa:2:45:09
2:Miyuki Nishimura:2:48:18
3:Miyu Fukada:2:50:16
4:Risa Shinozaki:2:52:43
5:Yumi Sugihara:2:52:55
6:Nonoka Imaizumi:2:53:54
7:Mikiko Ota:2:54:53
8:Yao Li:2:55:00
9:Chihiro Fujii:2:56:53
10:Rumi Ozaki:2:57:06
2026 Kyoto Marathon
Run through the thousand-year capital and surpass yourself. 42.195km will unleash a new you
・Location: Nishikyogoku Athletic Park Athletics Stadium
・Date and time: February 15, 2026 (tentative)
・Start time: 9:00 AM
Kyoto: Harmony of eternal history, living beauty, and innovation
Kyoto is an ancient capital boasting over twelve hundred years of history, a place where traditional Japanese culture remains strong. The scenery created by nature, which shows its beautiful expressions in each of the four seasons, and historical buildings deeply fascinates visitors. The view of Kyoto city from the stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the brilliant appearance of Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the mysterious world invited by the bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Each tells its own story and captivates visitors.
In the cobblestone alleys of Gion, geisha can be seen, and quaint teahouses line the streets. Savor Kyoto cuisine, feel the seasons with Japanese sweets, and touch traditional crafts. Kyoto is a treasure trove of experiences that stimulate the five senses. In addition, numerous art museums and galleries exhibit a wide range of works, from traditional art to contemporary art. There are also many opportunities to experience Japanese culture deeply, such as practicing Zen meditation at a Zen temple or strolling around the city in a kimono rental.
While preserving tradition, Kyoto constantly incorporates new cultures and continues to evolve, offering new discoveries with each visit. This city, filled with sophisticated aesthetics and the warm hospitality of its people, is a place where everyone can find “their own Kyoto.” Once you visit, you will be captivated by its profound charm and will want to return again and again. It is such a special city.
