Osaka Half Marathon
Seven thousand runners tackle a fast, 21.1-kilometer course through Osaka, beginning near Osaka Castle and finishing inside Yanmar Stadium Nagai.
Thousands of runners surge onto the streets beside Osaka Castle, their footsteps filling the winter air as they begin a 21-kilometer race across the city. Ahead lies a fast, flat course, cheering spectators, and a finish line inside one of Japan’s great athletics stadiums.
The Osaka Half Marathon returns Sunday, January 31, 2027, bringing 7,000 runners to a race that combines serious competition with an unforgettable journey through the city.
Starting at noon on Tamatsukuri-suji, beside Osaka Castle Park, participants race south through Osaka’s urban neighborhoods toward Yanmar Stadium Nagai. The final stretch takes them through the stadium’s marathon gate and onto the track, where they cross the finish line in an arena that hosted the 2007 World Athletics Championships.
The half marathon itself is no casual fun run. Its certified course attracts competitive club runners, university athletes, and ambitious amateurs chasing personal records. A strict two-hour-and-five-minute time limit keeps the field moving, while intermediate checkpoints add to the challenge.
Spectators can enjoy the excitement without entering the race. The Osaka Castle starting area offers the spectacle of thousands of runners setting off together, while accessible locations along the route provide opportunities to cheer them onward.
But there’s something unusual about this half marathon.
Just 15 minutes after the runners set off, the Osaka International Women’s Marathon begins at Yanmar Stadium Nagai. The two races share portions of the city’s road network, creating the extraordinary possibility of half-marathon participants passing elite women competing in one of Japan’s most prestigious distance-running events.
For runners, it’s a rare chance to experience the atmosphere of international competition firsthand. For spectators, it means two major races unfolding across Osaka on the same afternoon.
Whether you’re competing or watching from the roadside, the Osaka Half Marathon offers an exhilarating look at the city’s running culture—and a chance to experience Osaka transformed into a stage for international athletics.
7,000 Runners – Competitive athletes and amateurs race 21.1 kilometers.
Castle-to-Stadium Course – From Osaka Castle Park to Yanmar Stadium Nagai.
Fast, Competitive Race – Certified course with a strict 2-hour, 5-minute limit.
Free Spectator Viewing – Cheer runners along the city streets.
Two Marathons, One Day – Shares race day and parts of the course with the Women’s Marathon.
Image Credits: Osaka Scene Staff, Osaka Half Marathon, Japan Scenes
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Maps
THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
START — OSAKA CASTLE PARK
VENUE: Osaka Castle Park — Tamatsukuri-suji Starting Line
ADDRESS: Tamatsukuri-suji, east side of Osaka Castle Park, Chuo-ku, Osaka.
TRAINS
JR Osaka Loop Line: Osakajokoen Station → Approximately 5–10 minutes on foot to Taiyo Plaza, the runners’ assembly area.
JR Osaka Loop Line: Morinomiya Station → Approximately 15 minutes on foot to Taiyo Plaza.
SUBWAYS
Osaka Metro Chuo Line: Morinomiya Station → Approximately 15 minutes on foot to Taiyo Plaza.
Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line: Osaka Business Park Station → Approximately 5 minutes on foot to Taiyo Plaza.
◷ FROM CENTRAL OSAKA
Namba: Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line → Tanimachi 9-chome → Tanimachi Line → Tanimachi 4-chome → Chuo Line → Morinomiya. Approximately 30–40 minutes total, including walking.
Osaka–Umeda: JR Osaka Loop Line → Osakajokoen Station. Approximately 25–30 minutes total, including walking.
FINISH — YANMAR STADIUM NAGAI
VENUE: Yanmar Stadium Nagai (ヤンマースタジアム長居)
ADDRESS: 1-1 Nagai Park, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0034.
TRAINS
JR Hanwa Line: Tsurugaoka Station → Approximately 5 minutes on foot to Nagai Park.
JR Hanwa Line: Nagai Station → Approximately 10–15 minutes on foot to Yanmar Stadium Nagai.
SUBWAYS
Osaka Metro Midosuji Line: Nagai Station → Approximately 10 minutes on foot to Yanmar Stadium Nagai.
◷ FROM CENTRAL OSAKA
Namba: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line → Nagai Station. Approximately 25–30 minutes total, including walking.
Osaka–Umeda: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line → Nagai Station. Approximately 35–40 minutes total, including walking.
RACE-DAY ACCESS: Road closures and pedestrian restrictions will affect both areas. Allow extra time, follow event staff instructions, and use public transportation.
SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2027
BEFORE 12:00 — RUNNER ASSEMBLY & PREPARATIONS
Registered runners gather at Osaka Castle Park for race-day preparations. Spectators should arrive early to find a viewing position near the starting area.
12:00 — OSAKA HALF MARATHON START
Approximately 7,000 runners depart from Tamatsukuri-suji, on the east side of Osaka Castle Park.
12:15 — OSAKA INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MARATHON START
The women’s marathon begins at Yanmar Stadium Nagai. Both races use portions of the same road network.
