Vibrant atmosphere from rice paddies to “future city”

The race starts near Takaoka Kojo Park, which consists of the remains of Takaoka Castle, built by Lord Maeda Toshinaga. Runners then pass in front of the Great Buddha of Takaoka, one of Japan’s three Great Buddhas, before going through Yamachosuji which has been designated as a preservation area for its clusters of traditional buildings. The next landmark is the Takaoka Sekino Shrine, made famous by the Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival.

Runners then turn around in front of Hokuriku Shinkansen’s Shin-Takaoka Station, designed with vertical lattices reminiscent of neighbouring historical buildings. Arriving in the Imizu area gives race participants a view where the world-renowned beauty of Toyama Bay and the Tateyama mountain range can be best appreciated.

The marathon takes you through a fishing port where you can feel the vibrant atmosphere as fishermen sell the delicious bounty they have taken from Toyama Bay. Runners then come to the Shinminato Bridge, a panorama spot which is only accessible on foot during this race. The Kaiwomaru sailing ship, affectionately known as the ‘Lady of the Seas’ lies alongside.

As you leave the view of the rice paddies you finally arrive in FutureCity Toyama.

As you cross the Jinzu River on the Toyama Kita Bridge you can appreciate the great view of the Tateyama Mountains looming above the city buildings. After passing in front of the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design the finish line is just past the urban oasis that is the Toyama Prefecture’s Fugan Canal Kansui Park.

One of Toyama’s greatest attractions is its food. A local speciality is Masuzushi, a variety of sushi which is the most popular food in the Toyama Marathon.