Nice to meet you, my name is Hiroki, a new staff member at OLENO.
Previously, we introduced beginner-friendly trail races in the Kansai region, but we received requests for information on races in each region, so we have compiled information on trail running races in Kyoto (2026 edition).
If you're looking to start trail running in 2026, or if you weren't able to participate in many races in 2025, be sure to check it out and give it a try!
1. 4th Daimonji 100 Trail Running Race
This trail running race is attractive for its easy access as it is the "most urban 100km trail running race."
The race is a 12km loop course, making it easy for beginners to take on the challenge at their own pace. It is a Kyoto trail race with a friendly atmosphere and a comprehensive support system, encouraging first-time 100km entrants.
A new 24km course (2 laps) will be added in 2026, making it easier for beginners to participate!
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Start at Canal Park) |
| Date and time | February 21st (Sat) - 22nd (Sun), 2026 |
| distance | ■24km (12km x 2 laps) [Newly established for beginners!] ■72km (12km x 6 laps) ■100km (12km x approximately 8 laps) |
| Recruitment quota | 100 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Participation conditions | Participants must be 18 years of age or older on the day of the race and confident that they can complete the course without getting lost. |
| Tournament details page | https://go-trail.net/pages/Capital100 |
Recommended for beginners:
The 24km course, newly established in 2026, only requires two laps of a 12km circular course, so there's no need to worry about getting lost. It's close to downtown Kyoto and within walking distance of Yamashina Station, making it extremely accessible.
Because it is a circular course, it is easy to retire, so even beginners can take on the challenge with confidence.
2. 3rd Daimonji-Mount Hiei Cable Trail Run 2026
This 16km trail running course allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt. Daimonji and Mt. Hiei, and is easy even for beginners to try.
This course is easily accessible from Kyoto city and is recommended for beginners as it allows you to enjoy both historical sites and nature at the same time. The finish line is at the top station of the Hiei Cable Car, and the 16km course is designed to be enjoyable even for beginners.
There are also discounts for couples, so you can join with friends or family.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Starting at Bishamon-do Temple) |
| Date and time | Saturday, April 11, 2026 |
| distance | 16km / cumulative elevation gain approx. 1,000m |
| Recruitment quota | 100 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~March 15, 2026 |
| Participation conditions | Healthy men and women aged 14 and over. Minors require parental consent. |
| Tournament details page | https://www.actrep-sports.com/hieicable-trailrun/ |
Recommended for beginners:
The distance is 16km and the cumulative elevation gain is 1,000m, making it within the beginner category. The course is limited to 100 participants, so you can participate in a homely atmosphere.
The route from Mt. Daimonji to Mt. Hiei is well maintained, and it's a luxurious course that takes you around the famous historical sites of Kyoto. There are also discounts for couples, so you can take on the challenge with friends or family.
3. 30th Kyoto Trail Run <Higashiyama Course> 2026
This approximately 28km trail course allows you to enjoy the natural and historical scenery of Higashiyama, with a cumulative elevation gain of 1,350m and a level of difficulty suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers.
The starting point, Bishamon-do Temple, is a historic temple, and the finish line, Shizuhara Shrine, is surrounded by a tranquil rural landscape, making this a race that is sure to be memorable as well as a record-breaking one.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (start at Bishamon-do Temple) to finish at Shizuhara Shrine |
| Date and time | Saturday, April 11, 2026 |
| distance | Approximately 28km / Cumulative altitude approximately 1,350m |
| Recruitment quota | 400 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~Late March 2026 |
| Participation conditions | Healthy men and women over 20 years old who are confident that they can complete the course without getting lost and within the time limit |
| Tournament details page | https://www.actrep-sports.com/kyoto-higasiyama-trailrun/ |
Recommended for beginners:
The 28km distance is slightly above the beginner level (under 25km), but the cumulative elevation gain is 1,350m, making it a moderately strenuous course. As the course follows the well-maintained and popular Kyoto Loop Trail, there is little risk of getting lost.
The time limit is a generous 8 hours, and you can also enjoy sightseeing by touring Kyoto's famous sites, including Mt. Daimonji, Mt. Hiei, and Ohara.
