Kasumigaura Marathon

Kasumigaura Marathon is one of the most famous citizens’ marathon events in Japan. Held every April, it attracts about 20,000 participants who run along the shores of Japan’s second largest lake, Lake Kasumigaura. It is well known for the enthusiastic cheers of the local residents and for well-prepared services including an excellent aid station. This is why it ranks high every year among domestic marathon events and provides runners with a high degree of satisfaction.

It is jointly organized by Tsuchiura City and Kasumigaura City. Both cities are located about 40 km northwest of Narita International Airport and about 60 km northeast of Tokyo, and are easily accessible by train and car. It is about a 60-minute train ride on the Joban Line from Tokyo to these two cities and the nearest station is Tsuchiura. By car it is a 60-minute drive on the Joban Expressway from Tokyo and the nearest interchange is either Sakuratsuchiura or Tsuchiurakita.

Surrounded by a rich natural environment featuring the famous Mt. Tsukuba and Japan’s second largest lake, Lake Kasumigaura, these locations are extremely popular with sightseers and are easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area.

In addition, it is only 45 minutes by Tsukuba Express from the nearby Tsukuba Science Park to Akihabara, which is the Tokyo shopping district famous for its huge range of electronics products.