This article recommends three Japanese marathons worth running in the second half of this year, exploring the unique features and natural cultural heritage sites of these marathons. It also introduces the much-loved "Japan Running Stations" by runners worldwide, helping you understand how much love and effort Japan, renowned globally as a running city, invests in running. Take advantage of the depreciating yen to create a personalized race trip to Japan!
The Depreciation of the Yen is a Huge Advantage for Taiwanese Runners!
Seize the Opportunity to Exchange Yen for a Running Trip
With the yen depreciating, the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) has relatively increased in value and become more useful. This means that the same amount of NTD can now buy more Japanese goods. The yen has been depreciating continuously and is almost at a 1:5 exchange rate. The last time the yen was this low was about 30 years ago, during the Japanese economic bubble in the 1990s. It's almost at the point where the Bank of Japan might consider intervening.
The historical exchange rate of yen (JPY) to NTD has been averaging 0.2271 since 2022, 0.2220 in 2023, and 0.2113 in 2024. The yen has been consistently depreciating. According to the historical exchange rate inquiry of the Bank of Taiwan, as of April 30, 2024, the cash exchange rate of yen (JPY) is:
• Buying: 0.1982
• Selling: 0.211
This means 1 yen can be exchanged for 0.211 NTD, and 1 NTD can be exchanged for 4.739 yen.
For runners looking to run several marathons in Japan, it's worth paying attention to the exchange rate trend of NTD to yen recently. Choose the most favorable exchange rate time to exchange currency, saving more money for your Japanese marathon trips. Regardless of future yen trends, it is still very advantageous compared to past years, especially in terms of flight, accommodation, and transportation costs. The purchasing power of NTD exchanged for yen is substantial.
If unsure about the best exchange time, you can first apply for a foreign currency account and exchange in batches periodically to hedge against risks. You can also prepare various payment methods to diversify risks, saving more for your running trips and possibly arranging a few more marathon events in Japan.
Book Your Future Japanese Marathon with the Current Yen
If we talk about the country that loves running the most in Asia, Japan is definitely one that comes to mind. Japan, with its highly developed running culture, has many appealing aspects, making Japanese marathons highly attractive to running enthusiasts. So, what are the unique features and charms of Japanese marathons?
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#01 Large-Scale Events with the Six Major Marathons
#04 Enthusiastic Cheering Squads Incorporating Local Culture
"Cheer for the runners!" Japanese marathon events often receive strong support from local residents and communities. The race routes are often lined with enthusiastic spectators showcasing their local cultural features, creating a joyous and encouraging atmosphere. Even if you don't understand the language, the cheers from the crowd provide a strong push and add a lot of fun and cultural richness to the race.
Recommended Japanese Marathons for the Second Half of 2024
• Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-marathon.jp
• Location: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
• Race: Full Marathon (42.195KM)
• Time Limit: 7 hours (from the first signal gun)
• Race Date: October 27, 2024 (Sunday), starting at 08:30
• Registration Period: April 17, 2024 (Wednesday) 10:00 AM to June 30, 2024 (Sunday) 5:00 PM
• Participant Limit: 13,000 people (1,000 for non-Japanese runners; registration closes when full)
• Registration Fee: 15,000 yen (additional handling fee applies, approx. 3,165 NTD at an exchange rate of 0.211)
• Race Route: Starting at Hirozaka Avenue (SHIINOKI Guest House) and ending at Ishikawa Prefectural West Green Park Athletics Stadium. Certified by JAAF (Japan Association of Athletics Federations) and AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races).
The Kanazawa Marathon is known as the fastest PB course in Asia. After the initial 12K climb of about 40-50M, it is mostly a gentle downhill. The latter half of the marathon is nearly flat, allowing you to fully showcase your ability and enjoy the scenic route. Kanazawa City is rich in history and culture, known as "Little Kyoto". Along the route, runners can enjoy historical landmarks like Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle, and Higashi Chaya District, appreciating natural beauty and traditional Japanese culture.
**Race Highlight: The Kanazawa Marathon is held in the autumn, offering stunning views of fall foliage along the route. Running through historic and cultural sites while enjoying nature's visual feast is a fantastic course design. It is also suitable for first-time marathoners, with a generous 7-hour time limit for completion.
