Guide to Kanazawa Marathon 2026

The Kanazawa Marathon is one of Japan’s standout destination races, taking runners through a city known for historic Edo-period districts, refined arts and crafts culture, and some of the country’s most celebrated traditional scenery. The 2026 event will be held on Sunday, October 25, with a full marathon course that begins in front of the Shiinoki Cultural Complex and finishes at Seibu Ryokuchi Park Athletics Stadium.

What sets this race apart is how closely the course is woven into the city itself. Runners pass through seven themed zones that showcase Kanazawa’s castle-town character, traditional neighborhoods, and modern cultural landmarks.

Kanazawa is well-connected to major cities by rail. From Tokyo Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) reaches Kanazawa in around 2.5 hours. Travelers coming from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya can reach the city in roughly two to three hours, with a transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Tsuruga Station.

The marathon starts in central Kanazawa near Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden, making the area convenient for travelers staying in the city center.

Getting around Kanazawa

The 2026 Kanazawa Marathon is a full marathon only, with a capacity of 15,000 runners, including 1,000 overseas entry places. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. and has a seven-hour time limit, with checkpoints placed throughout the course.

For overseas runners, registration opened on March 11, 2026, and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Kanazawa Marathon course is designed as a sightseeing run through the city’s most distinctive areas. It starts near the Shiinoki Cultural Complex, close to Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden, then travels through a sequence of seven zones that present different sides of the city. Highlights include historic neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and views that reflect Kanazawa’s identity as one of Japan’s great castle towns.

Kanazawa rewards extra time before or after race day. Kenrokuen Garden is one of the city’s essential sights, known for its carefully composed landscape of ponds, bridges, pines, and seasonal views. Nearby Kanazawa Castle Park adds historic scale, while the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art introduces a more modern side of the city, and is a must-visit for any art lover.

For a deeper sense of local atmosphere, visit Higashi Chaya District, where traditional teahouse architecture lines narrow streets, or explore Nagamachi Samurai District, known for its earthen walls and former warrior residences. Omicho Market, often called Kanazawa’s kitchen, is another essential stop, with more than 170 shops and restaurants centered around seafood and regional produce.

Kanazawa is one of Japan’s most rewarding food cities, particularly for seafood. Its location near the Sea of Japan means visitors can enjoy sushi, sashimi, and seasonal catches in abundance, especially around Omicho Market and the Kanazawa Station area.

Beyond seafood, the city is also known for Kaga cuisine, a refined local food tradition connected to the former Kaga Domain, as well as gold leaf sweets and regional sake. Marathon weekend is a good opportunity to enjoy a celebratory meal that feels distinct to the destination rather than simply practical post-race dining.

One of Kanazawa’s best-known annual celebration is the Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival, held in early June. The festival commemorates the arrival of Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Kaga Domain, and features a large historical parade, taiko (Japanese drums) performances, and reenactments through the city center.

The city also hosts seasonal illumination events at Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden throughout the year, including spring, early summer, autumn, and winter editions. Autumn illuminations are scheduled for several dates between September and November 2026, making them a timely addition for travelers visiting around marathon season.

1. Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa is located about four minutes on foot from Kanazawa Station, making it convenient for runners arriving by shinkansen and for those collecting bibs before race day. The high-rise hotel’s guest rooms begin on the 17th floor, offering sweeping views across the city.

2. Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

Hyatt Centric Kanazawa sits around two minutes on foot from Kanazawa Station and offers spacious rooms with design details inspired by local craft and art. Its station-side location keeps transport straightforward while giving travelers a stylish base for exploring the city around race weekend.

3. Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel is a strong option for those who want to stay closer to Kanazawa’s historic sightseeing areas rather than directly at the station. The hotel offers a refined city-center setting, a French restaurant and bar, and a fitness gym.