Hello, this is Hiroki from OLENO.
We have introduced trail races held in the Kansai region, but this time we will introduce trail races held in the big city of Osaka.
Basically, we have carefully selected events that are easy for beginners to participate in. We have picked out events that can be enjoyed throughout the year, from January to November, so if you are a beginner trail runner or are thinking about starting trail running, please use this as a reference.
[January] 23rd Ikoma Trail Run <Winter Mountain>
This trail running course allows you to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Ikoma mountain range, which straddles Osaka and Nara prefectures. Although it is the closest mountain to Osaka, it also has many scenic spots where you can get a panoramic view of the Osaka Plain.
Although it has a gentle image, there are some tough sections, making it a trail that can be enjoyed by beginners and veterans alike. There are four aid stations on the 29km course and two on the 24km course, and a baggage storage service is also available.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Osaka Prefecture to Nara Prefecture (starting in Katano City) |
| Date and time | Saturday, January 24, 2026 |
| distance | ■29km: Cumulative altitude approximately 975m ■24km: Cumulative altitude approximately 700m |
| Number of people recruiting | 300 people each |
| Entry Deadline | ~Mid-January 2026 |
| Tournament details | https://www.actrep-sports.com/ikoma-fuyuyama/ |
Recommended for beginners:
The 24km course has a cumulative elevation gain of 700m, making it within the beginner category. The time limit is over 5 hours, and it includes a 2-3km road section, making it easy for even beginners to complete.
It is easily accessible from Osaka city and can be easily reached by Keihan Railway.
[February] Katano Big Rock Trail 2026
This is not just a trail running race, but a trail race based on the concept of a "mountain festival" that utilizes Katano's Satoyama.
The course is set around the "Kono Three Peaks" of Mount Ryuo, Mount Hatafuri, and Mount Katano, and covers popular spots among mountain climbing enthusiasts.
Katanoyama offers a 360-degree panoramic view, allowing participants to enjoy the magnificent scenery. The rock formation "Big Rock" offers a spectacular view of the Osaka Plain.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Kurondo Park, Prefectural Forest, Katano City, Osaka Prefecture |
| Date and time | Sunday, February 8, 2026 |
| distance | ■Approximately 23km: Cumulative altitude approximately 1,380m ■ Approximately 46km: Total elevation gain: Approximately 2,760m |
| Number of people recruiting | 600 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~Late January 2026 |
| Tournament details | https://crossd.jp/bigrock2026/ |
Recommended for beginners:
The 23km course has a cumulative elevation gain of 1,380m, making it suitable for beginners. The well-maintained hiking trail reduces the risk of getting lost, and there are plenty of aid stations.
It is easily accessible from Katano city, and the warm atmosphere that draws the whole region in as a "mountain festival" is its charm.
[February] 1st Hirakata Spa Trail 2026 [New Event!]
A new and exciting event to be held in 2026! Based on the concept of "relieving fatigue in a hot spring after running," the course is designed to be easy and enjoyable for all levels.
Set in the Hirakata area of the Ikoma mountain range, this beginner-friendly race allows participants to reset their mind and body in a hot spring after the run. A luxurious experience awaits, allowing you to experience the charms of the local area while running and then relax and soothe your fatigue in a hot spring.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Start at Furushiro Park in Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture |
| Date and time | Sunday, February 22, 2026 |
| distance | Approximately 18km: cumulative elevation gain approximately 900m |
| Number of people recruiting | 100 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~Early February 2026 |
| Tournament details | https://soratrail.wixsite.com/hspa2026 |
Recommended for beginners:
With a distance of 18km, a cumulative elevation gain of 900m, and a time limit of 5 hours, this is an ideal setting for beginners. As this is a new competition, the number of participants is small, allowing you to make your trail running debut in a homely atmosphere.
The best part is being able to soak in the hot springs after your run! Aid stations are set up and beginner-friendly considerations are everywhere.
