Hop from city, to mountain, to temple on this 7-day running adventure through Japan. Join a small, supportive group as you run some of the best diverse landscapes this country has to offer. From forested trails above Tokyo, volcanic ridge lines in Hakone, to Kyoto’s ancient temples. Expect steaming hot springs, views of Mt. Fuji, and the hum of a wonderful culture. All accommodation, meals, and bag support included. Experience Japan’s landscapes, flavours, and traditions in the most immersive way possible.
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Itinerary
Join us in the land of the rising sun. Bullet trains, delicious traditional food, and so many epic running locations await. This 7-day multi hop running retreat takes you through the heart of everything Japanese. We provide a blend of trail running, culture, and discovery through one of the world’s most captivating countries. Your adventure begins in Tokyo, before heading west by bullet train to Takaosanguchi Station. From here there's a stunning 17km trail run to the summit of Mount Takao, a sacred mountain adorned with ancient temples, cedar forests, and sweeping views over the capital. The following morning, we slow the pace for a relaxed 10km sightseeing run around Tokyo’s Imperial Palace and nearby landmarks, before journeying on to Hakone. This is a volcanic wonderland where steaming onsens (thermal baths), lush forests, and magnificent views of Mount Fuji await.
Over the next few days, you'll run together across Hakone’s ridge lines totally 20km, and then journey by bullet train again to Kyoto, the soul of old Japan. Weave through the crimson tori gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine and follow the Philosopher’s Path on tranquil trails linking temples, gardens, and mountain viewpoints. Finally, we travel to Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital, for a celebratory city run through riversides, castles, and neon-lit streets. You'll be rewarded with a well-earned farewell feast and karaoke to close the week in style.
Throughout the trip, your accommodation, transport, and meals are all taken care of, including nights in traditional ryokans with tatami mats, hot baths, and true Japanese hospitality. Our expert team handles all logistics, leaving you free to run free, eat well, and immerse yourself fully in Japan’s culture.
Day 1
Welcome to Tokyo Trails + 17km Trail Run +700m elevation
Your Run Weekends team together with local guides will meet you at 08:00 sharp at your day 1 accommodation in the city centre. Arrive in your run gear ready to kick off your adventure in style. We'll leave your bags in the hotel and check in to your rooms post run (so bring all your bags with you). After a welcome briefing and safety notice we'll head out west of Tokyo on the bullet train to Takaosanguchi Station. From here, the running begins. We’ll tackle a beautiful 17km trail with 700m of elevation to the summit of Mount Takao. Ancient temples, cedar forests, and sweeping city views set the tone for the adventure ahead. We'll have lunch at the base of Mount Takao before heading back to shower and change before drinks, dinner and time to explore.
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Day 2
Tokyo Sightseeing Run & Travel to Hakone - 10km + 50m
We’ll start the morning with a relaxed 10km sightseeing run around Tokyo’s famous Imperial Palace. This one of the most iconic running routes in the world, where locals, professionals, and even the Crown Prince are known to jog. The pace is conversational, with plenty of stops to take in the skyline, gardens, and nearby landmarks. After showers and a freshen up, we’ll grab lunch together before boarding our first bullet train west towards Hakone. By mid-afternoon, we’ll arrive in the mountains and check into our traditional ryokan accommodation, complete with tatami mats, steaming baths, and true Japanese hospitality. Hakone is renowned for its natural hot springs, Lake Ashinoko, and, on clear days, picture-perfect views of Mount Fuji. Tonight, we’ll gather for a hearty Japanese dinner. Perfect for tomorrow’s big day on the trails.
Day 3
Hakone Volcanic Trails - 21km +1600m
Today is our first day on the trails. 21km of stunning paths we'll run through Hakone’s lush forests, past steaming vents, and along volcanic ridge lines (all safe and easy for those scared of heights). We’ll set out after breakfast with packed lunches in our daypacks, ready for a full day of exploration among some of Japan’s most dramatic landscapes. Expect rolling climbs, forested singletracks, and, if the skies are clear, views of Mount Fuji watching over us in the distance. By late afternoon, we’ll make our way back to our accommodation. Tired, happy, and covered in the day’s adventure we'll have a long soak in the ryokan’s hot baths to ease the legs, followed by another delicious dinner shared together. It’s been a day of elevation, effort, and reward, exactly what trail running in Japan is all about.
Day 4
Fushimi Inari Shrine & Travel by train to Kyoto - 7km +200m
After breakfast, we’ll board the bullet train bound for Kyoto. This is Japan’s ancient capital and a city steeped in tradition and temples. On arrival, we’ll check into our ryokan-style accommodation and settle in before heading out for an afternoon run through one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks: the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Our 7km run (and hike) route winds beneath thousands of vibrant vermilion tori gates, leading us up the forested hillside to panoramic views over Kyoto as the late afternoon light turns the gates to gold. We’ll descend back through the shrine as the lanterns flicker on, then head to a local restaurant for dinner. Yakisoba noodles sizzling on the grill, round off another adventurous day.
Day 5
Kyoto Trails & Temples - 10km + 400m elevation
Our second day in Kyoto takes us beyond the bustle and into the city’s quieter, more contemplative side. After breakfast, we’ll head out for a 10km trail run with around 400m of elevation climbing into the hills that overlook Kyoto. Think sweeping views of tiled rooftops, temple spires, and distant mountains. The route winds through tranquil forests before descending to the famous Philosopher’s Path, a stone walkway that links two of Kyoto’s most beautiful temples. It’s a run that captures Kyoto’s essence. It's peaceful and deeply connected to nature. We’ll return to our ryokan for a well-earned rest before heading out for dinner together, sampling rich, comforting bowls of ramen to refuel after another day of adventure.
