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Summer Races in Japan 2022

Outdoor Japan

Salomon 4100D Mountain Trail in Nozawa Onsen

This trail run is in the traditional hot spring village and Olympic ski town of Nozawa Onsen. There are long (65 kilometers), middle (37 kilometers) and short (14 kilometers) courses and participants can run solo, as a pair or in a group. 

OMM Lite and Bike Otari

This entry-level race is designed to give newbies a feel of an Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) navigational race in the mountainous Hakuba Region. The OMM Lite is a two-day race with some off-trail areas, but most is on trail with teams of two to five people. Families and friends who are not participating can camp with racers in the overnight camping area. The OMM Bike (the cycling version of OMM Lite) will be held simultaneously.

Niseko Hanazono Hill Climb

This 14-kilometer race starts at Kutchan—the Potato Festival will be held here simultaneously—and runs mainly on flat roads until the Kutchan Agricultural High School. From there, climb a wide mountain road. The last two-kilometer stretch becomes a single lane with a steep slope until the goal at the border between Kutchan and Niseko towns. 

Mt. Rokko Trail Run and Summer Picnic

This trail run is held on Mountain Day in Japan at Mt. Rokko, which overlooks Osaka Bay. The 28-kilometer course goes up to 1,750 meters and takes about six hours, while the 10K race reaches 300 meters and takes about four hours. There is also a family-friendly rogaining challenge held the same day. 

Akagi Forest Trail Race

This cross-country trail run starts at the Akagi Rink Community Center in the middle of Mt. Akagi. Climb to approximately 1,000 meters above sea level before reaching the summit of Mt. Omine. Runners can sign up for one loop (13 kilometers) or run the same course in reverse (26 kilometers). 

Offroad Triathlon in Shobudani

Shobudani is a popular cycling and driving route in Hyogo. Racers can sign up for the full triathlon (swim 1,200 meters, cycle 13 kilometers and trail run eight kilometers) or go for the relay or lite options. 

Zao Skyrun

Run from spa to sky in Yamagata. The run starts from Zao Onsen’s hot spring town and heads up to the 1,840-meter Mt. Zao. You’ll also pass by the vivid-colored Lake Okama. 

NAC Trail Run and Niseko Gravel

Hokkaido’s first trail run returns for its 21st race. Choose between a hardcore 30-kilometer mountain course, a shorter 10K run and a 5K serene forest trail course. The Niseko Gravel is a mixed-surface ride taking adventure cyclists through forest roads, gravel climbs and iconic Hokkaido farm trails.

Gran Fondo Myoko

Challenge yourself to Japan’s toughest one-day cycling event, which follows a 160-kilometer circuit around Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park. The trail has a 4000-meter elevation and 30 kilometers of off-road sections. The race starts and ends at Myoko Ikenotaira Ski Resort, where you can unwind with beer and music. 

Kujukuri 99T Triathlon

This is one of Japan’s largest triathlons. It’s a flat, fast course with a protected estuary for the two-kilometer swim, a straight route for cycling (90 kilometers) and running (21 kilometers) making it great for beginners.

Ise Shima Satoumi Triathlon

This triathlon is ranked the top Olympic-distance triathlon in Japan and the third overall triathlon in Japan by Triathlon Lumina magazine. The race begins at Oyahama Beach with two laps of 750 meters (wetsuits required). Athletes will ride two laps on a challenging 40-kilometer bike course featuring rolling hills and four tunnels. The run consists of two five-kilometer laps along coastal roads.

Sea to Summit

Montbell’s popular Sea to Summit race series aims to help invigorate local areas, holding events where participants can experience nature through canoeing, cycling, trekking and other means of human-powered movement.