PACERTRIP CITY EDITIONJP / RACE GUIDE

Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon

Name: 【いぶすき菜の花マラソン2026】ダイジェストムービー(スタート編)
Uploaded: 2026-02-01
Description: It is a full marathon event held annually in Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Course passes through Lake Ikeda and Mt. Kaimon, running through rapeseed fields in this region.

The city you want to run becomes your next trip.

Ibusuki
JP

Raita Futo · CC BY 2.0Kimon Berlin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0名古屋太郎, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia CommonsFlickr user, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Race date in 96 days: Jan 10, 2027 Sun
City · Distance: Ibusuki · 42.195km
Entry fee: ¥11,000From the 2026 edition
Status: OpenSee how to enter ↗

2027Date Jan 10, 2027 · Entry Aug 1, 2026 ~ Oct 18, 2026

2026Date Jan 11, 2026 · Entry Aug 1, 2025 ~

Official website ↗

Instagram

D-day as of Oct 6, 2026

About the race Runner stories How to enter Course Race Prep Travel

Why you dream of this race

THE DREAM

ABOUT THE RACE

A day you'll remember,
long past the finish line.

It is a full marathon event held annually in Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.

Course passes through Lake Ikeda and Mt. Kaimon, running through rapeseed fields in this region.

The road to your own record

Picture the course in advance
and find the pace that fits you.

When the city cheers

Streets lined with cheers, runners all around.
You'll be part of that scene.

The trip that follows the run

Take it slow with the finish still in you,
and meet the city all over again.

#IbusukiNanohanaMarathon#Ibusuki#Overseas Marathon#January Marathon#World certified marathon

Stories from those who ran it first.

From the joy of finishing to the tough moments — read what runners wrote themselves.

Race reports: 6

tomoRan in 2026 · Finish time 3:52:06

“After 35 km, a cold headwind and sleet hit me.”

The runner took part in the 2026 Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon for the third time and finished in 3:52:06 despite the hills, rain and sleet. Support from local residents at private aid stations and along the course kept the runner going, and they recovered in a hot spring after the race.

Quoted from the original · translated

Original quote

35kmを超えたあたりから冷たい向かい風とミゾレが吹きました。

Read the original on ふらっtoMate

郁@書くことが好き。Ran in 2025

“I am writing this as I look back on the sense of accomplishment I felt when I somehow managed to finish despite shivering in the cold, as well as the scenery and warmth of the people I experienced while running.”

郁 finished the race in weather that alternated between cold and rain, and found the fields of rapeseed flowers and the support from local people to be among the event's highlights.

Quoted from the original · translated

Original quote

寒さに震えながらもなんとかゴールしたときの達成感や、道中で感じた景色や人々の温かさを振り返りながら、このブログを書いています。

Read the original on note

demu@agelessRan in 2025 · Finish time 03:38:26

“I took part in the 2025 Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon and finished in 3 hours 38 minutes 26 seconds (net time: 3 hours 38 minutes 11 seconds).”

demu finished in 3 hours 38 minutes 26 seconds and was impressed by the challenging course with its climbs and descents, the plentiful private aid station, and the enthusiastic support.

Quoted from the original · translated

Original quote

いぶすき菜の花マラソン2025に参加し，3時間38分26秒（ネット3時間38分11秒）で完走した．

Read the original on note

NAOANRan in 2025

“In any case, it is exactly as you can see: a challenging course with continuous climbs and descents.”

NAOAN ran the course despite the repeated climbs and descents and the cold weather, and said the hot tea, chabushi, and pork soup at the aid stations were great.

Quoted from the original · translated

Original quote

とにかく坂しかない難コースということはご覧のとおり。

Read the original on MY FAVORITE SPACE (Ameblo)

Jay HsuRan in 2015

“Marathons are inherently grueling, but this race forced me to slow down and savor the landscape and the warmth of the people.”

They enjoyed running through countryside roads lined with blooming rapeseed flowers, encouragement from local residents, a variety of local foods, and a foot bath, while running more slowly than usual.

