Every January 2nd and 3rd, the nation stops to watch the Hakone Ekiden — the most beloved and dramatic long-distance relay race in Japan. University teams of runners carry a sash (tasuki) over a gruelling ~217 km round-trip course between Tokyo and Hakone, climbing the steep mountain road past Odawara to Lake Ashi and back. The race is a New Year institution, with millions watching on TV and huge crowds lining the route to cheer the young runners through cold, hills and exhaustion. Catching a leg of it roadside in Kanagawa — especially the brutal mountain climb — is an unforgettable, very Japanese way to start the year.

This guide covers the race, the Kanagawa route, where to watch and access.

🗓️ Quick Reference
Location Tokyo ↔ Hakone (via Odawara), Kanagawa
When January 2 (outbound) & 3 (return)
Distance ~217 km over 10 legs
Highlight The mountain climb to Lake Ashi
Good for Sports fans, New Year atmosphere

The race

  • University teams run a two-day, 10-leg relay between Tokyo’s Otemachi and Hakone’s Lake Ashi.
  • Runners pass a tasuki sash between legs — dropping or missing the handoff is high drama.
  • The fifth leg’s mountain climb (and the sixth’s descent) into Hakone are the most famous, decisive sections.

Watching in Kanagawa

  • The course runs through Kawasaki, Yokohama, Totsuka, Hiratsuka, Odawara and up into Hakone.
  • Roadside spots along the route let you cheer runners up close — arrive early and dress warm.
  • The Hakone-Yumoto to Lake Ashi stretch offers the most dramatic mountain action.

Tips

  • It’s freezing in early January — wear warm layers and bring hot drinks.
  • Crowds gather hours ahead at popular points; check the live timing for runner arrival.
  • Roads close along the route — plan transport accordingly.

Combine your visit

Pair race-watching with a Hakone stay:

How to get there

  • Odakyu or Shinkansen toward Odawara/Hakone-Yumoto, then walk to a roadside viewing point.
  • Check the official route map for the best access each year.