[March] Trail Runners Cup Osaka Minoh 2026
Set in Minoh Forest, which overlooks downtown Osaka, parents and children can enjoy a leisurely hike. The well-maintained trail course within Minoh Park is safe for beginners and families to participate in.
The event is held at Minoh Park, famous for the Minoh Falls, and the 4km course is for absolute beginners, with participants from age 3.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Ryuanji Temple Square, Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture |
| Date and time | Sunday, March 1, 2026 |
| distance | ■4km: Total elevation gain: approx. 150m (Participants must be aged 3 or over) ■7km: Cumulative altitude approximately 350m |
| Number of people recruiting | Undisclosed |
| Entry Deadline | ~Mid-February 2026 |
| Tournament details | https://trailrunners.jp/event/osaka-2026/ |
Recommended for beginners:
The time limit is two hours for the 4km course and two hours and 10 minutes for the 7km course, so you can participate as if you were hiking. It is easily accessible by public transport, about a 10-minute walk from Hankyu Minoo Station.
It has a warm atmosphere that parents and children can join together, making it the perfect introduction to trail running.
[April] IKOMA Nature Trail 2026
The IKOMA Nature Trail is centered around the Ikoma Traverse Route, and is designed with relatively gentle ups and downs, making it a comfortable course to run on. Although the distance is 45km, the course does not have any steep ups and downs, making it a good choice for experienced trail runners looking to step up their game.
Located on the border between Osaka and Nara prefectures, the course is characterized by its rich natural environment and beautiful scenery. There are many points along the course where you can get a panoramic view of the Osaka Plain, and the view from "Bokura no Hiroba" in particular is known as a spectacular view.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Start at Furushiro Park in Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture / Finish at Takaida Yokoana Park in Kashiwara City |
| Date and time | Sunday, April 5, 2026 |
| distance | Approximately 45km: cumulative elevation gain approximately 1,900m |
| Number of people recruiting | 200 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~March 22, 2026 |
| Tournament details | https://soratrail.wixsite.com/ikoma2026 |
For intermediate learners:
The distance of 45km exceeds the beginner level (under 25km), but the cumulative elevation gain is 1,900m and the ups and downs are relatively gentle.
The Ikoma Traverse Trail is a well-maintained trail, so there is little risk of getting lost, making it an ideal place to step up for experienced runners who have completed races of 20km or more.
[May] 9th Nose Myokenzan Power Trail Run 2026
The Nose Myokenzan Power Trail Run is located near Osaka, but is set in Nose/Toyono Town, which is home to some of Japan's most beautiful rural forests.
The area is dotted with power spots such as Mount Nose Myoken, the Kansai region's leading Nichiren Buddhist sacred site, Kodaiji Temple, Yoshikawa Hachiman Shrine, and Hontakiji Temple. By touring these famous sites, you can enjoy both history and nature at the same time.
This Osaka trail race is recommended even for beginners to trail running, as there is a comprehensive support system in place for participants, including the setting up of aid stations and the provision of pork miso soup after finishing the race.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Yoshikawa Community Hall, in front of Myokenguchi Station, Nose Town, Toyono District, Osaka Prefecture |
| Date and time | Saturday, May 23, 2026 |
| distance | ■37km: Accumulated elevation gain: approx. 2,600m ■23km: Accumulated elevation gain: approx. 1,500m ■14km: Accumulated elevation gain: approx. 1,100m |
| Number of people recruiting | 250 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~Late April 2026 |
| Tournament details | https://www.actrep-sports.com/nose-trailrun/ |
Recommended for beginners:
The 14km course has a cumulative elevation gain of 1,100m, making it suitable for beginners. There is a time limit, and it is easily accessible, within walking distance of Myokenguchi Station.
There is also the tourist element of visiting power spots, and the local hospitality (such as pork soup after finishing the race) is also appealing. There are plenty of aid stations, so even beginners can aim to finish the race with peace of mind.
[July] 24th Ikoma Trail Run <Summer Mountain>
Like the winter mountain version, this summer trail running event is set in the Ikoma mountain range. The course is set up to allow participants to enjoy the lush greenery of the Ikoma mountain range in summer, while also enjoying the view of the Osaka Plain.
