Nice to meet you, I'm Hiroki from OLENO.
Nara Prefecture, where we at OLENO are based, is a treasure trove of trail running opportunities, blending the history and nature of the ancient capital. There are plenty of courses that are easy for beginners to run, including the World Heritage Site of Mt. Wakakusa, the Ikoma mountain range, and the Diamond Trail.
In this article,
・Distance less than 25km
・Cumulative altitude 2000m or less
・Time limit of 5 hours or more
・Well-maintained hiking trails
We'll introduce six beginner-friendly trail races taking place in 2026 that meet the five criteria of good public transport access .
2026 Edition: 6 Beginner-Friendly Trail Races in Nara Prefecture
1. 23rd Ikoma Trail Run <Winter Mountain>
This popular race allows participants to fully enjoy the winter Ikoma mountain range. The 24km short course is easy for beginners to tackle, and the run is on a well-maintained mountain trail, so there is little risk of getting lost.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Osaka Prefecture - Nara Prefecture Kisaichi Waterfront Plaza (Start & Finish) |
| Date and time | Saturday, January 24, 2026 |
| distance | ■24km: Cumulative altitude approximately 700m ■29km: Cumulative altitude approximately 975m |
| Recruitment quota | 300 people each |
| Entry Deadline | ~Early January 2026 |
| Participation conditions | Healthy men and women |
| parking | None (public transportation recommended) |
| Tournament details page | https://www.actrep-sports.com/ikoma-fuyuyama/ |
Recommended for beginners:
The 24km course has a cumulative elevation gain of 700m, making it perfect for beginners. The course follows the well-maintained Ikoma Traverse Trail, so there is little risk of getting lost, and there are plenty of aid stations.
Both the start and finish are easily accessible, just a 5-minute walk from Keihan Kisaichi Station. The 8-hour time limit gives you plenty of time, making this the perfect trail for your first traverse.
The attraction is the spectacular view of the Osaka Plain and Nara Basin in the clear winter air.
2. World Heritage Kumano Kodo Kohechi Trail Journey in Totsukawa
This is a special race that runs along the Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage Site. The 28km course has a high percentage of paved roads, making it easy for even beginners to run.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Subaru no Sato, Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture (Start and Finish) |
| Date and time | Sunday, March 1, 2026 |
| distance | ■ 28km (Miura Course): Total elevation gain: approx. 1,039m ■4.3km: Cumulative altitude approximately 360m |
| Recruitment quota | 28km: 100 people / 4.3km: 50 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~Sunday, February 1, 2026 |
| Participation conditions | 28km: High school students and above, 4.3km: Elementary school students and above |
| parking | can be |
| Tournament details page | https://kohechi-trail-j-totsukawa.com/about/ |
Recommended for beginners:
The 28km course is paved at 62.5% and easy even for beginners, with a cumulative elevation gain of 1,039m, making it within the beginner's criteria. The 4.3km course is open to elementary school students and is suitable for absolute beginners and families.
The start and finish are both in Subaru-no-Sato, making it easily accessible. The time limit is ample, allowing you to enjoy the historic roads of the World Heritage Site while running. Another attractive feature is the opportunity to refresh yourself at Totsukawa Onsen after finishing the race.
3. Trail Runners Cup Nara 2026
The event is held at Mount Wakakusa, a World Heritage Site, and is open to runners only once a year. Its concept is "Japan's most accessible trail event."
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Mount Wakakusa, Nara Park, Nara City, Nara Prefecture |
| Date and time | Sunday, March 8, 2026 |
| distance | ■4km: Cumulative altitude approximately 200m ■8km: Accumulated elevation gain: approx. 400m |
| Recruitment quota | 300 people each |
| Entry Deadline | ~February 20, 2026 (Thursday) |
| Participation conditions | Ages 3 and up (elementary school students and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian) |
| parking | None (nearby paid parking available) |
| Tournament details page | https://trailrunners.jp/event/nara-2026/ |
Recommended for beginners:
The 4km course has a cumulative elevation gain of 200m, making it suitable for beginners and children. The 8km course is also easy to run, with a cumulative elevation gain of 400m.