Day 6
Osaka City Run & Celebration - 10km +400m
After two inspiring days in Kyoto, we’ll travel by bullet train again to our final destination, Osaka. This is Japan’s energetic hub of food, culture, and fun. Once checked into our hotel, we’ll head straight out for our final run of the trip: a 10km city loop taking in Osaka’s landmarks, from riverside paths to grand castles and buzzing neighbourhood streets. It’s the perfect finale, a joyful run through one of Japan’s most vibrant cities, This evening, we’ll gather for one final meal together, sampling Osaka’s famous street food and raising a glass to the week’s adventures before finishing the night in true Japanese style. Karaoke and a few heartfelt (and possibly off-key) singalongs.
Day 7
Return to Tokyo - 5km + no elevation
After breakfast, we’ll board our final train back to Tokyo, a smooth, scenic journey that offers one last chance to glimpse the mighty Mount Fuji (be sure to sit on the left-hand side). As the landscapes roll by, it’s a quiet moment to reflect on the miles, memories, and friendships forged along the way. We’ll arrive at Tokyo Station by midday, where the trip officially concludes. With tired legs, a happy heart, and a camera full of moments, you’ll part ways with the group. Carrying home the memories of a Japan seen as few runners ever do. For any onward flights please book no earlier than 15:00. We'll have you back in central Tokyo for midday. For help and advice for travel to and from Japan just drop us an email. Thank you.
Highlights
- Bring a Friend and Save -
Save up to £200 each
Included
Accommodation
2 x nights in city hotels/hostels
4 x nights in a traditional ryokan
All shared rooms
Running
17km, 21km, 10km, 7km, 10km, 5km
50% Trail + 50% Road
Meals
6 x Breakfast
6 x Lunch
6 x Dinner
Group meals
Travel
We will be taking Japan’s excellent train network, incluing bullet trains.It’s your responsibility to get to Tokyo for 08:00 on day 1 and home again.
Activities
4 Trail Runs
2 City Runs
Temple Visits
Traditional Japanese Onsen
Photos
The team will be taking photos throughout the weekend. You'll be sent these via a link post weekend.
Not Included
Travel
You must make your own way to and from your Run Weekend location. Tokyo.
Travel Insurance. You must come prepared with appropriate travel insurance.
Extras
All drinks
Additional food
Snacks on run route
Accommodation upgrades
Extra meals
Kit
Run gear, swimwear and towel. Warm coat and layers. Any bags or bottles etc you may want for the runs. You'll carry your day run pack yourself (suggested 6 litres)
- Book Now - Early Bird Spaces -
Save up to £150 each
Getting to us
Meeting Point
Your Run Weekend will commence from 08:00 sharp on day 1 in Tokyo (location to be shared upon booking). Simply arrive in your run gear, complete with luggage, we'll deliver a welcome briefing and safety announcements, leave your bags in the hotel, and we'll head out for our first run of the trip. We suggest staying in Tokyo the night before.
Arrival & Departure Times
Please arrive into your Tokyo hotel ready to run by 08:00 on day 1.
Your Run Weekend will conclude at 12:00 on your final day with us back in Tokyo. For onward flights please book no earlier than 15:00.
Getting to Tokyo, Japan
There are a number of options to reach Tokyo (Please note these are suggestions only, we cannot guarantee travel routes) It's your responsibility to get to us.
Suggested Flights: (Remember - we do not cover your travel to and from your Run Weekend)
There are a number of flights into Tokyo Narita Airport daily. London - via Doha or London - via Shanghai are frequent.
Important: Trip Confirmation
This trip operates with a maximum number of 16 guests and will be confirmed once a minimum number of 10 guests have booked. We will inform you once this number has been reached. If you wish to book travel in advance, please ensure your travel booking is fully refundable. We do not hold liability for loss of flights if this trip doesn't run. If the trip doesn't run your deposit along with any balance paid will be fully refunded.
Packing List
Mandatory:
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Trail running shoes with good grip.
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Running socks (2–3 pairs)
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Running T-shirt or long sleeve.
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Running shorts or leggings.
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Lightweight waterproof jacket.
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Lightweight mid-layer or thermal top
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Running vest or pack (min 6 litres)
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Soft flasks or hydration bladder (Must have carry capacity of 2 litres of water)
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Whistle (usually built into your pack)
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Head torch (emergencies)
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Small personal first-aid kit
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Personal ID / Emergency contact details
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Fully charged mobile phone and charger
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Hat or buff (for warmth or sun protection)
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Sunglasses with UV protection
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Sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum)
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Lightweight gloves
Optional:
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Extra technical layers for variable weather
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Emergency Cash (£50-£100) (10k/20k Yen)
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Spare set of dry clothes for post-run recovery
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Spare shoes or sandals
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Compression socks or calf sleeves
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Lightweight towel & swimwear (for river)
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Energy gels, bars, or on-the-run snacks
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Electrolyte tablets or powder
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Small waterproof dry bag for valuables
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Running poles
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Painkillers and or Anti Inflammatories
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Waterproof phone case or backup phone
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Watch or GPS device
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Lightweight running cap or visor
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Waterproof phone pouch or small zip bag
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Casual clothing for evenings
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Power bank & charging cables
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Travel adaptor
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Ear plugs & eye mask
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Toiletries & travel-sized essentials
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Camera (possibly disposable film)
Are you coming?
