The Osaka Marathon is one of Japan's premier city marathons, taking runners through the vibrant streets of Japan's second-largest city. Known as "Japan's kitchen," Osaka offers an incredible race atmosphere with enthusiastic spectators, amazing food stations, and a course that passes by Osaka Castle and other landmarks. Entry is by lottery, with international runners applying through JTB Sports.
For official updates, head to the Osaka Marathon website.
Key Dates
- Race Day: Feb 28, 2027
- Lottery Window: Open Aug 2026
Don't miss the window. The Osaka Marathon lottery opens and closes quickly, and the dates shift slightly each year. Set up a BibsAlert and we'll email you the moment the lottery goes live.
How to Enter the Osaka Marathon
1. Domestic Lottery (Japanese Residents)
Apply online through RUNNET. The entry fee is ¥16,000 for an individual entry, or ¥16,500 per person for a group entry of 2 to 7 runners, plus a 6% administrative fee and a minimum ¥500 charity donation. The general-runner field is capped at 28,420 places, and lottery results are sent by email in late September.
2. International Lottery (via JTB Sports Station)
Runners outside Japan apply through JTB Sports Station, the official overseas entry portal. The fee is $145 for an individual entry, or $150 per person for a group entry, plus an 11% administrative fee and a minimum $5 charity donation. Overseas applications run on the same dates and feed the same lottery, with results announced at the same time.
3. Citizen Athletes (Guaranteed Entry for Qualifiers)
If you hold a recent qualifying time, this route skips the lottery entirely, 1,500 places, first come first served, ¥16,000. It opens the day before the general lottery and closes about a day later, so be ready. Standards run from 3:00 (men) and 3:45 (women) at ages 18-39 to 4:30 and 5:20 at 70 and over, set on a JAAF- or AIMS-certified course within the qualifying period (roughly the two years before the race). Overseas runners are eligible.
4. Charity Entries (Guaranteed)
Charity places (1,000 runners) are guaranteed and stay open until mid-October, long after the lottery closes. The cost is the ¥16,000 entry fee plus a minimum ¥70,000 donation. This is the usual fallback if you miss the ballot or aren't drawn.
The Course
Starts at Osaka Castle and winds through the city's major districts including Midosuji Boulevard, Dotonbori, and the waterfront area. Finishes at Intex Osaka. Mostly flat course with great spectator access.
February weather is cool (3-10°C / 37-50°F). Dress in layers.
Didn't Get In?
If you weren't selected in the Osaka Marathon lottery, you still have options:
- Charity entries: Many official charity partners offer guaranteed places in exchange for fundraising commitments. Check the official website for partner organizations.
- Try a similar race: Check the related races below for marathons with similar entry types, dates, or locations.
- Apply again next year: Set up a BibsAlert so you don't miss the next entry window.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do international runners enter?
Through JTB Sports Station, the official overseas entry portal, for $145 individually or $150 per person as a group of 2 to 7. Overseas runners can also take the Citizen Athletes route if they hold a qualifying time, or enter as a charity runner.
What are the lottery odds?
The organiser publishes the field size but not the number of applicants, so there is no official acceptance rate. The general-runner ballot is capped at 28,420 places and is consistently oversubscribed. If you want certainty, the Citizen Athletes route (qualifying time, first come first served) and charity entries are both guaranteed.
Can I run both Osaka and Tokyo?
Yes, many runners combine both. Tokyo is typically in early March, about a week after Osaka.
Related Races
Tokyo Marathon
Ballot
World Major. Hardest to enter
London Marathon
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World Major. Most popular
Shanghai Marathon
Ballot
China's premier marathon
Looking Ahead
If this year's lottery has closed, the next one typically opens in late July, about seven months before race day, and stays open for a month. Set up a BibsAlert to get notified when the next lottery opens.