Run Under Cherry Blossoms Along Japan's Last Clear Stream – Immerse Yourself in Overwhelming Japanese Natural Beauty! Run Under Cherry Blossoms Along Japan's Last Clear Stream – Immerse Yourself in Overwhelming Japanese Natural Beauty! Run Under Cherry Blossoms Along Japan's Last Clear Stream – Immerse Yourself in Overwhelming Japanese Natural Beauty!

18th Shimanto River Sakura Marathon

18th Shimanto River Sakura Marathon

18th Shimanto River Sakura Marathon

Event Features 活动特色 活動特色。

A Serene, Stunning Course Along Japan's Last Clear Stream - The Shimanto River

The Shimanto River is world-famous as “Japan's Last Clear Stream,” one of the rare undammed rivers that flows in its pristine, natural state.
The course is a one-way route crossing from east to west along the river, with the biggest highlight being crossing two iconic Chinkabashi (low-water crossing bridges )!

These unique bridges have no railings and sit just above the water surface - a truly distinctive Japanese landscape that's incredibly photogenic and perfect for SNS. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the contrast between the pink petals and the crystal-clear emerald river creates a magical, dreamlike scene.

Runners often rave in reviews: “A once-in-a-lifetime Japanese scenic course” and “The misty morning Shimanto River feels truly mystical.”

The Shimanto River

Gentle Downhill Course with Only -100m Elevation Change - Easy and Enjoyable Running

Mostly downhill overall with minimal ups and downs, making it ideal for those who want to “flow comfortably through nature.”
The time limit is 6 hours, so even at an average pace of around 9:00 min/km, finishing is comfortably achievable. Highly recommended for first-time full marathoners or those running as a sightseeing/tourist experience.

Peak Cherry Blossom Season in Late March - Experience Authentic Rural Japanese Spring!

Held in late March, the race aligns with cherry blossom peak, offering a true taste of “Japan's iconic spring tradition.”
Misty mornings, cherry blossom tunnels, and the Chinkabashi bridges make for stunning photos - you'll feel the gentle beauty of Japanese spring with every step.

Warm, Intimate Local Hospitality

With around 1,000 participants, this small-scale event feels worlds away from big-city marathons - the roadside cheers are close and personal, creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with locals.
After the finish, relax and enjoy local treats like grilled Shimanto ayu (sweetfish)!

Combine the Race with Shimanto River Adventures + Kochi Gourmet Delights!

Before or after the race, explore the Shimanto River: visit more Chinkabashi bridges, go canoeing, camping, or ayu fishing.
Savor Kochi's famous gourmet: fresh eel, katsuo no tataki (seared bonito), and more. Add 2-3 extra nights for the ultimate trip - fully immerse in rural Japan's nature and food in a way you can't experience in the city.

Post-race relaxation area

katsuo no tataki

Chinkabashi bridge

Chinkabashi bridge

A Serene, Stunning Course Along Japan's Last Clear Stream - The Shimanto River

The Shimanto River is world-famous as “Japan's Last Clear Stream,” one of the rare undammed rivers that flows in its pristine, natural state.
The course is a one-way route crossing from east to west along the river, with the biggest highlight being crossing two iconic Chinkabashi (low-water crossing bridges )!

These unique bridges have no railings and sit just above the water surface - a truly distinctive Japanese landscape that's incredibly photogenic and perfect for SNS. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the contrast between the pink petals and the crystal-clear emerald river creates a magical, dreamlike scene.

Runners often rave in reviews: “A once-in-a-lifetime Japanese scenic course” and “The misty morning Shimanto River feels truly mystical.”

The Shimanto River

Gentle Downhill Course with Only -100m Elevation Change - Easy and Enjoyable Running

Mostly downhill overall with minimal ups and downs, making it ideal for those who want to “flow comfortably through nature.”
The time limit is 6 hours, so even at an average pace of around 9:00 min/km, finishing is comfortably achievable. Highly recommended for first-time full marathoners or those running as a sightseeing/tourist experience.

Peak Cherry Blossom Season in Late March - Experience Authentic Rural Japanese Spring!

Held in late March, the race aligns with cherry blossom peak, offering a true taste of “Japan's iconic spring tradition.”
Misty mornings, cherry blossom tunnels, and the Chinkabashi bridges make for stunning photos - you'll feel the gentle beauty of Japanese spring with every step.

