Enjoy running through the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go! Challenge yourself in an ultramarathon through the unspoiled landscapes of Japan!

The whole world is watching! Fantastical village immersed in Mother Nature: Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a village made up of beautiful gassho-zukuri-style thatched houses and is registered as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. This rural scene will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time, and can show you remarkable sights that change with the seasons-be it spring, summer, fall or winter. It could easily be said that Shirakawa-go is the traditional landscape of Japan. It is currently one of Japan’s foremost sightseeing spots attracting over 1.8 million visitors a year from both within Japan and from overseas.

Run through a World Heritage Site! Ultramarathon

It is here in Shirakawa-go where you can find a really exciting event to get your blood pumping. That special event is the 6th Annual Hakusan Shirakawa-go Ultramarathon taking place this September. An ultramarathon is a road race that surpasses the distance of a full marathon (42.195km), and this time is set at an unbelievable 100km! The course is centered around the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road located at an altitude of 1,200m, which is a road specially designed for sightseeing around the area by car. The road is closed to general automobiles on the day of the race. URL : https://tobutoptours.com/en/

The race starts at 5 o’clock in the morning with the rising sun on September 9 (Sunday). The race passes through the traditional thatched houses of the registered World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go and follows the steep mountain road that climbs straight up to 1,445m. Amid the magnificent backdrop of nature, the race passes through the Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark, and continues as you see the sun sink into the Sea of Japan.

Meet the locals

This marathon isn’t only about the exhilarating challenge of a 100km-long race. At the aid-stations located throughout the course, you can taste a wide variety of special local products that can only be found in this area, filling your stomach as well as your spirit. Thanks to the locals who help with the event, you can experience “omotenashi,” Japanese hospitality, which adds to the excitement of the whole experience.

The other side of the trying and painful 100km

Of course, the beautiful views and cheering at the end of the race might all sound too perfect. However, there are various checkpoints you must pass through in order to finish the Hakusan Shirakawa-go Ultramarathon! As a matter of fact, there are five different checkpoints along the course that you have to clear in the appointed time or else you won’t be able to continue the race. But don’t worry! You’ll be fine as long as you don’t push too hard and run at your own pace. Your sense of accomplishment will be so overwhelming that you won't be able to put your feelings into words on the other side of the finish line!

Official tour specially prepared for runners that come from overseas

Rest assured all of you who may want to join but just can’t make the final decision to sign up! There is an official tour set up that involves seeing off and meeting at the venue as well as an overnight stay the nights before and after the race. Furthermore, you can find great support by the English and Chinese language speaking staff. Participating in this event is extremely convenient as you can sign up for your hotel, shuttle, and entry all at once. URL : https://tobutoptours.com/en/ By all means, come by and take advantage of this opportunity to experience something out of the ordinary! How about making your own 100km legend while running in this race through the wonders of nature and meeting new friends?