This is a trail that can be enjoyed by everyone, from beginners to veterans. There are four aid stations along the 27km course and two along the 22km course, and a baggage storage service is also available.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Osaka Prefecture to Nara Prefecture (Ikoma Mountains) |
| Date and time | Saturday, July 25, 2026 |
| distance | ■27km: Cumulative altitude approximately 975m ■22km: Cumulative altitude approximately 700m |
| Number of people recruiting | 400 people each (wave start in increments of 100 people) |
| Entry Deadline | ~July 3, 2026 |
| Tournament details | 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. You can experience trail running while enjoying the summer greenery.
The time limit is a generous eight hours, and the trail is well-maintained and easy to run on. Just like the winter version, it is easily accessible by public transportation.
[November] 15th Diamond Trail Run Championship 2026
This autumn event takes place on the Diamond Trail (commonly known as Daitō), which straddles Osaka and Nara. The ridgeline course connecting Mount Kongō, Mount Katsuragi, and other mountains is a coveted course for trail runners in the Kansai region.
It is also known as a competition with prize money, and you can enjoy a spectacular run in the clear autumn air.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Starts in Touma, Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture |
| Date and time | Saturday, November 7, 2026 |
| distance | Approximately 33km: Total elevation gain approximately 1,800m |
| Number of people recruiting | 300 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~Late October 2026 |
| Tournament details | https://www.actrep-sports.com/diamond-trailrun/ |
For intermediate learners:
The 33km distance is slightly above the beginner level (under 25km), but the cumulative elevation gain of 1,800m and the cool autumn weather make it an easy challenge. This is a rare opportunity to run on one of the most popular trails in the Kansai region, Daitō Trail. It's the perfect step-up for those with experience in races over 20km.
summary
Above, we have introduced a selection of eight trail running races in Osaka for 2026 that are easy for beginners to participate in.
[For beginners (distance under 25km, cumulative elevation gain under 1,500m)]
- Minoh (4km/7km) - For absolute beginners
- Hirakata Spa Trail (18km) - Includes hot springs
- Katano Big Rock (23km) - Spectacular views
- Ikoma Winter and Summer Mountains (22km/24km course) - A consistently popular event
- Nose Myokenzan (14km) - Power Spot Tour
[For intermediate riders (distances of 25km or more, a step-up for experienced riders)]
- Ikoma Winter and Summer Mountains (27km/29km course)
- Mount Nose Myoken (23km)
- IKOMA Nature Trail (45km) - A gentle ridge trail
- Diamond Trail (33km) - A famous peak in Kansai
A new event, the Hirakata Spa Trail, will be added in 2026, introducing a new style of trail running that can be enjoyed in combination with a hot spring.
Additionally, competitions are held throughout the year from January to November, so you can enjoy trail running according to the season.
The biggest attraction of tournaments in Osaka Prefecture is that they are easily accessible by public transportation, making it easy to participate from urban areas.
Step-up plan for beginners:
- Beginner's Guide : Experience the Minoh 4km/7km Trail Run
- Beginner level : Hirakata Spa Trail 18km, Nose Myokenzan 14km to get used to the distance
- Intermediate level : Take on the serious challenge of Ikoma 22km/24km and Katano Big Rock 23km
- Advanced level : Level up at Ikoma 27km/29km and Nose Myokenzan 23km
- Challenge : Take on the long distance challenge of the IKOMA Nature Trail (45km) and the Diamond Trail (33km)
Advice for beginner trail runrs:
- Participate in trial runs and seminars before the race to learn about equipment and how to ride.
- Don't forget to pack your own trail running shoes
- For your first competition, choose a short course with a generous time limit.
- Join your local trail running community and make friends
- Prepare appropriate gear for the season (hat and sunscreen in summer, warm clothing in winter)
Come enjoy a fantastic trail running experience in the mountains of Osaka in 2026!