The start is within walking distance of Nara Station, making it easily accessible. The time limit is two hours, so it's a relaxed experience, perfect for first-time trail running. Running through a World Heritage Site that is open only once a year, and coming into contact with deer, is an extraordinary experience.
4. 24th Ikoma Trail Run <Summer Mountain>
This popular race allows you to fully enjoy the summer Ikoma mountain range. The short 22km course is easy for beginners to tackle.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Osaka Prefecture - Nara Prefecture Hoshida Park Wanpaku Square (Start & Finish) |
| Date and time | Saturday, July 25, 2026 |
| distance | ■22km: Cumulative altitude approximately 700m ■27km: Cumulative altitude approximately 975m |
| Recruitment quota | 400 people each |
| Entry Deadline | ~Sunday, July 5, 2026 |
| Participation conditions | Healthy men and women |
| parking | None (public transportation recommended) |
| Tournament details page | https://www.actrep-sports.com/ikoma-natsuyama/ |
Recommended for beginners:
The 22km course has a cumulative elevation gain of 700m, making it suitable for beginners. The course follows the well-maintained Ikoma Traverse Trail, so there is little risk of getting lost, making it a safe and enjoyable course.
The start and finish are about a 15-minute walk from Keihan Kisaichi Station. The 8-hour time limit gives you plenty of time, making it ideal for first-time trail traversers. You can enjoy the lush greenery of the Ikoma mountain range in summer, and the aid stations are stocked with cold drinks.
5. 15th Diamond Trail Run Championship 2026
This race takes participants to the famous spots of the Diamond Trail, which connects Nara, Osaka, and Wakayama prefectures. The distance is a little long, but the cumulative elevation gain is within the beginner level.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture to Osaka Prefecture |
| Date and time | Saturday, November 7, 2026 |
| distance | ■33km: Accumulated elevation gain: approx. 1,800m |
| Recruitment quota | 300 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~Mid-October 2026 |
| Participation conditions | Participants must be 20 years of age or older and have completed a trail run of 30km or more. |
| parking | can be |
| Tournament details page | https://www.actrep-sports.com/diamond-trailrun/ |
Recommended for beginners:
Although the 33km distance is a little long, the cumulative elevation gain of 1,800m makes it within the beginner category. You can visit the famous spots of the Diamond Trail, which connects Nara, Osaka, and Wakayama prefectures.
The 8-hour time limit gives you ample time, and you can earn 2 ITRA points, making this the perfect route to take your next step. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery during the autumn foliage season. *This course is recommended for beginners and intermediate runners, as you must have completed a 30km course beforehand.
6. First-time Yada Hill Trail Run Introduction (Workshop)
This is not a competitive event, but a trail running workshop for beginners. It is perfect for practicing before your first competitive event.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Yada Hills Promenade, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture |
| Date and time | Held from time to time (check the official website) |
| distance | ■Approximately 10km: Cumulative altitude approximately 300-500m |
| Recruitment quota | Small group system (about 10-20 people) |
| Entry | Accepting applications at any time |
| Participation conditions | Trail running beginners welcome |
| parking | Available (depending on meeting place) |
| Tournament details page | https://moshicom.com/14594 |
Recommended for beginners:
This course is suitable for absolute beginners, with a distance of approximately 10km and a cumulative elevation gain of less than 500m. Coaches will provide instruction on climbing and descending techniques, allowing you to learn the basics thoroughly.
Affectionately known as "Yata Q," this beginner-friendly trail allows you to walk up the steep climbs and take breaks as you go along. After finishing, you can refresh yourself in the hot springs. This is the perfect place to practice before your first race.