4. NORTH KYOTO 100 Trail Running Race
This 33km trail running course is based in Demachiyanagi and has an elevation gain of 900m, making it an introductory long trail race suitable for beginners.
You can enjoy a variety of scenery as you run through the charming streets of Kyoto City and the nature-rich Kitayama area. The course is designed to be a light and low-stress race, with one lap of 34km (with an elevation gain of 900m).
The attractive feature is the schedule that allows you to check in on Saturday afternoon and return home on Sunday evening.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Start/Finish at the west end of Kamo-Ohashi Bridge) |
| Date and time | July 11th (Sat) – 12th (Sun), 2026 |
| distance | ■ 33km (1 lap): Total elevation gain: approx. 900m ■66km (2 laps): Cumulative altitude approximately 1,800m ■100km (3 laps): Cumulative altitude approximately 2,700m |
| Recruitment quota | 100 to 400 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~Late April 2026 |
| Participation conditions | Healthy men and women who want to try trail running |
| Tournament details page | https://go-trail.net/pages/north-kyoto-100 |
Recommended for beginners:
The 33km course is very easy to run, with a cumulative elevation gain of 900m. It is a one-loop course so there is no need to worry about getting lost, and the start is conveniently located in Demachiyanagi, the heart of Kyoto.
The schedule is designed to accommodate participants from far away, with registration on Saturday afternoon and the finish line on Sunday evening. The event has a friendly atmosphere and supports beginners.
5. 31st Kyoto Trail Run <Kitayama Course> 2026
This approximately 33km trail course allows you to enjoy the rich nature of Kitayama, with a cumulative elevation gain of 1,360m, making it suitable for runners of all levels, from beginners to intermediates.
The starting point, the Kameyama area of Arashiyama Park, is a famous tourist spot, where you will be greeted by the beautiful scenery unique to Kyoto. Since the race is held during the autumn foliage season, it is a popular event where you can run while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Starting in the Kameyama area of Arashiyama Park) |
| Date and time | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| distance | Approximately 33km / Cumulative altitude approximately 1,360m |
| Recruitment quota | 400 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~Late September 2026 |
| Participation conditions | Healthy men and women over 20 years old who are confident that they can complete the course without getting lost and within the time limit |
| Tournament details page | https://www.actrep-sports.com/kyoto-kitayama/ |
Recommended for beginners:
The distance of 33km and cumulative elevation gain of 1,360m slightly exceeds the beginner level (under 25km), but the cool autumn weather makes it easy to run. The Kyoto Loop Trail is a well-maintained and popular route, so there is little risk of getting lost, and the time limit is a generous 8 hours.
Starting from the tourist spot of Arashiyama, this is a luxurious race where you can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves of Kitayama. It is perfect for those who have experience of races of 20km or more to step up.
summary
Above, we have introduced the trail races to be held in Kyoto in 2026 (which are easy for beginners to participate in).
Recommended for beginners by level:
[Beginners] Trail running debut
- Daimonji 100 (24km) - A circular course with no chance of getting lost, and it's easy to quit.
[Beginner] Introduction to trails
- Daimonji/Hieizan Cable Car (16km) - Small group and intimate experience, pairs welcome
- NORTH KYOTO 100 (33km) - Easy run with a cumulative elevation gain of 900m
[Intermediate] Step up
- Kyoto Loop Trail Higashiyama (28km) - A sightseeing run around Kyoto's famous sites
- Kyoto Loop Trail Kitayama (33km) - A popular race to enjoy the autumn foliage
What makes the Kyoto Trail Race so appealing:
- A fusion of history and nature : Ride through famous Kyoto sites such as Mt. Daimonji, Mt. Hiei, and Arashiyama
- Well-maintained course : The popular Kyoto Loop Trail means you don't have to worry about getting lost.
- Easy access : Close to Kyoto city center, easily accessible by public transportation
- A variety of seasons : Enjoy winter in February, spring in April, summer in July, and autumn in October, all year round
- Sightseeing : Kill two birds with one stone by enjoying sightseeing in Kyoto after the race
The unique atmosphere and scenery you can enjoy at the Kyoto Trail Race is one of its attractions, and one that you won't find anywhere else! We encourage you to give it a try!
