Plan your spring trip with the official 2026 sakura forecast, as Kansai is expected to see early flowering and full bloom
On February 22, over 34,000 runners will flood the streets of Osaka for the city’s 14th annual marathon. And this isn’t your typical leisurely city race: the 2026 Osaka Marathon serves as a Marathon Grand Championship Series event and doubles as selection trials for both the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Whether you’re planning to cheer on a friend or family member going for yet another personal best or just want to soak up the atmosphere, you’ll be able to do just that while watching world-class athletes compete for championship berths and a chance to represent Japan at the Olympics.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of race day.
Where to watch it and when
The marathon starts with the first and fastest runners setting out at 9.15am between the Osaka Prefectural Government Building and the west side of Osaka Castle Park. Runners have seven hours to complete the course, with the race officially ending at 4.15pm, just over on the east side of the park.
Looking to cheer someone on? The atmosphere will no doubt be electric at the start, what with all those 34,000 runners gathered in one place – but it’ll also be the race’s most crowded point. Runners tend to start off compact before thinning out as the course goes on, so consider catching them along the Okawa River just after the start before heading to Nakanoshima, where the race returns around the 6km mark. This is also where the concurrent, casual ‘720’ (7.2km) race finishes, adding to the atmosphere.
After that, the wide Midosuji boulevard (km 7–12) is one of the most accessible viewing spots as runners begin to separate. The route then heads down to Namba and Dotonbori, where it doubles back on itself three times. You can expect huge crowds here as runners pass near the iconic Glico running man sign.
Between kilometres 15 and 27, the route swings south through much quieter neighbourhoods, making it easier to spot your runner but taking you much further from the action. There’s a brief return to Sennichimae-dori before heading to Shitennoji Temple and a long 5km stretch up Imazatosuji.
The marathon course is mostly flat, but there’s a sharp elevation gain just after the 30km mark. If your runner needs encouragement, station yourself around Matsuyamachi-suji or Tanimachi-9, as this may be where they’ll appreciate the support most.
The final stretch takes runners through Osaka Business Park before finishing inside the castle grounds, though note that access to much of the park will be restricted on race day and it will be busy.
If you’d rather stay put during the race, grab a riverside table at one of the cafés around Nakanoshima or head up to the Abeno Harukas observatory where you’ll be able to catch glimpses of the race unfold across the city.
The terraces of Osaka Castle are also open, but if you’re planning to camp out there, get in early – spots will fill up fast.
If you can’t drag yourself out of bed early enough or simply prefer watching from your sofa, know that the Osaka Marathon will also be broadcast live on NHK starting at 9am local time and on YouTube.
How to get around on race day
Leave the car, and even your bike, at home on February 22. Much of central Osaka will see extensive road closures from 7.15am to 4.35pm, affecting streets and crossings as well as the Hanshin Expressway, with multiple exits, entrances and turnoffs closed throughout the day.
The closures are staggered based on when runners pass through each section. Streets closest to the start will be closed for the shortest periods. Midosuji, for instance, should reopen around midday. However, sections on the latter stages of the route, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the city, may stay closed until 5pm.
It’s best to stick to public transport. The subway and train networks will keep running, and stations near popular viewing spots will be busy but accessible. If you’re planning on watching from several locations, plan your route carefully and factor in extra time for crowds and diversions.
Full road closure details can be found here.
What else to know
If you’re feeling impatient and want to get into the marathon spirit before race day, head to the Osaka Marathon Expo at Intex Osaka on February 20-21.
The expo runs from 11am to 7pm on Friday and 10am–6pm on Saturday, and while it’s primarily for runner registration, spectators are welcome to visit. There will be the Umaimon Market where you can sample Osaka specialities and food from local vendors, as well as browse running gear and see performances.
In terms of merchandise, this year’s standout item is a collaboration between the popular manga Kinnikuman (Muscle Man) and the marathon’s signature rainbow charity T-shirts. The shirts are designed by Yudetamago, the Osaka duo behind the iconic manga, and can be found online.
After the race, you’ll find the finish area inside Osaka Castle Park will be restricted and crowded. While the southeast corner near Morinomiya Station will remain the most accessible and makes for a good backup spot if you get separated, it’s still best to plan a specific meeting point away from the immediate finish line.