Read the original on The San Francisco Marathon

Ameba BlogFinish time 3:16:25

“To be honest, I had seriously underestimated the Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon.”

The repeated climbs and descents of the full course were tougher than expected, so the runner revised their personal-best target before halfway. Their pace dropped particularly on the climb at 36–37 km, but the runner did not walk and finished in 3 hours 16 minutes 25 seconds.

Quoted from the original · translated

Original quote

正直、いぶすき菜の花マラソンを相当舐めてました。

Read the original on Ameba Blog

We translated a short line from each public race report and summarized the experience. Finish times are as stated by the author, and past editions may differ from this year's weather and operations.

See it on video,
feel it through their stories.

Preview the course and read what runners who went before you wrote.

【いぶすき菜の花マラソン2026】ダイジェストムービー(スタート編)

KKB鹿児島放送

View on YouTube

This may be from a past edition. Check the organizer for this year's course and operations.

The way in that fits you

YOUR ENTRY

How to reach the start line —
start with what fits you.

Here are the ways to enter and what each requires.
Check the organizer's page for whether entries are open.

From the 2026 edition

First come, first served

Multiple routes, including RUNNET online application, money order, or hometown tax donation.

Capacity is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Organizer's page

Registration platform RUNNET

Official race website Entry options

From the start line to the finish

RACE WEEK

The 42.195km I'll run

Know the course and time limit, and race day comes into focus.

Runners start · local timeFrom 09:00

Time limit8 hours

8 hours (record acknowledged time limit)

Event	Start	Field size
Marathon42.195km	09:00	10,000
Lake Ikeda Fun Run12.05km	—	1,000

City center · not the start line

We have not confirmed the start line coordinates yet. The map shows the host city.

START

Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon course, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture

FINISH

Ibusuki Municipal Athletics Field

Original course map · gcy.jp

Runners start · local time — (full marathon 42.195 km) / 09:30 (Fun Run 12.05 km)

The start is in front of the north parking area of the Fureai Plaza Nanohana Hall, and the finish point is the Ibusuki Municipal Track and Field Stadium.

The certified 42.195km course runs through Ibusuki, with timing recorded at the start and at 10km intervals.

From the 5km mark onward, 15 aid stations are provided at 2.5km intervals, and the overall time limit is 8 hours.

Official rankings are determined by gun time.

The event began in 1982 as the Ibusuki Onsen Marathon and adopted its current name in 1984.

It is held every year on the second Sunday of January and has grown into an event with more than 10,000 participants each year.

The 2027 entry fee is 11,000 yen, and after finishing you can download the official web finisher certificate from the official website.

The race is not only a competition for time but also Ibusuki's first long-distance event of the New Year.

Field size: Full marathon 10,000 runners Fun Run 1,000 runners
AIMS Certified: Member race of the AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races)
Typical race-season temperature: around 9°C (47°F): Short sleeves or light long sleeves + arm warmers

Participant benefits

Timing chip

Event T-shirt

Finisher certificate

Bag drop

To the start line,
step by step.

Pick up your bib, check your wave.
So on race morning, you can just run.

From the 2026 edition

Pick up your bib at the expo

Mailed in advance

no on-site Packet Pickup

Google Maps

Stations & transport near the venue

Pay cash with exact change (or use the bus's coin-breaking machine) in the fare box when boarding local buses — reloadable IC cards don't reach this far.

Getting to the start

JR Ibusuki Station (JR Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line) -- ~5hrs from Tokyo, ~3.5hrs from Nagoya, ~2.5hrs from Osaka by rail/transfers

Start line is in front of Fureai Plaza Nanohana-kan's north parking lot;

race-day reception/bag check at Ibusuki Sogo Taiikukan (General Gymnasium).

Parking is limited -- public transport/reserved shuttle recommended over driving.

Getting to the finish

Ibusuki City Athletics Stadium (Full Marathon);

Fun Run/short course finishes separately at Lake Ikeda shore.

More details

Japan's earliest-in-the-year JAAF-certified marathon, run along Lake Ikeda past Mt. Kaimon.

