[2026 Saga Sakura Marathon] Race Entry + Great Value Selected 2-Night Stay

Detailed race information and notes are provided below

Highlights of the Saga Sakura Marathon

2026 Saga Sakura Marathon

• Event date: 2026/03/22 (Sun)
• Start time: 09:00 AM *The event will be held rain or shine
• Race categories: Full Marathon (42.195 km) / Fun Run (approx. 10 km)
• Time limits: [Full Marathon] 6 hours 30 minutes [Fun Run] 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cutoff points: [Full Marathon] 9 [Fun Run] 2
• Eligibility: [Full Marathon] Must be 18 years or older (excluding high school students) [Fun Run] Must be 15 years or older (including high school students and above)
• Race start: In front of Saga Sunrise Park (National Route 263) (SAGAサンライズパーク前 (国道263号))
• Race finish: Saga Stadium (SAGAスタジアム)
• Race route: In front of Saga Sunrise Park (National Route 263)➡️In front of Saga Castle History Museum➡️Yoshinogari Historical Park➡️Along the Tafuse River➡️Saga Stadium
• Check-in & race pack collection: AsiaYo exclusive hotel pickup
• Participation gift: Original T-shirt

*The above is for reference only. Actual information and prizes are subject to the organizer’s final announcement.

【Course Map & Elevation Chart】

• 2019 full marathon course video [Click here] filmed and produced by a Saga Shimbun reporter.
• The time limit is based on the starting gun, and it takes approximately 15 minutes for all runners to cross the starting line.

【Cutoff (Checkpoint) Points】

1. After the race cutoff time has passed, you will not be allowed to continue. In addition, if the organizer determines that you are unable to continue, such as in the case of significant delay outside a checkpoint, you will be asked to withdraw from the race.
2. The gate at the finish line of Saga Stadium will close 6 hours and 30 minutes after the race starts.
3. The Fun Run will continue until the second checkpoint.

【Participation Gift: Original T-Shirt Size Chart】

• Size changes will not be accepted after application.

【Start】

• For the full marathon, waiting areas will be assigned before the start according to the estimated finish time provided at registration. False declarations may affect race safety and may result in disqualification. If no information is provided, you will start from Block D.
• The Fun Run will start behind the full marathon runners.

【Hydration & Aid Stations】

There will be a total of 16 water stations and 8 aid stations along the course. Please refer to the course map for details.

【Awards】*Awards are available for the marathon race only; there are no awards for the Fun Run.

Starting from the 2026 race, awards will be added for participants aged 70 to 74.

● Overall Marathon Rankings

1st to 8th place for men and women

● Marathon Age Groups

1st to 3rd place in each male and female age group (under 24, 25 to 29, and so on in 5-year increments up to 74, and 75 and above)

※ No award ceremony will be held, but certificates and medals will be mailed later.

【Souvenirs, Completion Certificate】

An original race "medal" will be awarded to all marathon finishers.

Finishers will receive a commemorative gift.

Full marathon finisher certificates will be issued online.

A comfortable hotel with convenient access to and from the race venue

Route Inn Saga Ekimae (HOTEL ROUTE-INN SAGA EKIMAE)

Address: 〒840-0801 1-9-50 Ekimae Chuo, Saga City, Saga Prefecture

Stay dates: 2026/03/21, 2026/03/22 for a total of 2 nights

Check-in time: 15:00 PM Check-out time: 10:00 AM

Property features: This hotel offers modern and comfortable accommodations with free wired internet and air purifiers. You can also relax in the spacious public bath. The hotel is a 1-minute walk from the south exit of JR Saga Station. The rooms are compact yet comfortable, and come equipped with amenities such as LCD TVs (with video-on-demand system), refrigerators, and humidifiers.

Standard Single Room｜Breakfast included

Room size

12㎡

Standard Twin Room｜Breakfast included

Room size

18㎡

Transportation suggestions for your independent trip. Actual traffic conditions are subject to announcements on the day, and you may also purchase tickets in advance to avoid limited availability. (Actual conditions are subject to the day’s traffic situation.)