12:00–14:05 — HALF MARATHON RACING
Runners travel 21.0975 kilometers through Osaka toward Yanmar Stadium Nagai. Spectators can cheer from public viewing areas along the course.
14:05 — HALF MARATHON TIME LIMIT
The race’s two-hour-and-five-minute time limit expires. Intermediate checkpoints also enforce cutoff times.
SPECTATOR TIPS
For the start, arrive near Osaka Castle Park by approximately 11:15.
For the finish, plan to reach Yanmar Stadium Nagai well before 13:00. Stadium spectator access and viewing arrangements should be checked against the official race-day guidance.
Road closures and pedestrian restrictions will affect movement between viewing locations.
TICKETS
SPECTATOR ADMISSION — FREE
No tickets are required to watch the Osaka Half Marathon from public viewing areas along the course. Spectators can cheer on runners near Osaka Castle Park and at accessible roadside locations throughout the city.
RUNNER REGISTRATION — CLOSED
Registration for the January 31, 2027 race closed on October 10, 2026, after reaching its capacity of 7,000 runners.
2027 ENTRY FEES
Japan Residents: ¥10,000
Overseas Participants: ¥12,000
Additional registration fees apply: 6% for domestic entries and 14% for overseas entries.
RUNNER REQUIREMENTS
Participants must be at least 18 years old on race day. Both registered competitive athletes and general runners are eligible.
The race has a strict two-hour-and-five-minute time limit, with seven intermediate checkpoints.
REGISTERED RUNNERS
Race instructions and bib collection information will be emailed in early January 2027.
Bib collection takes place January 30 or 31. Runners must collect their own bibs; collection by another person is not permitted.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION
https://half.osaka-marathon.jp/entry/
OFFICIAL RACE RULES & ENTRY FEES
THE EXPERIENCE
The Osaka Half Marathon brings 7,000 competitive runners and enthusiastic spectators together for an afternoon of road racing through the city. From the starting line beside Osaka Castle to the finish at Yanmar Stadium Nagai, the event offers plenty of excitement for runners and spectators alike.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
- Watch the Mass Start: See thousands of runners set off together from Tamatsukuri-suji beside Osaka Castle Park.
- Cheer Along the Course: Find a public viewing spot along the 21.1-kilometer route and encourage runners as they race through Osaka.
- Experience Competitive Racing: Watch university athletes, club runners, and ambitious amateurs compete against a demanding two-hour-and-five-minute time limit.
- Catch Two Major Races: The Osaka International Women’s Marathon takes place the same afternoon, with elite athletes competing on overlapping sections of the city’s road network.
- Follow the Stadium Finish: Runners complete their journey inside Yanmar Stadium Nagai, a venue that hosted the 2007 World Athletics Championships. Check official spectator access arrangements before heading to the stadium.
- Explore Osaka’s Running Culture: Experience the energy of a major Japanese road race, where enthusiastic supporters cheer athletes through the city’s neighborhoods.
For spectators, the Osaka Half Marathon offers a chance to experience the excitement of competitive running without entering the race. Choose a viewing location, arrive before the runners pass, and enjoy an afternoon of athletics on Osaka’s streets.
INFO & TIPS
BEST PLACES TO WATCH
Osaka Castle Park: The starting area on Tamatsukuri-suji offers the excitement of seeing thousands of runners begin together. Arrive by approximately 11:15 to find a suitable viewing position.
Along the Course: Choose a location along the official race route and arrive before runners approach. Follow event staff instructions and remain behind barriers.
Yanmar Stadium Nagai: The half marathon finishes inside the stadium. Check official spectator admission arrangements before planning to watch from inside the venue.
ROAD CLOSURES & TRANSPORTATION
Expect significant traffic restrictions along the course, particularly around Osaka Castle Park and Nagai Park. Some pedestrian crossings may also be restricted while runners pass.
Use trains and subways rather than taxis or private vehicles. There is no event-day parking at the start or finish venues.
WATCHING BOTH MARATHONS
The Osaka International Women’s Marathon takes place on the same afternoon, with overlapping sections of the course. Spectators may be able to see competitors from both races, depending on their viewing location.
Check both official course maps before planning to move between viewing areas.
WEATHER & COMFORT
Late January in Osaka can be cold, especially when standing outdoors for extended periods. Wear warm layers and comfortable walking shoes.
FOR REGISTERED RUNNERS
Runner instructions and bib collection details will be emailed in early January 2027.
Bib collection takes place January 30 or 31. Participants must collect their own bibs; collection by another person is not permitted.
The organizer transports checked baggage from the Osaka Castle Park starting area to Nagai Park for collection after the race.
CONTACT INFO
Organizer: Osaka Half Marathon Organizing Committee
Official Event Website:
https://half.osaka-marathon.jp/
Race Information & Regulations:
https://half.osaka-marathon.jp/outline/
Official Course Map:
https://half.osaka-marathon.jp/map/index.html
Race-Day Access:
https://half.osaka-marathon.jp/map/access/
Runner Registration Inquiries:
https://runnet.jp/help/contact
Race Office: 06-6633-9254
Office Hours: Weekdays, 10:00–18:00
