Ekiden (Hakone)
OtherKanto(Kanagawa)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Otemachi (Tokyo) to Hakone Ashinoko
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Extremely crowdedRelated guides for stays, meals, workspaces, and art stops around a festival trip.
Kanto(Kanagawa)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Otemachi (Tokyo) to Hakone Ashinoko
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Extremely crowdedLooking for Japan festivals 2026 dates? This Japanese festivals 2026 guide maps where to go month by month, from cherry blossom season and summer matsuri to autumn parades and winter snow festivals.
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Japan's most famous long-distance relay race from Tokyo to Hakone and back.
The Hakone Ekiden is Japan's most prestigious and watched university relay marathon, covering 217.1 km between Tokyo's Otemachi and Hakone's Lake Ashi over two days. Ten university teams of ten runners each compete in this New Year tradition that captivates the entire nation with dramatic team rivalries.
Ekiden (Hakone) takes place from 2026-01-02 to 2026-01-03.
Ekiden (Hakone) is held at Otemachi (Tokyo) to Hakone Ashinoko in Kanagawa, Japan.
Use the official website for Ekiden (Hakone) to confirm the latest schedule, tickets, route changes, weather notices, and cancellation updates: https://www.hakone-ekiden.jp/.
Yes, Ekiden (Hakone) is free to attend.
The admission fee for Ekiden (Hakone) is ¥0.
The crowd level at Ekiden (Hakone) is typically extreme.
Yes, Ekiden (Hakone) is held annually.
Ekiden (Hakone) is a other festival in Japan.
Highlights of Ekiden (Hakone) include: Japan's most-watched sporting event during New Year; 217.1 km relay course from Tokyo to Hakone over mountain passes; Dramatic team rivalries and emotional moments at relay exchanges.
Tips for Ekiden (Hakone): Best viewing spots fill up early, especially at relay exchange points and the Hakone mountain section. The race is broadcast live on Nippon TV. Dress warmly as it's early January..
Ekiden (Hakone) welcomes international visitors. It is a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Access information for Ekiden (Hakone): Start/finish at Otemachi, Tokyo (near Tokyo Station). Various viewing points along the route. Hakone turnaround at Lake Ashi..
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tips: Best viewing spots fill up early, especially at relay exchange points and the Hakone mountain section. The race is broadcast live on Nippon TV. Dress warmly as it's early January..
Photography is generally welcome at Ekiden (Hakone). Check specific rules at the venue.
Ekiden (Hakone) is a family-friendly festival that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
Festival food stalls (yatai) at Ekiden (Hakone) typically serve popular Japanese street food including yakisoba, takoyaki, and kakigori. Some festivals feature regional specialties.
Yes, wearing a yukata (casual kimono) is very common and encouraged at Ekiden (Hakone). Many visitors rent yukata nearby.
Parking can be limited during Ekiden (Hakone). Public transportation is recommended. Check access details: Start/finish at Otemachi, Tokyo (near Tokyo Station). Various viewing points along the route. Hakone turnaround at Lake Ashi..
Japan's most-watched sporting event during New Year; 217.1 km relay course from Tokyo to Hakone over mountain passes; Dramatic team rivalries and emotional moments at relay exchanges
Start/finish at Otemachi, Tokyo (near Tokyo Station). Various viewing points along the route. Hakone turnaround at Lake Ashi.
Best viewing spots fill up early, especially at relay exchange points and the Hakone mountain section. The race is broadcast live on Nippon TV. Dress warmly as it's early January.
📍 Otemachi (Tokyo) to Hakone Ashinoko