Given the rural Kyushu location, book the reserved shuttle well in advance rather than plan on taxis/rental cars.

More details

Two dedicated paid shuttle options (advance reservation required, historically via JTB, booking deadline mid-December): (1) JR Ibusuki Station <-> venue,

afternoon before + race morning ~6:00-7:30 AM, return from ~2:00 PM;

(2) direct bus from Kagoshima-Chuo Station departing 5:00 AM race day, arriving ~6:30-7:00 AM, return ~2:00-5:45 PM.

More details

Ibusuki (hot-springs tourist town) has no train/subway system for local transit —

getting around relies on buses (e.g. Kagoshima Kōtsū) that use drop-in fare boxes with a change-breaker machine.

Kagoshima City's own card, RapiCa, and other nationwide IC cards are reported not usable on the Ibusuki bus routes.

Direct bus from Kagoshima to Ibusuki costs about ¥950 one-way (~1h40m).

Stations & transport near the venue

There is limited parking space, so we recommend using public transportation.

Source · checked Aug 22, 2026 Source · checked Aug 17, 2026

READY TO RUN

From race morning to after the finish.

Your start time, fuel and bag drop.
Know them ahead and the run feels easier.

As this is a January race, prepare an outer layer to stay warm before the start and decide how you will hand it in after you begin running.

There are 15 aid stations at 2.5km intervals from the 5km mark, but decide whether to carry the nutrition you normally need during a run.

Rather than relying only on the aid stations, prepare gels or drinks according to your own pace.

Bib is sent in advance rather than collected at the venue.

You do not need to visit the venue beforehand for registration.

Take into account when planning your accommodation and travel that the start is in front of the north parking area of the Fureai Plaza Nanohana Hall and the finish is the Ibusuki Municipal Track and Field Stadium.

Accommodation in Ibusuki offers an early-morning shuttle bus on race day.

A direct bus from Kagoshima-Chuo Station departs at 5:00 am, operates as a reserved round trip, and parking is limited, so public transport is convenient.

Baggage can be left on the gymnasium floor and at Sun City Hall, while valuables are stored free of charge at the Ibusuki General Gymnasium.

Times are local to Ibusuki. Check the latest official information before the race.

A trip built around the race

STAY A LITTLE

MAKE IT A RUNTRIP

The race is one day,
the trip can be longer.

From a hotel that makes race morning easy,
to the meals and views you'll enjoy with the medal on.

Time for you, before and after the finish

Map

Seeing Ibusuki with the medal on

7 places

The city you ran — this time, a little slower.

Tamatebako Open-air Onsen

Spa · Ibusuki 7.9km

★4.6(1545)

Map

Playground · Ibusuki 19.1km

★4.4(1052)

Map

Seiryu-ji

Buddhist Temple · Ibusuki 8.2km

★4.5(192)

Map

Hotels that make race morning easyDistances are straight-line from the start.View on map

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Trip prep too,
light and in one place.

Checklist Local eSIM · Yesim Flight delay or cancellation compensation · AirHelp Pace calculator

Once saved, you can open this page without an internet connection

RUN TOGETHER

With runners who dream of
the same start line.

Be the first runner
Leave this room's first post

Ibusuki runners' room

FAQ

How much is the Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon 2027 entry fee?

Not announced yet. The 2026 race entry fee was about ¥11,000.

When does Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon 2027 take place?

It takes place on Sun, January 10, 2027 in Ibusuki, Japan.

How do I register for Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon 2027?

Entry routes: First come, first served.

Registration is handled on the official website.

(From the 2026 edition)

What is the time limit for Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon 2027?

8 hours (record acknowledged time limit).

What distances does Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon 2027 offer?

Marathon.

Where does Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon 2027 start?

Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon course, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Where does Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon 2027 finish?

Ibusuki Municipal Athletics Field.

When does registration for Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon 2027 open?

Registration runs from Sat, August 1, 2026 to Sun, October 18, 2026.

What transit card do I need for Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon 2027?

