Held every year on January 2nd and 3rd, the Hakone Ekiden is one of Japan's most iconic New Year sporting events and a memorable experience for travelers visiting the country during the holiday period. Officially known as the Tokyo–Hakone Round Trip College Ekiden Race, this two-day university relay marathon runs between central Tokyo and the hot spring town of Hakone, drawing huge roadside crowds and nationwide TV coverage.
The race begins at 8am in front of the Yomiuri Shimbun Building in Ōtemachi, Tokyo. On day one, runners head southwest through Tokyo and Yokohama before reaching Hakone, covering five relay legs. Day two reverses the route, bringing teams back from Lake Ashi to Tokyo. In total, the distance spans more than 217 kilometers, split across ten legs, with each runner carrying a tasuki (sash) that is handed to the next teammate at designated relay stations.
For visitors, one of the highlights is the dramatic fifth leg on January 2nd, often called "The Mountain Climb." Runners ascend National Route 1 into Hakone, passing landmarks like Hakone-Yumoto, the Fujiya Hotel, and the torii gate of Hakone Shrine before finishing near Lake Ashi. The following morning's descent back toward Odawara is equally intense, with steep downhill sections and cold mountain air.
Along the way, spectators line the streets in places like Yokohama, the Shōnan coast, Odawara, and central Tokyo, creating a festive New Year atmosphere. Cheering squads from each university add to the energy, making the event feel part sporting contest, part cultural celebration.
