Nishio Marathon: Run Through Japan’s "Little Kyoto of Mikawa"
Experience a scenic full marathon in Nishio City, a charming castle town known as the "Little Kyoto of Mikawa." This unique one-way course takes you through historic streets, coastal views, tea fields, and more perfect for chasing a personal best.
It’s the only full marathon in Aichi Prefecture held on public roads open to all runners. A challenging hill awaits after the 32 km mark, offering a true test and a great sense of accomplishment.
What makes this race special is the warm local support—cheering students, volunteers, and even DJs energize you along the way. Plus, enjoy local hospitality with delicious aid station treats like grilled eel, matcha sweets, and regional snacks.
Note: The aid station food offerings are based on the previous event.
More than just a race, the Nishio Marathon is a full cultural experience filled with spirit, flavor, and community.
Discover the Charm of the Host City
Sightseeing Spots in Nishio City
Nishio City, also known as LITTLE KYOTO of Mikawa, is like a hidden gem wrapped in green tea leaves and history books—there’s so much more to uncover beyond its matcha fame. Here are some deeper layers of its charm:
Matcha Museum Saijoen Wakuwaku
Nishio produces over 20% of Japan’s matcha. Its rich soil and granite deposits (used for tea mortars) make it ideal for cultivation.
Discover the art of tea-making through hands-on experiences and aroma testing—an engaging deep dive into Nishio matcha.
Nishio Castle and Historical Park
Originally built in 1221, the castle was expanded under Tokugawa Ieyasu’s orders in 1585. Today, the reconstructed Honmaru Ushitora Yagura and Chujakumon Gate offer a glimpse into Edo-period architecture.
Sakushima Art Island Stroll
Sakushima is a small, peaceful island located in Mikawa Bay, part of Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture. Known as the "Island of the Winds," it’s famous for its blend of contemporary art, natural beauty, and local seafood culture—a perfect escape from busy city life.
The island features over 20 unique art installations, including the iconic Ohirune House (Nap House), East House, and Seagull Parking Lot. These works are designed to harmonize with nature and invite interaction.
With black-walled villages, bamboo forests, and seaside sculptures, Sakushima is a dream for photographers and Instagram lovers.
Meet friendly locals, explore narrow alleys, and discover hidden shrines and folklore.
Iwase Bunko Library — Japan’s First Museum of Classical Books
The Iwase Bunko Library is a unique cultural facility dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of rare and historical books. It now houses over 80,000 volumes, including important cultural properties from ancient to modern times.
From classics like The Pillow Book and The Tale of Genji to Edo-period cookbooks and illustrated folklore, the library offers a wide range of materials across literature, history, religion, and natural science.
Visitors can apply for permission to handle original texts, making it one of the few museums where you can truly touch history.
Kira Waikiki Beach－A Hawaiian Vibe in Aichi
Located in Nishio City, Kira Waikiki Beach is a stunning white sandy beach inspired by Hawaii’s famous Waikiki Beach. Stretching about 570 meters (0.36 miles), it combines tropical atmosphere and Japanese hospitality, making it a perfect summer getaway.
Nishio City Photos
| 写真出典元： | 一般社団法人西尾市観光協会 |
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Gourmet Information
Isshiki Unagi (Freshwater Eel) — Japan’s Premium Delicacy
The coastal town of Isshiki is renowned for producing some of the finest unagi (freshwater eel) in Japan. With over 100 years of aquaculture history, Isshiki unagi is prized for its soft skin, rich flavor, and high fat content, making it a favorite among chefs and food lovers nationwide.
Mikawa Isshiki Shrimp Crackers — A Crispy Taste of Coastal Japan
These shrimp-flavored rice crackers are a beloved local specialty with over 100 years of history. Crafted using fresh shrimp from Mikawa Bay, they offer a savory, umami-rich snack that’s both traditional and addictive.
Mame Miso — A Bold Taste of Tradition from Nishio City
Mame miso (soybean miso) is more than just a seasoning—it’s a symbol of the region’s deep-rooted culinary heritage. Made from whole soybeans, salt, and koji mold, this miso is aged for over a year, resulting in a rich, reddish-brown paste with a bold, umami-packed flavor.
Sightseeing Spots near Nishio City
Nearby areas in Aichi Prefecture offers a rich blend of history and culture, including Nagoya Castle, a samurai heritage symbol built in 1610; Meiji Mura, an open-air museum with over 60 historic buildings showcasing Japan’s modernization; the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, featuring interactive exhibits on the evolution from textiles to automobiles; and Noritake Garden, a cultural complex near Nagoya Station known for its ceramics craftsmanship, museums, galleries, and shopping.