■ Direct flights from Taiwan to the local airport

You may choose Kyushu Saga Airport, with direct flights from Taoyuan Airport to Saga Airport operated by Tigerair Taiwan; or you may choose Fukuoka International Airport, which offers more flight options and schedules!

■ Departing from other regions

You can arrive via either Kyushu Saga Airport or Fukuoka International Airport, depending on the flights available from your location. Please refer to the official Kyushu Saga International Airport website or the official Fukuoka International Airport website to find the flight that suits you best!

Airport ↔️ Route Inn Saga Ekimae (HOTEL ROUTE-INN SAGA EKIMAE)

【From Saga Airport】Take the Saga Airport Line (Semi-Express・佐賀駅バスセンター 【●Departs from in front of the domestic arrivals lobby】 *Haneda flight connection bus (via Airport Road and Prefectural Office Front)), ride for about 23 minutes, get off at Ekiminami Honmachi, and walk 4 minutes to the hotel. You may use the same method for the return trip.

【From Fukuoka International Airport】Two options are provided for your reference

• Airport shuttle bus: Take the Fukuoka Airport shuttle bus bound for "Airport Shuttle Bus Saga Dai-ni Godo Chosha," ride حوالي 14 stops (about 1 hour 3 minutes) to Saga Station Bus Center Platform 6, then walk 4 minutes to the hotel. You may use the same method for the return trip.

• Take the airport rapid line and transfer to a limited express to Saga Station: Take the Airport Line to Hakata Station, then transfer to the Relay Kamome bound for "Takeo Onsen," ride 3 stops (about 38 minutes) to Saga Station, and walk 1–2 minutes to the hotel. You may use the same method for the return trip.

Route Inn Saga Ekimae (HOTEL ROUTE-INN SAGA EKIMAE)➡️Race start: In front of Saga Sunrise Park (National Route 263) (SAGAサンライズパーク前 (国道263号))

• Walk about 5 minutes from the hotel to Saga Station Bus Center Platform 2. Buses 30 and 75 both go to SAGAサンライズパーク前バス停, where you can get off.
• If you walk from the hotel, it takes about 24 minutes (1.6 km), and you can also stroll to the venue while warming up.

Race finish: Saga Stadium (SAGAスタジアム)➡️Route Inn Saga Ekimae (HOTEL ROUTE-INN SAGA EKIMAE)

• From the finish line, you can also walk about 25 minutes back to the hotel, or take a bus back:
• Take bus No. 1 or 70 from Saga Stadium (Athletic Field) toward Saga Station, ride about 3 stops (3–5 minutes) to Saga Station North Exit, then walk 5 minutes back to the hotel.

Recommended famous sightseeing spots in Saga to make your independent trip even more enriching

The following images are from *Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation

• Yoshinogari Historical Park

Yoshinogari Historical Park is a nationally designated Special Historic Site by the Japanese government. Covering a total area of 117 hectares, it contains Japan’s largest moated settlement ruins from the Yayoi period (the period from the 5th century BC to around the 3rd century AD is known as the Yayoi period). The site was discovered through archaeological excavations beginning in 1986.

• Yutoku Inari Shrine

Yutoku Inari Shrine is considered one of Japan’s three great Inari shrines, alongside Fushimi Inari (Kyoto) and Kasama Inari (Ibaraki).

• Karatsu Castle

Karatsu Castle was built over seven years starting in Keicho 7 (1602) by Terazawa Hirotaka, a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the first lord of the Karatsu Domain. It is said that, with support from various feudal lords in Kyushu, materials from the dismantled Nagoya Castle (Karatsu City) were used in its construction.

【Package Includes】

1. Entry to the 2026 Saga Sakura Marathon (entry type depends on your selection).

2. 2 nights at the selected hotel, Route Inn Saga Ekimae (HOTEL ROUTE-INN SAGA EKIMAE), including breakfast. (Room type depends on the plan you choose.)

3. Any participation gifts or other race items are subject to the organizer’s final announcement.

【Excluded Expenses】

- Round-trip international airfare is not included.

- Passport application fees, some meals, fees for other activity facilities, personal expenses, and transportation costs. (For example: beverages, alcohol, laundry, telephone, telegrams, and personal transportation expenses)

※ We recommend purchasing your own travel insurance (children under 15 are not eligible for travel insurance coverage according to regulations).

【Cancellation Policy】

Race bookings cannot be canceled once purchased. If cancellation is required due to force majeure, please provide the relevant documents and contact AsiaYo customer service for assistance and refund confirmation. AsiaYo customer service hotline: 02-77550575.

How Your Booking Works

1. 1. Book online and submit your order — Choose your race package on AsiaYo and send in your booking request.
2. 2. Instant confirmation — Once the system confirms availability, your travel order is secured right away.
3. 3. Complete the Runner & Race Information form — We'll send the form to you automatically. Please fill it in before the stated deadline so your race entry is fully processed.
4. 4. Receive your final itinerary — We'll send your updated, final trip details 5–7 days before check-in.
5. 5. Check in and collect your race pack — Bring your original passport on arrival to complete both hotel check-in and race registration.

★ ★ Good to know: Both race registration and hotel check-in require identity verification, so please make sure your passport is valid and carry the original with you.

【Visa】

Holders of a "Taiwan passport" may enter and exit Japan visa-free, but the passport must be valid for more than 6 months and must include the Republic of China national ID number. Holders of foreign passports should check for themselves whether a Japanese visa is required.

【Time Difference】

All of Japan is in the same time zone, Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T.) +9 hours, which is 1 hour ahead of Taiwan.

【Package Includes】

1. Entry to the 2026 Saga Sakura Marathon (entry type depends on your selection).

2. 2 nights at the selected hotel, Route Inn Saga Ekimae (HOTEL ROUTE-INN SAGA EKIMAE), including breakfast. (Room type depends on the plan you choose.)

3. Any participation gifts or other race items are subject to the organizer’s final announcement.

【Excluded Expenses】

- Round-trip international airfare is not included.

- Passport application fees, some meals, fees for other activity facilities, personal expenses, and transportation costs. (For example: beverages, alcohol, laundry, telephone, telegrams, and personal transportation expenses)

※ We recommend purchasing your own travel insurance (children under 15 are not eligible for travel insurance coverage according to regulations).

【Cancellation Policy】

Race bookings cannot be canceled once purchased. If cancellation is required due to force majeure, please provide the relevant documents and contact AsiaYo customer service for assistance and refund confirmation. AsiaYo customer service hotline: 02-77550575.

【Hotel Check-in Method】

After your booking is confirmed, you only need to present your original passport at the hotel front desk on the day of check-in to complete the check-in process smoothly.

【Race Pack Collection】

Collect your race pack when checking in at the hotel, so you won’t need to rush around before the race and can enjoy an easy pickup experience before competing.

【Race Regulations】

Handling of Personal Information

The organizer recognizes the importance of personal information, complies with laws and regulations related to personal information protection, and handles personal information in accordance with the organizer’s privacy policy. In order to improve services for participants, personal information may be used for the following purposes: race invitations, notification of race records, related information notices, information on next year’s event, services provided to race sponsors, partners, and related organizations, and publication of race records (such as rankings). The organizer or its contractors may also use it to confirm the details of race applications.

Application Terms and Conditions

When registering for the race, participants must agree to the following application terms and conditions.

1. Please comply with the entry requirements.
2. After registration, you will not be able to change the event category or cancel for personal reasons.
3. If the event is reduced or canceled due to earthquakes, windstorms, floods, snowfall, incidents, accidents, epidemics, or other reasons, the organizer will make its own judgment and decision accordingly.
4. In the event of cancellation, part of the participation fee may be refunded after considering the costs incurred for the event.
5. The organizer will provide first aid only for accidents, injuries, or illnesses that occur during the race period. Participants must undergo a medical checkup by a doctor on the day before the race, confirm that there are no abnormalities such as heart disease, and participate at their own risk (the organizer recommends that participants check their physical condition in advance through tests such as exercise electrocardiograms). Please bring your health insurance card (My Number health insurance card) on race day. If you are not feeling well on race day, please do not participate. If you have symptoms that may worsen after running, or if you are pregnant, please do not participate.
6. During the race, if the organizer determines that there is an obstacle to continuing the event, participants must immediately comply with the organizer’s decision to cancel the race. In addition, please follow any other instructions from the organizer regarding safety management and race management.
7. Except for first aid, the organizer assumes no responsibility for accidents, injuries, theft, or loss not caused by the organizer.
8. Compensation for accidents, injuries, illness, theft, loss, etc. will be based on the insurance contract signed by the organizer (the cost of obtaining a medical certificate for insurance claims shall be borne by the participant).
9. In addition to the participant, one emergency contact person is required. If the participant is a minor, guardian consent is required. If participating with family or friends, all members must agree to the application terms and conditions.
10. False declarations of age, gender, or other information, as well as participation by anyone other than the applicant (substitute runner), are strictly prohibited. If such behavior is discovered, the participant will be disqualified and any awards revoked, and will not be allowed to participate in subsequent races. In addition, the organizer bears no responsibility for any compensation or refunds arising from false declarations or substitute runners.
11. You agree that photos, videos, articles, records, etc. of the event (including personal information such as name, age, gender, records, and portrait) may be reported, published, and used in newspapers, television, magazines, the internet, brochures, and other media. In addition, the rights to publish and use such photos, videos, articles, and records belong to the organizer.
12. A timing chip will be used for timekeeping. Please attach the chip correctly to your shoelaces before the start. Otherwise, your time cannot be recorded. After the race, be sure to return the timing chip. Even if you miss the race, it must still be returned. If you do not return it, you may be required to pay the actual cost.
13. During the race, participants may be required to stop in order to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
14. The organizer assumes no responsibility for any delays caused by public transportation or road conditions on the day of the event.
15. Pets are strictly prohibited from participating in any race. Please do not use strollers while running.
16. When choosing your attire, please be careful not to violate public order or morals. Do not cover your entire body or carry anything that may injure others while running. In addition, wearing or displaying any advertising items, such as designs or logos of company or product names, for advertising purposes at the event venue (including the race course) is prohibited.
17. If approved by the organizer, photos and other items may be consigned for sale.
18. In addition to the above, please also follow the organizer’s instructions regarding race-related matters.

Attire

Participants are generally free to choose their attire. However, depending on the content of the attire, it may affect not only the participant themselves but also surrounding participants, supporters, and staff. In addition, if a participant wears attire that violates the application terms, other laws and regulations, or public order and morals, attire that covers the entire body, attire that insults or offends other participants, or attire deemed to interfere with the operation of the event, the race organizer may ask the participant to withdraw from the race. Please fully understand these circumstances and participate in a pleasant and sensible manner.

Completion Certificate

• Participants who complete the full marathon may download an online finisher certificate free of charge. The certificate can be downloaded via the "Finisher Certificate Issuance" banner on this website or the finisher certificate issuance QR code posted at the venue.
• Participants who complete the Fun Run will receive a finisher certificate (without a recorded time).

Changing Rooms, Baggage Storage

• Please use the men’s changing room at the SAGA Arena (main arena) and the women’s changing room at the SAGA Arena (sub arena) (open from 6:30 to 16:30). In principle, only athletes themselves may enter. At the changing room entrance, we will check whether emergency contact information and other details have been filled in on the back of the bib number. Please complete this in advance before arriving at the venue.
• Baggage storage is available in the men’s and women’s changing rooms. Please attach the "baggage tag" to the plastic bag provided with your checked items so the number of baggage pieces can be identified. Please take good care of your belongings, as we are not responsible for theft or loss of baggage.
• Please use the storage facilities provided in the changing rooms for valuables. Only items that fit into the valuables bag (an envelope measuring 33 cm long and 24 cm wide) may be stored as valuables (limited to one per person). We are not responsible for theft or loss of any items outside the storage facilities. Please take good care of your personal belongings.

【Race Assembly and Related Information】

All details are subject to the final itinerary information and the organizer’s official announcements.