Pay cash with exact change (or use the bus's coin-breaking machine) in the fare box when boarding local buses — reloadable IC cards don't reach this far.

(From the 2026 edition)

PacerTrip connects you to races, stays, flights and tours. You book and pay on each service; when you go through these links we earn a commission.

Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon

About Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon — what makes it special

A day you'll remember,long past the finish line.

The road to your own record

When the city cheers

The trip that follows the run

Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon runner reviews and race reports

Stories from those who ran it first.

See it on video,feel it through their stories.

【いぶすき菜の花マラソン2026】ダイジェストムービー(スタート編)

How to enter Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon — registration routes

How to reach the start line —start with what fits you.

First come, first served

Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon course map and elevation

The 42.195km I'll run

Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon course, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture

Ibusuki Municipal Athletics Field

Participant benefits

Timing chip

Event T-shirt

Finisher certificate

Bag drop

Where and when to collect your Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon race bib

To the start line,step by step.

Pick up your bib at the expo

Mailed in advance

Getting to the start

Getting to the finish

More details

More details

More details

Stations & transport near the venue

From race morning to after the finish.

The race is one day,the trip can be longer.

Time for you, before and after the finish

Kagoshima Ibusuki Sand Bath Hot Spring & Katsuobushi Factory Private Full-Day Tour

Ibusuki Yamakawa Sunamushi Onsen & Ryugu Shrine Private Tour

Kagoshima: Guided Volcanoes, Coastline & Hot Springs Tour

Bangkok: Nature Thai Massage & Spa BTS Asok (Sukhumvit 13)

Bucharest: Therme Bucharest Admission Ticket with Transportation

Ibusuki Wellness Retreat: Yoga, Sand Bath & Hot Springs

Private Temple Yoga, Sand Bath & Scenic Hot Spring Experience

Kagoshima Bar-Hopping Tour from Ibusuki

Kagoshima: Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers

Kyushu Miyazaki Mythical Secret Realm: Takachiho Gorge (optional boating)・Amanoiwato Shrine・Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine (includes Japanese sweets & shuttle bus)

Visit Miyazaki Bus Pass

Ibusuki Airport Pickup (Intui.travel)

Miyazaki｜Private airport pickup/drop-off service at Miyazaki Airport

Manacor: Rafa Nadal Museum Admission Ticket

Mallorca: Hidropark Alcudia Admission Ticket

Sakurajima Century Lava Trek by Electric Bike

Kagoshima: Ibusuki City private guided tour

Kagoshima: Ibusuki Coast & Ryugu Shrine Day Trip

Kagoshima: Private Guided Tour of Volcanoes and Nature

Kirishima National Park, Kagoshima: Volcano Trek and Packed Lunch

Kagoshima Sushi-Making Experience in Ibusuki

Private Coastal Trip: Kagoshima Tour with Ibusuki Sand Bath

Private Kagoshima Tour with Private Car and Driver

【Kyushu Pier Taxi Tour】 Kagoshima/Miyazaki Pier dedicated taxi tour｜Choose your own itinerary

Where runners eat in Ibusuki

Eating well is part of the trip

Original Ibusuki Ramen Nidaime

Aoba

Ramen Restaurant Menya Jiro Honten

Chojuan Ibusuki

Musashi

Joyfull

Ishiusu-ground, hand-cut Mori Soba Restaurant

What to see in Ibusuki after the race

Seeing Ibusuki with the medal on

Tamatebako Open-air Onsen

Satsuma Domain Pass Down Museum.

Ibusuki Shrine

Cape Nagasakibana

Southernmost JR Train Station Monument

Bandokorobana Nature Park

Seiryu-ji

Total cost and budget for Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon

Trip prep too,light and in one place.

Runner stories and questions about Ibusuki Nanohana Marathon

A day you'll remember,
long past the finish line.

See it on video,
feel it through their stories.

How to reach the start line —
start with what fits you.

To the start line,
step by step.

The race is one day,
the trip can be longer.

Trip prep too,
light and in one place.

With runners who dream of
the same start line.