Warm, Intimate Local Hospitality

With around 1,000 participants, this small-scale event feels worlds away from big-city marathons - the roadside cheers are close and personal, creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with locals.
After the finish, relax and enjoy local treats like grilled Shimanto ayu (sweetfish)!

Combine the Race with Shimanto River Adventures + Kochi Gourmet Delights!

Before or after the race, explore the Shimanto River: visit more Chinkabashi bridges, go canoeing, camping, or ayu fishing.
Savor Kochi's famous gourmet: fresh eel, katsuo no tataki (seared bonito), and more. Add 2-3 extra nights for the ultimate trip - fully immerse in rural Japan's nature and food in a way you can't experience in the city.

Post-race relaxation area

katsuo no tataki

Chinkabashi bridge

Chinkabashi bridge

A Serene, Stunning Course Along Japan's Last Clear Stream - The Shimanto River

The Shimanto River is world-famous as “Japan's Last Clear Stream,” one of the rare undammed rivers that flows in its pristine, natural state.
The course is a one-way route crossing from east to west along the river, with the biggest highlight being crossing two iconic Chinkabashi (low-water crossing bridges )!

These unique bridges have no railings and sit just above the water surface - a truly distinctive Japanese landscape that's incredibly photogenic and perfect for SNS. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the contrast between the pink petals and the crystal-clear emerald river creates a magical, dreamlike scene.

Runners often rave in reviews: “A once-in-a-lifetime Japanese scenic course” and “The misty morning Shimanto River feels truly mystical.”

The Shimanto River

Gentle Downhill Course with Only -100m Elevation Change - Easy and Enjoyable Running

Mostly downhill overall with minimal ups and downs, making it ideal for those who want to “flow comfortably through nature.”
The time limit is 6 hours, so even at an average pace of around 9:00 min/km, finishing is comfortably achievable. Highly recommended for first-time full marathoners or those running as a sightseeing/tourist experience.

Peak Cherry Blossom Season in Late March - Experience Authentic Rural Japanese Spring!

Held in late March, the race aligns with cherry blossom peak, offering a true taste of “Japan's iconic spring tradition.”
Misty mornings, cherry blossom tunnels, and the Chinkabashi bridges make for stunning photos - you'll feel the gentle beauty of Japanese spring with every step.

Warm, Intimate Local Hospitality

With around 1,000 participants, this small-scale event feels worlds away from big-city marathons - the roadside cheers are close and personal, creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with locals.
After the finish, relax and enjoy local treats like grilled Shimanto ayu (sweetfish)!

Combine the Race with Shimanto River Adventures + Kochi Gourmet Delights!

Before or after the race, explore the Shimanto River: visit more Chinkabashi bridges, go canoeing, camping, or ayu fishing.
Savor Kochi's famous gourmet: fresh eel, katsuo no tataki (seared bonito), and more. Add 2-3 extra nights for the ultimate trip - fully immerse in rural Japan's nature and food in a way you can't experience in the city.

Post-race relaxation area

katsuo no tataki

Chinkabashi bridge

Chinkabashi bridge

Event Summary 活动概述。 活動概述。

Race Name 种族名称 比賽名稱 18th Shimanto River Sakura Marathon 18th Shimanto River Sakura Marathon 18th Shimanto River Sakura Marathon
Date 日期 日期。 March 29 2026 March 29 2026 March 29 2026
Location 地点 地點 Shimanto Town (Kochi) Shimanto Town (Kochi) Shimanto Town (Kochi)
Race Categories 比赛类别 比賽類別 42.195km 42.195km 42.195km
Time Limit 时间限制 時間限制 6 hours ※ With a cutoff point (25 km mark: 3 hours 30 minutes from the start) 6 hours ※ With a cutoff point (25 km mark: 3 hours 30 minutes from the start) 6 hours ※ With a cutoff point (25 km mark: 3 hours 30 minutes from the start)
Number of participants 参与人数 參與人數 1,000 people 1,000 people 1,000 people
Entry Period 报名时间 報名期間 October 20 2025 00:00 - January 30 2026 23:59 October 20 2025 00:00 - January 30 2026 23:59 October 20 2025 00:00 - January 30 2026 23:59
Web Site 网站 網站 https://shimantoriver-sakuramarathon.jp/ https://shimantoriver-sakuramarathon.jp/ https://shimantoriver-sakuramarathon.jp/