1. Spectacular Course Featuring the Tateyama Range and Toyama Bay!
This full marathon (certified course) offers breathtaking views of the majestic Tateyama Range in the Northern Alps, the Kurobe River, Toyama Bay, and other stunning natural landscapes. Starting and finishing at Kurobe City General Park, the course features a maximum elevation change of 124m. The first half is predominantly uphill, peaking at the 23.5km mark, while the second half is mostly downhill. The varied scenery and the downhill sections in the latter half will help you run.
2. Refresh your throat and cool your body with Kurobe's famous water
Though it was a bit overshadowed last year by rainy weather and low temperatures, Kurobe's famous water lives up to the race's name—its deliciousness is exceptional. You'll be refreshed multiple times during the race by the delicious cold water stations appearing roughly every 2km and the refreshing showers using this famous water to beat the heat.
3. Kurobe's Delicious Foods Parade
Aid stations feature Kurobe-grown Koshihikari rice balls, pressed sushi, chilled ramen, salted soft-serve ice cream, and other gourmet treats unique to this event. Additionally, fruit, mini tomatoes, bread (cream, chocolate, red bean paste), jelly, sweets... the abundant selection of refreshments will satisfy even the most voracious runners. Thoughtful touches include green tea served alongside rice balls and pressed sushi.
After the race, enjoy complimentary trout sushi and famous hot pot, plus plenty of stalls offering Kurobe's local specialties!
Discover the Charm of the Host City
| 写真出典元： |
とやま観光ナビ 立山黒部アルペンルート 金沢旅物語 他 |
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Why Toyama?
- Unique and warm relationship with His Excellency Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States
- ・ This friendship began through Mr. Carter's close connection with Tadao Yoshida, the founder of YKK, whose global headquarters are in Kurobe.
- ・ Personal Friendship: Mr. Carter and YKK founder Mr. Tadao Yoshida were long-time friends. This personal bond led Carter to visit Kurobe.
- ・ Mr. Carter visited the city in 1984 and 1993, meeting local residents and joining public discussions. During his first visit, Mr. Carter unexpectedly joined a local jogging event and ran about 5 km with citizens.
- ・ This moment inspired today's "Carter Memorial Kurobe Meisui Marathon."
- ・ Carter Hall: In honor of the friendship, Kurobe named its main cultural hall "Carter Hall." Inside, visitors can find Mr. Carter's message promoting peace and cultural exchange.
- ・ The relationship between Kurobe and Mr. Carter is a rare example of genuine, people-to-people diplomacy. It shows how a personal friendship can grow into a long-lasting cultural connection between a Japanese city and a former U.S. president.
- Filled with pure water, beautiful scenery, warm people, and a unique history connected to former President Mr. Carter.
- Easy Access from Tokyo and Osaka
- ・ Only 2.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen (new bullet train)
- ・ 3.5 hours from Osaka by Train
Pre- or Post-race Excursion
Kurobe City Sightseeing Spots
1. Kurobe Gorge Torokko Train
The Kurobe Gorge Torokko Train is a unique mountain railway that takes you into one of Japan's most beautiful and untouched natural areas — a must-do for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a memorable adventure. The train travels through one of Japan's most dramatic natural landscapes, carved by the Kurobe River. It's listed among Japan's top three gorges and Japan's 100 hidden scenic spots. Many cars are open-air, letting you feel the wind and hear the river below.
2. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan's most spectacular mountain sightseeing routes, crossing the Northern Japan Alps from Toyama to Nagano. It's famous for dramatic landscapes, unique transportation, and the iconic "Snow Walls." From April to June, visitors can walk between 20-meter (66-feet)-high snow walls near Murodo.
3. Kurobe Dam
Kurobe Dam, completed in 1963 after 7 years construction period, is Japan's tallest dam, as high as 186-meters (or 610-feet), and one of the country's greatest engineering achievements. Located deep in the Northern Japan Alps, it's a highlight of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and attracts visitors from around the world.
Sightseeing Spots nearby Toyama City
Kanazawa
Kanazawa is one of Japan's fastest-growing destinations for foreign travelers, with visitor numbers now exceeding pre-pandemic levels thanks to the Hokuriku Shinkansen, favorable exchange rates, and strong interest from Europe, the U.S., and Australia.
- ・ Kenrokuen Garden: One of Japan's "Three Great Gardens," famous for seasonal beauty: cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and winter snow-rope decorations. A must-see for first-time visitors.
- ・ Kanazawa Castle Ruin: A large, beautifully reconstructed samurai castle next to Kenrokuen. Great for photography and historical walking tours.
- ・ Higashichaya: A traditional geisha district with wooden teahouses, gold-leaf shops, kimono rental, cafés and craft boutiques. Perfect for strolling and cultural photos.
- ・ Nagamachi Samurai District: Preserved samurai residences, narrow lanes, and earthen walls. A quiet, atmospheric area ideal for walking.
Gourmet Information
Kurobe's specialties are defined by pure water, fresh seafood, and rich farmland. Here are some recommendations for tourists from abroad:
1. Kurobe Meisui Pork (Kurobe Spring-Water Pork)
A premium pork brand raised with Kurobe's famous natural spring water. The meat is tender with a naturally sweet flavor. Popular dishes include shabu-shabu, tonkatsu, and gyoza.
2. Kurobe Rice (Koshihikari)
High-quality rice grown with the pure water of the Kurobe River. It was one of the first regional brands certified in Japan and is a symbol of Kurobe's agriculture.
3. Millet & Millet Sticky Rice (Kibi Okowa)
A traditional local food made from millet, reflecting Kurobe's long history of grain cultivation. "Kibi okowa" is a chewy, flavorful regional specialty.
4. Kurobe Maruimo (Round Yam)
Maruimo is a type of yam characterized by its strong stickiness and high nutritional value. Rich in saponins that purify the body, components that aid protein digestion and absorption, and various digestive enzymes, it is highly popular as a health vegetable. Kurobe's specialty round yam is consumed as an ingredient in high-end Japanese sweets. It is also sold at events like the Agricultural Festival and the Fuse Valley Festival, where it sells out in no time.
5. Negitan Green Onion
Negitan is a special variety of green onion grown in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture. It's known for its soft texture, mild sweetness, and rich aroma, making it popular among chefs and home cooks alike. The name "Negitan" comes from the Japanese word negi (green onion) and the idea of being "tender and delicious."
It's a very exciting race event. We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the race venue.