#Recommendation 2: 2024 Mt. Fuji International Marathon/第13回富士山マラソン
• Official Website: https://mtfujimarathon.com/
• Location: Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
• Race: Full Marathon (42.195KM)
• Time Limit: 6 hours
• Race Date: November 24, 2024 (Sunday), starting at 09:00
• Registration Period: June 1, 2024 (Saturday) to September 30, 2024 (Monday) 11:59 PM (for overseas runners)
• Participant Limit: 6,000 people (4,000 for Japanese, 2,000 for overseas runners)
• Registration Fee: 25,000 yen (for overseas runners, approx. 5,275 NTD at an exchange rate of 0.211)
• Race Route: Start and finish at Funatsu-hama Parking Lot (Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture). Certified by AIMS and the Japan Association of Athletics Federations.
A Japanese marathon that you absolutely must run at least once in your lifetime is undoubtedly the Mt. Fuji Marathon! The Mt. Fuji Marathon is a historic and prestigious marathon emblematic of Japan. Originally called the "Kawaguchiko Marathon," it was renamed after Mount Fuji was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Running alongside the picturesque and tranquil Lake Kawaguchi, if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic sight of Mount Fuji with its first dusting of snow. However, the course isn't all easy. The heartbreak hills with undulating slopes around the mountains and lakes challenge you while you enjoy the beauty of Mount Fuji, the first of Japan's Three Holy Mountains.
The planning of the finisher's ceremony at the Mt. Fuji Marathon has always been thoughtful. This year, special event commemorative T-shirts and finisher medals designed with Japanese characteristics have been created for overseas runners. Particularly for the year 2024, being the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, it's also featured on the medals. Japanese ingenuity is vividly displayed in the medal design, and if you collect five finisher medals, you can assemble them into a cone-shaped Mount Fuji, which is incredibly adorable!
**Race Highlights: Enjoy views of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and autumn foliage along the course. The Mt. Fuji Marathon is also held in autumn, amidst Japan's season of autumn leaves. Running through forests of red maple trees, you can truly appreciate the scenery, with your feet gliding alongside Mount Fuji, around Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Sai. It's a journey through magnificent mountain and lake landscapes.
Recommendation 3: 2024 Nara Marathon/第13回奈良マラソン
• Official Website: https://www.nara-marathon.jp/
• Location: Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan
• Race: Full Marathon (42.195KM)
• Time Limit: 6 hours
• Race Date: December 8, 2024 (Sunday), starting at 09:00
• Registration Period: June 22, 2024 (Thursday) to July 16, 2024 (Tuesday) until full, so register early!
• Participant Limit: 12,000 people
• Registration Fee: 16,000 yen (with participation award) (approx. 3,376 NTD at an exchange rate of 0.211)
• Race Route: Starts and finishes at the Rohto Field Nara (Nara City, Nara Prefecture).
The Nara Marathon is a first-come-first-served event, so once the slots are filled, registration closes. For runners who love running tourism, this event, rich in world heritage sites, is not to be missed. As the ancient capital of Japan, Nara not only boasts rich historical and cultural heritage but also integrates serene natural beauty into its marathon. The race route passes many famous historical sites, such as the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, the Kasuga Grand Shrine with its millennium-old trees, and Nara Park, where you might encounter herds of deer running along the way. Everywhere echoes with the history of the land, but be prepared for constant ups and downs throughout the entire course of the Nara Marathon.
**Race Highlights: The Nara deer might just run alongside you! If you're up for a whimsical experience, why not try running while holding a deer senbei (a type of biscuit)? It might keep the deer following you all the way to the end of the race!? After finishing the race, the real excitement begins! Don't forget to schedule time to visit the world heritage sites and savor the most distinctive local cuisine: persimmon leaf sushi and Nara pickles, making for a fulfilling Japanese running trip.
Heading to Japan for an Overseas Marathon
Must-Visit Running Stations
#Recommended Spot: Tokyo Raffine Running Style
If you're lucky enough to win the lottery for the Tokyo Marathon in 2025, you must visit "Tokyo Raffine Running Style," a service store dedicated to runners. It's a very friendly space for overseas runners, offering services such as baggage storage, washing facilities, rental of towels/running clothes/shorts/running shoes, recovery massages, and replenishment services, providing comprehensive support for runners. If you're in Tokyo, why not experience a running store?
• Official Website: https://www.raffine-rs.com/shop-neo
#Recommended Gear: Bone Running Handphone Holder
Since you're going overseas for a run, it's time to relax a bit! Take your phone with you while running to capture precious memories of your overseas running journey. I recommend the Bone Running Handphone Holder. With this holder, you can run freely with your phone. Unlike typical tight arm phone sleeves, the Bone handphone holder is made of skin-friendly neoprene material, similar to the fabric of diving suits, making it lighter and more flexible on the arm. Running becomes more lightweight, and you can also capture the scenery along the way while running.
• Official Website: https://www.boneshop.com/tw/runtie2-group.html