Mt. Fuji International Marathon

Credit : Fujisan Marathon Run alongside Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most beautiful sacred mountain and a World Heritage site! The fourth Mt. Fuji Marathon will be held on November 29th (Sunday) at Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi Prefecture. The snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji comes in and out of view multiple times along the course. In addition to the mountain views, runners can also enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves around Kawaguchi-ko Lake and Sai-ko Lake. With its reputation as the world’s most beautiful course, the marathon has experienced a burst of overseas participants. This year the marathon also features the launch of its charity fun run, organized in response to requests from people who want to run while enjoying views of Mt. Fuji, but feel unable to participate in the full marathon. The charity fun run is about 10 km in length. A portion of the participation fees will be donated to Mt. Fuji cleanup activities. First-time runners will feel comfortable taking part in the fun run. Credit : Fujisan Marathon The full marathon travels around two of the legendary Five Lakes of Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchi-ko Lake and Sai-ko Lake. From the 22 km point, runners depart Kawaguchi-ko Lake and head towards Sai-ko Lake along a highway that is popularly known as the “heart-tearing slope.” This 1 km climb is a challenging spot, but on the way back runners can enjoy panoramic views of the brilliant autumn leaves around Kawaguchi-ko Lake, and they will feel totally refreshed. This is a renowned spot on the Mt. Fuji Marathon, both along the way up and the way down. The full marathon commences at 9:00 a.m. Runners can make it in time for the start by taking a morning JR train from Shinjuku and the Fujikyuko Line. Come experience a course with autumn leaves, lake views, and Mt. Fuji!