There is one tradition that many Japanese people look forward to in the New Year, and that is the Hakone Ekiden race, which takes place on January 2 and 3. This article introduces Hakone, a popular sightseeing destination in Japan that also serves as the venue of this famous marathon relay. Restaurants where you can drop by for a bite after watching the race will also be featured at the bottom!
What is the Hakone Ekiden? Check Out These Spots for Watching the Race in Hakone!
The Hakone Ekiden is a two-day long-distance relay race that is held every January 2 and 3. Runners compete in a round-trip course between the Yomiuri Shimbun head office in Tokyo and Lake Ashi in Hakone. Runners traverse a total distance of 217.1 km, comprising five legs totaling 107.5 km from Tokyo to Hakone and five legs totaling 109.6 km from Hakone to Tokyo, making this race the longest student long-distance relay race in the world.
The race began in 1920 based on an idea conceived by Shiso Kanakuri, the first Japanese Olympic marathoner. 2024 will mark the 100th time the race will be held.
There are usually 21 teams that take part in the race: 20 teams representing universities in the Kanto region that made the qualifying round, and the Kanto Student Union team that is made up of the top runners of universities that did not qualify in the preliminary selection. In 2024, however, there will be 23 schools participating.
The Hakone Ekiden is a team competition in which 10 runners from each team run the 10 legs of the course, one runner per leg. The scene at the finish line, where the runner who has received the sash in the final leg is welcomed by his teammates, will surely move you! However, the real thrill is the frequent changes in runner positions at each leg, because unlike a marathon, runners do not run the long-distance course alone.
Every year, spectators witness numerous highlights and a lot of drama. Aside from the fierce competition on the outbound and inbound courses and the fight for the overall championship, there are also awards for runners in each leg and the so-called seeding rights competition to qualify for the following year's race. It is then no wonder that the Hakone Ekiden has become a New Year's tradition that delights many Japanese people!
If visitors want to see the action at the Hakone Ekiden, the best thing to do is to head to Hakone, where they can enjoy watching the race and exploring beautiful sights.
Watch the race in Hakone at Lake Ashi, the finish line on the outbound course from Tokyo. Near the finish line is the Hakone Ekiden Museum, where travelers can learn about the history of the race.
Hakone's Miyanoshita area, located on the 5th leg of the outbound course from Tokyo and the 6th leg of the inbound route from Hakone, is another popular spot for spectating. The sidewalks are very narrow in this hot spring resort town in the mountains, so spectators can cheer on the athletes up close.
The historic Fujiya Hotel is also located along the course. This lovely hotel will be introduced in more detail below.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Hakone
・Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine boasts a long history dating back to 757. It's believed to grant better fortune, help ward off evil, and bring good luck with money to worshippers. It is located in the 5th leg at the end of the outbound route, so visitors can see the athletes passing through the massive red torii gate of the shrine on their way to the goal.
Along with its splendid main hall, the Heiwa no Torii (Torii Gate of Peace) that sits in the waters of Lake Ashi has also become a staple on social media.
The large Lake Ashi is best explored aboard a pirate ship! This 25 to 40-minute sightseeing cruise runs from Hakonemachi Port, the starting point, to Togendai Port, the deepest part of the lake.
The view of Mt. Fuji from the boat is glorious!
Where to Stay in Hakone? Consider This Hotel!
Hakone is home to the Fujiya Hotel, a classic hotel that was opened in 1878! Many famous celebrities have stayed here over the years, including Charlie Chaplin, Hellen Keller, and John Lennon.
The hotel is made up of eight buildings and facilities, including five buildings that have been designated as Tangible Cultural Properties, namely, the Main Building, Flower Palace, Seiyo Building's Lodge and Cottage, Main Dining Building, and the Kikkaso, which is an annex to the former Imperial Villa in Miyanoshita.
Fujiya Hotel is located along National Route 1 in the Miyanoshita area, which is a part of the Hakone Ekiden, so the runners literally run on the road right next to the hotel.
Guests staying the night can watch both the outbound and inbound races.
Each lodging has been crafted with its own unique character, with the Forest Wing featuring a new spa on the top floor, and the Flower Palace housed in a Japanese-style building with an intricate floral motif that will surely take your breath away.
Recommended Restaurants
Nakame no Teppen Marunouchi (Tokyo / Izakaya)
Nakame no Teppen Marunouchi is a restaurant that mainly serves robatayaki (fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables grilled over hot charcoal).
The [Grilled Mackerel] (1,460 JPY), a recreation of a local dish from the Wakasa region of Fukui Prefecture, is grilled fatty mackerel with a savory skin and fluffy texture.
There is also a wide variety of snacks and light dishes that go perfectly with alcoholic drinks, such as the [Macaroni Gratin with Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe] (1,290 JPY).
Inside, the restaurant is enveloped in a true Japanese atmosphere, including counter seats that are set around a fireplace, regular table seats, and private rooms with horigotatsu (a recessed floor under the table, allowing guests to sit on the floor like a chair) that can also be reserved for events.
If it's your first time to visit a robatayaki restaurant, you'd probably want to secure a counter seat so you can see the food being grilled right in front of you.
The restaurant is on the B1F of a building that is an 8-minute walk from the Yomiuri Shimbun head office, the starting point and finish line of the Hakone Ekiden. It is open until 5:00 pm on January 3.
Nakame no Teppen Marunouchi
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: -
Access: 3 minutes walk from Marunouchi Central Exit of JR Tokyo Station
Address: iiyo!! B1F, Marunouchi Eiraku Bldg., 1-4-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
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Kikkaso (Miyanoshita / Japanese Cuisine)
Here, guests can savor authentic Japanese dishes incorporating seasonal ingredients and various specialty ingredients sourced from all over Japan.
The [Kaiseki Hana] (19,000 JPY) is a beautiful and colorful authentic kaiseki (traditional Japanese course meal) with dishes that change according to the ingredients in season. A rich and savory broth also enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
There are also unique course meals available by reservation, such as the [Soba Kaiseki] (7,500 JPY) and the [Vegetable Gozen Vegan] (7,500 JPY).
You'll then dine in a Japanese-style building that was a former Imperial villa and is now a registered Tangible Cultural Property.
Private rooms for small groups are also available, and some even have a view of the garden. Dine while immersing yourself in the changing seasons.
Kikkaso
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 19,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,500 JPY
Access: 7-minute walk from Miyanoshita Station on Hakone Tozan Railway, 1-minute walk from Hotel-mae bus stop of Hakone Tozan Bus/Izu Hakone Bus
Address: Fujiya hotel, 359, Miyanoshita Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Map
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