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Event Guide · Tokyo & Around

Hakone Ekiden (Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race)

JanuaryHakone103rd race: Jan 2, 2027 (Sat) outbound, Jan 3 (Sun) return
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Overview

Overview

A relay road race among universities in the Kanto region that began in 1920 (Taisho 9). Every year, runners pass a tasuki sash across 10 legs totaling about 217 km: from Otemachi in Tokyo to Lake Ashi in Hakone on January 2 (outbound), and from Lake Ashi back to Otemachi on January 3 (return). A beloved New Year tradition broadcast nationwide, it draws large crowds along the course.

When
Every year on January 2 (outbound) and January 3 (return)
Confirmed dates: 103rd race: Jan 2, 2027 (Sat) outbound, Jan 3 (Sun) return
Venue
In front of the Yomiuri Shimbun building, Otemachi (start) to the Lake Ashi parking lot entrance, Hakone-machi (outbound finish)
Official website
https://www.hakone-ekiden.jp/
Highlights

Highlights

The biggest highlights are Leg 5, the "mountain climb" straight up the Hakone mountains, and Leg 6, the "mountain descent" down the steep slopes. At Lake Ashi, the outbound finish, you can feel up close the moment runners cross the line and the energy of each school's cheer squad.

Times

Times

Outbound start (Otemachi)8:00

January 2. From the competition notes for the 102nd race (2026)

Return start (Lake Ashi)Around 8:00

January 3. Staggered start beginning with the outbound winner; teams more than 10 minutes behind the outbound winner start together 10 minutes later. From the competition notes for the 102nd race (2026)

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Watching is free. The leaders reach Lake Ashi about 5.5 hours after the 8:00 start of Leg 1, so check the estimated passing times for the section you want to see in advance
  • ✓Runners pass in an instant. Waiting along the course while following the standings on TV, radio, or your phone makes it more fun
  • ✓Amazake (sweet rice drink) is sometimes handed out along the course in Hakone
  • ✓On race days there are traffic restrictions on National Route 1 (the mountain section of Hakone), and buses between Hakone-Yumoto and Lake Ashi may be heavily delayed or suspended. Combine the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, and ropeway for getting around, and allow plenty of time
  • ✓Hakone is busy with tourists during the ekiden. Book onsen inns early
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Hakone-machi-ko (Hakone Tozan Bus)Right outsideLake Ashi, the outbound finish and return start
  • Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Railway, Odakyu Romancecar)The Leg 5 and Leg 6 course runs in front of the stationGateway to the mountain climb and descent
  • Otemachi Station (Tokyo Metro, Toei Mita Line)A few minutes on footIn front of the Yomiuri Shimbun building, the outbound start and return finish
From major stations
  • Shinjuku Station: Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto Station (About 1 hour 30 min)
  • Hakone-Yumoto Station: Hakone Tozan Bus to Hakone-machi-ko (heavy delays on race days due to restrictions) (Usually about 40 min)
  • Tokyo Station: Walk from the Marunouchi side to the Yomiuri Shimbun building in Otemachi (About 10 min)
Extra buses & shuttles
None (no temporary shuttle for the race could be confirmed)
IC cards (Suica etc.)
Transport IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used on the Odakyu Line, Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Tozan Bus, and Tokyo Metro
Getting back
  • After the outbound finish, buses from Lake Ashi toward Hakone-Yumoto are extremely crowded and roads get congested. Expect to get back late
  • The Kanto Student Athletics Federation warns of crowding at Kazamatsuri, Odawara, and Hakone-Yumoto stations. Reserve seats on the Romancecar back early
  • Coming by car is difficult due to traffic restrictions and congestion. Public transport is the way to go
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Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
The outbound finish on January 2 (Lake Ashi, early afternoon) and around the start and finish in Otemachi. The areas around Hakone-Yumoto Station, Miyanoshita, and Kowakien are also popular
Quieter times
Along the flat sections such as Hiratsuka to Totsuka, it's relatively easy to find a spot with a good view
Saving a spot
To watch from the front row at the Lake Ashi finish or in Otemachi, you often need to claim a spot several hours in advance
Time needed
Watching at one spot takes about 30 minutes until all runners have passed. From start to finish takes about 5.5 hours each way
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
Tokyo's normal low in January is about 1°C (a reference value based on JMA normals). The higher mountain areas of Hakone are even colder, and it can drop below freezing in the early morning and in the shade
What to wear
You'll be waiting outdoors for a long time, so dress warmly with a down jacket, gloves, a hat, and disposable hand warmers. Watch out for icy roads in the mountains and wear comfortable shoes
Rain, snow & typhoons
In bad weather, follow the organizers' announcements
Where to check for cancellations
Hakone Ekiden official website (https://www.hakone-ekiden.jp/), Kanto Student Athletics Federation (https://www.kgrr.org/)
☁ Tokyo & Around weather in January →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Always cheer from the sidewalk; do not step into the road or lean out with your hands or body
  • !Stepladders are prohibited. Do not tie banners, flags, or nobori streamers to guardrails, bridges, or other public property
  • !Flying drones or radio-controlled aircraft and using selfie sticks around the course are prohibited
  • !Following runners by car, motorcycle, or bicycle to cheer them on is prohibited
  • !Do not display anything identifying participating schools within 100 m of the start, finish, or relay stations
  • !If you bring a pet, make sure it doesn't go into the road. Take your trash home
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Temporary toilets along the course are limited. Use the toilets at stations, commercial facilities, or tourist facilities beforehand
Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers are available at Shinjuku and Hakone-Yumoto stations. At Hakone-Yumoto, a luggage delivery service to your inn is also available
Paying at food stalls
Restaurants and shops along the course may be cash only, so bring cash
ATMs
Convenience store ATMs around Hakone-Yumoto Station. There are few ATMs around Lake Ashi
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
Sidewalks along the Hakone course are narrow in many places, and watching with a wheelchair or stroller may be difficult when crowded
Food