Regarding tournaments for beginners from September onwards
In Nara Prefecture, there are very few tournaments that meet the beginner requirements from September to December.
reason
- Autumn is mainly for intermediate to advanced runners : The Diamond Trail Run (33km) and other long distance and high altitude races are the norm.
- Short daylight hours : Due to safety concerns, it is difficult to hold short distance races for beginners.
- Fewer events held in winter : The number of events is limited due to weather conditions
How to spend the fall and winter season (3 options)
Option 1: Participate in practice sessions and seminars
Introduction to Yada Hill Trail Running for Beginners
- Distance: Approximately 10km / Cumulative altitude: Approximately 500m
- Frequency: Held as needed
- Official website: https://moshicom.com/ (Search for "Yada Hills Beginners")
Introduction to Ikoma Trail Running for Beginners
- Distance: Approximately 12km / Cumulative altitude: Approximately 600m
- Frequency: 1-2 times a month
- Official website: Search for "Ikoma beginners" on Moshicom
Option 2: Autumn beginner tournaments in other prefectures in the Kansai region
Hira Biwako View Trail Run (Shiga Prefecture, October)
- Distance: 7km / Cumulative altitude: Approximately 700m
- Official website: https://www.actrep-sports.com/hira-trailrun/
Kyoto Trail Run Kitayama Course (Kyoto Prefecture, October)
- Distance: Approximately 33km / Cumulative altitude: Approximately 1,360m
- Official website: https://www.actrep-sports.com/kyoto-kitayama/
Option 3: Self-trail running (non-competitive)
Examples of beginner courses in Nara Prefecture:
Yada Hill Promenade
- Distance: Approximately 10km / Cumulative altitude: Approximately 300m
- Characteristics: A gentle, easy trail for beginners
Mount Ikoma, Nukata Station to Hozanji Temple
- Distance: Approximately 8km / Total elevation gain: Approximately 500m
- Special features: Well-maintained approach to the shrine, perfect for beginners
Wakakusayama Circuit Course
- Distance: Approximately 6km / Total elevation gain: Approximately 400m
- Features: Close to downtown Nara and easy access
Important points to note : Maps and GPS are essential, descend before sunset, avoid traveling alone, and insurance is recommended.
Summary of how to choose for beginners
For absolute beginners
- Trail Runners Cup Nara 4km
- Yada Hills Seminar 10km
- Kohechi 4.3km
Beginners
- Ikoma Trail Run 24km (Winter Mountains)
- Ikoma Trail Run 22km (Summer Mountain)
- Trail Runners Cup Nara 8km
- Koheji 28km
Beginners and intermediates
- Diamond Trail Run 33km (*Requires experience completing 30km)
The appeal of trail running in Nara Prefecture
1. A special experience driving through a World Heritage Site
You can go trail running around historical sites such as Mt. Wakakusa and the Kumano Kodo trails.
2. Easy access from urban areas
It is within an hour by train from Osaka and Kyoto, and is easily accessible by public transportation.
3. Well-maintained hiking trails make it safe even for beginners
There are plenty of clearly marked and well-maintained trails, such as the Ikoma Traverse Trail and Yata Hills.
4. Enjoyable all year round
Tournaments for beginners are held regularly from January to July (from September onwards, tournaments are mainly for intermediate and advanced players).
5. A thriving trail community
There are plenty of training sessions available, making it easy for even beginners to join the community.
summary
Above, we have introduced all six trail races for beginners in Nara Prefecture for 2026 (five competitions and one seminar).
The attractive course allows you to enjoy the history and nature unique to Nara, including the World Heritage Site of Mt. Wakakusa, the Kumano Kodo Trail, and the Ikoma Traverse Trail.
There are fewer competitions for beginners after September, so enjoy autumn and winter with seminars, competitions in other prefectures, and self-trail runs!
It is recommended that you start with a 4km course or seminar for absolute beginners, and gradually increase the distance.
Enjoy a fulfilling running life on Nara's beautiful trails!
