The course starts at Nishikyogoku Athletic Park and finishes at a point near Heian-jingu Shrine. Passing by seven UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, runners can fully enjoy the attractions of Kyoto's picturesque scenery, including spectacular views of the five mountains on which huge bonfires are lit during the Gozan no Okuribi summer festival.
Running the course while enjoying the
attractions that only Kyoto can offer!
Attraction #1Enjoy the Features of Kyoto
Located along the course are the seven UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites of Tenryu-ji Temple, Ninna-ji Temple, Ryoan-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, and Ginkaku-ji Temple, as well as many other tourist attractions including Daitoku-ji Temple, Imamiya-jinja Shrine, and Heian-jingu Shrine. Other landmarks along the course include famous works of modern architecture such as the recently renovated ROHM Theatre Kyoto and Kyoto City Hall.
Attraction #2Kyoto – City of Natural Beauty
Runners follow a course along the Katsura River with a view of Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, and then pass by the picturesque Hirosawa-no-ike Pond. The course then leads to Kinukake-no-michi Scenic Road, passes through the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, extends along the Kamo River, and then takes runners on a trip through history in the verdant Kyoto Imperial Place. Yet another major thrill of the Kyoto Marathon is the view of the five mountains that are the focus of the Gozan no Okuribi festival.
Attraction #3They cheer you on!
Kyoto – City of Universities
A total ten universities can be found along the course. Enthusiastic student involvement adds to the excitement of the race. Many students enter as runners, while others serve as volunteers and as members of the various cheer leader groups that encourage the passing runners.
Attraction #4Kyoto – City of Road Races
They cheer you on! Kyoto – City of Universities
A total ten universities can be found along the course. Enthusiastic student involvement adds to the excitement of the race. Many students enter as runners, while others serve as volunteers and as members of the various cheerleading groups that encourage the passing runners.
Finish (Heian-jingu Shrine)
Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge
Mt. Daimonji
Monument to the origins of Ekiden
(Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, Kyoto)
Cheer leader groups
Cheer leader groups
