Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon 2025

• Picturesque Setting: Run through fields of early blooming yellow rape blossoms, with views of Lake Ikeda and Mount Kaimon.
• Local Hospitality: Enjoy warm welcomes, local performances, and dishes like pork and vegetable soup.
• Unique Experience: Relax in Japan's natural sand hot springs after the race.
• Course Logistics: Full marathon with 100m elevation change; 8-hour time limit; water stations every 2.5km.
• Awards and Prizes: Prizes include age category awards, foreign visitor awards, and major prizes like Honolulu Marathon invitations.

The Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon, held annually on the second Sunday of January in Ibusuki, Japan, is a must-run for any marathon enthusiast. Known as the "most hospitable marathon in Japan," it offers a unique blend of cultural warmth and scenic beauty. Local residents cheer on participants with enthusiasm, offering traditional food and lively performances along the route. Runners are treated to stunning views of blooming rapeseed blossoms, Lake Ikeda, and Mt. Kaimon. With an accommodating eight-hour time limit, it's perfect for both seasoned and first-time marathoners. Expect a festival-like atmosphere that transforms this race into an unforgettable experience.

Expect temperatures of 8-13°C (47-55°F) in mid-January for the Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon. Runners should be ready for moderate humidity and a 24% chance of light rain, making it essential to plan for potential wet and windy conditions.

The Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon offers an unforgettable 42.195 km journey through a landscape rich in natural beauty and cultural warmth. Runners traverse primarily paved roads, encountering some steep sections that add a challenging yet accessible element to the race. The course is famous for its vibrant fields of early-blooming rapeseed blossoms, painting the route with a stunning yellow hue.

Participants enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Ikeda, Kyushu's largest lake, and the majestic silhouette of Mt. Kaimon, affectionately known as "Satsuma Fuji." The route also leads to Nagasakibana, the southernmost point of the Satsuma Peninsula, and the culturally rich Port of Yamagawa.

Known for its exceptional hospitality, the marathon features local residents cheering on runners with offerings of traditional Japanese snacks, such as bonito belly skin and sweet potatoes. Cultural performances, including taiko drumming, enhance the festive atmosphere. After the race, runners can unwind in the area's renowned Sunamushi Hot Spring, perfect for soothing tired muscles.

While the course presents hilly challenges, it remains approachable within the eight-hour limit, even for beginners. Held in early January, weather conditions can vary, adding an element of unpredictability with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 19°C. This marathon seamlessly combines natural splendor, cultural richness, and invigorating challenges, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.

Nestled in Kagoshima Prefecture, Ibusuki offers a captivating mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it a rewarding destination for travelers. Easily accessible by train from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, Ibusuki invites you to relax in its famed hot spring baths, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Start your journey with a visit to the Saraku Sand Bath Hall, where you can indulge in the unique experience of hot sand baths. For breathtaking views, head to Cape Nagasakibana, the southernmost tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, where the ocean meets the majestic silhouette of Mount Kaimondake. Don't miss Healthy Land, an outdoor bath facility offering serene vistas of Mt. Kaimon, a short bus ride away.

Immerse yourself in local culture at the Satsuma Denshokan Museum, which showcases the intricate artistry of Satsuma ware pottery. Savor the local specialty, somen nagashi, at Tosenkyo Somen Nagashi, and unwind in the renowned Unagi Onsen, a hot spring with roots dating back to the Edo period. Flower Park Kagoshima provides a vibrant display of blooms against a stunning coastal backdrop.

With its blend of restorative hot springs, unique cultural attractions, and scenic landscapes, Ibusuki promises an enriching experience that complements the thrill of the Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon.