[2026 Yamadera Zao Super Marathon] Race Entry + Great Value Selected 2-Night Stay

Detailed race information and instructions are provided below

Features of the Yamagata Marathon

1. The historical culture themed around "Yamadera Safflower" has been recognized as a "Japan Heritage." This race starts from Yamadera, and participants can travel through these 5 cities, towns, and villages: Tendo, Nakayama, Yamabe, and Kaminoyama.

While running, you can enjoy Yamagata's cherry blossoms, snowy scenery, tourist attractions, hot springs, and gourmet food.

2. Enjoy Yamagata's wonderful specialty foods

We offer a variety of school-lunch-style meals, including famous sweets such as Noyume (Japanese plum). After the finish line, we plan to serve Yamagata's specialty "taro," lovingly prepared by members of the "Japan's No.1 Taro Festival."

Yamadera Zao Super Marathon 2026

• Race date: 2026/04/19 (Sun)
• Race categories: 110K, 101K, 52K
• Start time: 〔110K, 101K〕06:00AM〔52K〕06:15AM
• Time limit: 〔110K, 101K〕14 hours (final cutoff 20:00 PM)

*Okunoin cutoff time: 16:00. This checkpoint is not mandatory, but runners competing for placement must pass through it.

〔52K〕8 hours (final cutoff 14:15 PM)

*"Okunoin" itself is included in the race route; if you do not go there, it will be considered a withdrawal from the race.

• Start/Finish: Yamadera Parking Lot (Yamadera Chushajo)
• Eligibility: Men and women aged 16 or above on race day who are physically and mentally fit, and capable of racing using official map data. (Participants under 18 must have parental consent to participate)
• Race pack pickup location & time: Pick up race materials at the hotel upon check-in (actual information is subject to the organizer's final announcement)
• Participation gift: Original race hand towel.
• Finisher award: An online digital finisher certificate will be provided (WEB finisher certificate).

*The above information is for reference only. Please refer to the final itinerary information for actual details.

【Venue Opening Time】

• Opens at 4:30 AM. Early entry is not allowed.
• Overnight stays in cars in the parking lot are prohibited.

【Required Equipment】

1. Mobile phone (and power bank)
2. Health insurance card (a copy is acceptable)
3. Your own reusable cup (for use at aid stations) ※ Plastic bottles may not be used as a substitute
4. Full course map (GPX file downloaded from the official website or a printed paper map prepared by yourself)

【Recommended Equipment】

1. Basic first-aid kit (bandages, disinfectant, etc.)
2. Bear bell (or any other item that can make noise)
3. Cash (for vending machines or shops along the course)
4. Full upper and lower cold-weather clothing such as a windbreaker (must be windproof and waterproof)

【Timing Method】

Timing will be done using an armband chip.

※ During the race, runners must tap the armband against the sensor themselves to record their time.

【Course Map & Elevation Profile】

• Full course shared Google Maps data, 110K map GPX data, 101K map GPX data, 52K map GPX data
• Watch the inner sanctuary video guide

【Cutoff (Checkpoint) Points】

【Participation Gift】

Original race hand towel.

【Awards】

101 km category, 52 km category: Top 3 men and top 3 women.

110 km category: 1st place man and 1st place woman.

Comfortable hotel options are available for convenient travel to and from the race venue

Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata - South Wing (Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata)｜04/19 Rice ball boxed meal (provided by organizer), 04/20 hotel breakfast

Address: 〒990-0039 1-1-1 Kasumicho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture

Stay dates: 2026/04/18, 2025/04/19 for a total of 2 nights 

Check-in time: 15:00 PM Check-out time: 11:00 AM

Single Room｜04/19 Rice ball boxed meal (provided by organizer), 04/20 hotel breakfast

Room size

20㎡

Bed size

140*200(cm) 1 bed

Twin Room｜04/19 Rice ball boxed meal (provided by organizer), 04/20 hotel breakfast

Room size

20㎡

Bed size

90*200(cm) 2 beds

Guest room facilities

Beds (Simmons) / Bathtub / Shower / Wireless internet / High-speed wired LAN connection (up to 100Mbps / free connection) / LAN cable provided / Telephone / Negative ion hair dryer / Electric kettle / LCD TV (video streaming apps available) / Refrigerator / Humidifier and air purifier / Sleepwear

Amenities

Shampoo / Body soap / Hand soap and facial cleanser / Bath salts / Cotton swabs / Toothbrush / Razor / Comb / Hair net / Drip coffee / Sencha tea bags / Mineral water

Here are some transportation suggestions for independent travel. Actual traffic conditions are subject to Japan's transportation announcements on the day. You may also purchase tickets in advance to avoid limited availability.

－How to get to Yamagata?

You can transfer from "Sendai Airport," or from "central Tokyo or Narita/Haneda Airport" to reach the destination. Please refer to the following transportation options (for reference only; actual conditions are subject to local traffic at the time in Japan):

◆From Sendai

【From Sendai Airport to JR Yamagata Station】

Runners can take the Sendai Airport Access Line to Sendai Station (3 stops on the rapid train in 17 minutes, or 7 stops on the local train in 25 minutes),

then take the bus from Sendai Station West Exit, "Sendai to Yamagata bound for Yamagata Station," and arrive at Yamagata Ekimae in about seven stops (about 1 hour 5 minutes; actual arrival time depends on traffic conditions); or take the JR Senzan Line from Sendai Station for 21 stops to Yamagata Station. (About 1 hour 15 minutes).

【From Sendai Station to JR Yamagata Station】

Take the JR Senzan Line from Sendai Station for 21 stops to Yamagata Station (about 1 hour 15 minutes), or take the bus from Yamagata Station West Exit, "Sendai to Yamagata bound for Yamagata Station," and arrive at Yamagata Ekimae in about seven stops (about 1 hour 5 minutes; actual arrival time depends on traffic conditions)

◆From Tokyo

【From Narita Airport to JR Yamagata Station】

First take the N'EX (Narita Express) for about 60 minutes to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the JR Yamagata Shinkansen and arrive at JR Yamagata Station in about 2 hours 50 minutes.

※ If you have purchased the JR East Rail Pass (Tohoku Area), you can use the pass to ride the N'EX (Narita Express).

【From Haneda Airport to JR Yamagata Station】

Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa, then transfer from Shinagawa to the Yamanote Line or other lines to Tokyo Station, and transfer to the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to arrive at JR Yamagata Station in about 2 hours 50 minutes.

【From Tokyo to JR Yamagata Station】

Transfer to the JR Yamagata Shinkansen and arrive at JR Yamagata Station in about 2 hours 50 minutes.

JR Yamagata Station ↔️ Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata - South Wing (Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata)

Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata - South Wing is directly connected to Yamagata Station, so runners can check in as soon as they arrive—super convenient!

Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata - South Wing (Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata)➡️Start venue (Yamadera Parking Lot (Yamadera Chushajo))

✨ On race day, a limited shuttle service from Yamagata Station to the race venue will be arranged (no shuttle service will be provided for non-participants), available until sold out. The actual boarding time and location will be provided in the final itinerary.

📢 No transfer service will be provided from the finish point. Please take the train from Yamadera Station.

Race finish point (Yamadera Parking Lot (Yamadera Chushajo))➡️Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata - South Wing (Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata)

From the race finish point (Yamadera Parking Lot), walk 10 minutes (700 meters) to JR Yamadera Station, then after four stops (Takase (Yamagata), Tateyama, Uzen-Chitose), arrive at JR Yamagata Station, and walk about 6 minutes (300 meters) back to the hotel.

Recommended famous attractions in Yamagata to make your independent trip even more enriching

Ginzan Onsen Street

Ginzan Onsen is surrounded by mountains filled with seasonal colors. The spray from the waterfall sparkles like silver. Historical traces emerge amid birdsong and the sound of gas lamps echoing in the distance. There is a sense of happiness in strolling through the hot spring town. It feels both nostalgic and fresh. At times, it evokes a rich yet simple nostalgia.

Kamo Aquarium

Kamo Aquarium in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, features the world's largest jellyfish tank at about 5 meters in diameter, displays the greatest variety of jellyfish in the world, and the number of jellyfish on display has even been listed in the Guinness World Records. The colorful and diverse appearance of the jellyfish is truly astonishing.

Kajo Park

Kajo Park is an urban park located almost in the city center, built on the site of Yamagata Castle, with an area of about 35.9 hectares.

It was designated a National Historic Site in 1986 and recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles in 2006. It is now a famous cherry blossom and sightseeing destination. In and around the park are many cultural facilities, including the Yamagata City Local History Museum, Yamagata Prefectural Museum, Yamagata Museum of Art, and the Mogami Yoshiaki Historical Museum.

Zao Onsen

Surrounded by mountains, Zao Onsen has three ropeways departing from Zao town, making it easy to tour the mountain foothills and enjoy the autumn leaves. In winter, the surrounding mountains become one of Japan's largest ski resorts. You can also see Zao's symbolic "snow monsters" (also known as frost-covered trees). With a 1,900-year history, Zao Onsen, one of Japan's representative mountain resorts, looks forward to welcoming you.

【What's Included】

1. Entry to the 2026 Yamadera Zao Super Marathon.

2. 2 nights at the selected hotel, Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata - South Wing (Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata). (Room type depends on the package you choose.)

3. If there are any race participation gifts, they are subject to the organizer's final announcement.

【Not Included】

- Round-trip international airfare is not included.

- Fees for applying for a new passport, some meals, usage fees for other activity facilities, personal expenses, and transportation costs. (Such as beverages, alcohol, laundry, telephone, telegrams, and personal transportation expenses)

※ We recommend that you purchase your own travel insurance (children under 15 cannot be covered by travel insurance according to regulations).

【Cancellation Policy】

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

AsiaYo Sports Travel Booking Process

1. Book online and submit your order
2. AsiaYo confirms your order within 48 business hours
3. After confirmation, the system will send the "Participant Race Information" form — please complete it before the deadline
4. 5–7 days before check-in, AsiaYo will update your final itinerary details
5. Bring your original passport for hotel check-in and race registration

★ Friendly reminder: Race registration and hotel check-in both require identity verification, so please confirm your passport's validity 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 time.

【What's Included】

1. Entry to the 2026 Yamadera Zao Super Marathon.

2. 2 nights at the selected hotel, Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata - South Wing (Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata). (Room type depends on the package you choose.)

3. If there are any race participation gifts, they are subject to the organizer's final announcement.

【Not Included】

- Round-trip international airfare is not included.

- Fees for applying for a new passport, some meals, usage fees for other activity facilities, personal expenses, and transportation costs. (Such as beverages, alcohol, laundry, telephone, telegrams, and personal transportation expenses)

※ We recommend that you purchase your own travel insurance (children under 15 cannot be covered by travel insurance according to regulations).

【Cancellation Policy】

Race bookings cannot be canceled once purchased. If cancellation is required due to force majeure, please submit 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, on the day of check-in you only need to present your original passport at the hotel front desk to complete check-in smoothly.

【Race Pack Pickup】

Pick up race materials at the hotel upon check-in (actual information is subject to the organizer's final announcement)

【Race Regulations】

If the organizer determines that it is difficult to hold or continue the race for the following reasons, the race may be canceled or discontinued. In such cases, no refunds will be given.

1. When a state of emergency is declared
2. If movement restrictions are imposed or people are asked to refrain from going out except for essential matters.
3. When a weather warning is issued
4. When landslides, falling rocks, or similar conditions are confirmed on the course and the safety of athletes and staff cannot be guaranteed.
5. When the area is designated as a disaster area or warning area, etc.
6. In other cases where the organizer determines that cancellation is necessary.
7. The decision to cancel or suspend the race will be announced the day before on the race's official website and Facebook page.
8. There are no road closures during the race. In general, you should keep to the left, but if there is a sidewalk, you should use the sidewalk. There are also traffic lights on the course, so please follow road traffic laws and regulations.
9. In addition to the above rules, please follow the instructions of race staff regarding race-related matters. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
10. If you do not start the race on time, you will not be allowed to participate. In this case, no refund will be given.

Other

• Measurements are taken using a measuring tape.
• First-aid stations will be set up at various points along the course.
• Distance markers are displayed only at each aid station.
• Distances may vary depending on the measurement method. Thank you for your understanding.
• If you would like to set up your own aid station, please inform the office in advance of the location and the representative's name. Please note that we may not be able to accept your request if we do not receive it in advance.
• Supporters or family members are prohibited from providing food and drinks to participating athletes.
• Only deaf-mute participants may be accompanied. The accompanying participant will receive their own bib number. (Guide runners are not charged an entry fee and will not receive participation gifts.)

For safety reasons, guide runners and athletes must run in pairs. Please note that if either one is unable to continue the race, it will be treated as a withdrawal.

*Actual details are subject to the final itinerary information and the organizer's announcements.

Supplementary notes regarding declarations of a state of emergency, etc.

• As the pandemic may resurge in the future, the event content may be changed as follows. If there are any changes, we will notify you on the website and social media.
• If the national government declares a state of emergency or priority measures to prevent the spread of infection in Yamagata Prefecture or the relevant cities and towns (Yamagata City, Tendo City, Kaminoyama City), or if local governments issue a state of emergency declaration, the event may be canceled.
• If the national government declares a state of emergency or priority measures to prevent the spread of infection in your area, or if local governments issue a state of emergency declaration requesting that you refrain from traveling outside your prefecture, you may be asked to forgo participation. In this case, no refund will be given.

Regarding the handling of personal information

• The organizer and co-organizers will handle personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act and related laws and regulations.
• The collected personal information will be used for event organization and production, publication of records, hosting activities on the official website, and other necessary communications.
• The organizer, co-organizers, and third parties approved by the organizer and co-organizers may publish videos, photos, reports, personal records, and other materials related to the event in event programs, posters, other promotional materials, and media such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the internet for the purpose of organizing and promoting the event.

【Race Meeting and Related Information】

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