Food

Local favorites
Amazake (sometimes handed out along the course)Onsen manju (hot-spring buns) in Hakone-YumotoOdawara kamaboko (fish cake)Owakudani black eggs
Vegetarian & halal
Vegetarian and halal labels are rare, so check with each shop
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

Onsen inns in Hakone on January 1–3 are extremely busy as this overlaps with the New Year holiday peak. Book early or consider staying in Odawara

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Hakone Ekiden (Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race)PR

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Attractions

Attractions in Hakone

Photo coming soonExperience

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

Tokyo & Around ・ Hakone / Kowakidani

A hot spring theme park in Kowakidani, Hakone. It has two areas: "Yunessun," a hot spring and spa area where you wear swimsuits, and "Mori no Yu," a day-use hot spring where you bathe without clothes. Families and groups can enjoy Hakone's hot springs regardless of the weather.

See all attractions →
Events

Events & festivals in Tokyo & Around

February–March

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Izu

Usually early February to early March (about one month). Peak bloom is usually mid- to late February

February–December

Atami Fireworks Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Izu

Usually held a dozen or more times a year in spring (April–May), summer (July–August), autumn (September–November), and winter (December–February). Each show runs around 20:20–20:40 (from 20:15 in July and August)

Next show: Oct 25, 2026 (Sun), followed by Nov 8, Nov 23, Dec 6, Dec 25, and Feb 21, 2027 (all 20:20–20:40)

March

Tokyo Marathon

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually a Sunday in early March

2027: Mar 7 (Sun)

April–May

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Fuji Five Lakes

Usually mid-April to late May (April 11 – May 24 in 2026; may vary with bloom conditions)

Photo coming soonApril

Bunkyo Azalea Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually around April 1–30 (the 55th festival was held April 1–30, 2026). Peak bloom is usually mid- to late April

May

Sanja Matsuri

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually mid-May, on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday around the third Saturday of May (May 15–17 in 2026, with the ceremony to install the deities in the mikoshi on the Thursday evening before)

August

Tokyo Koenji Awa-Odori

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually the last Saturday and Sunday of August (around 17:00–20:00)

November

Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Fuji Five Lakes

Usually early to late November (about 3–4 weeks). The leaves are usually at their best in early to mid-November

2026: Nov 7 (Sat) – Nov 29 (Sun)

November

Tori-no-Ichi

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually on the Days of the Rooster in November (2–3 days, 12 days apart). At Otori Shrine in Asakusa, it runs from midnight to midnight (0:00–24:00) on each Rooster Day

2026: two days, Ichi-no-Tori on Nov 7 (Sat) and Ni-no-Tori on Nov 19 (Thu) (no market on the days in between)

November–February

Marunouchi Illumination

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually mid-November to mid-February of the following year (about 3 months)

2026: Nov 12 (Thu) – Feb 14, 2027 (Sun)

December

Hagoita-ichi (Battledore Market)

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Every year December 17–19 (Senso-ji explicitly states "the three days from December 17 to 19")

2026: Dec 17 (Thu) – Dec 19 (Sat)

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Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-09-30

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