Kobe Marathon

神戸マラソン

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Sports & AdventureKobe
DatesDates TBA · Usually NovemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-About 19,448 people
Best forCompetition, enduranceThe race's explicit dedication to
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: JPY
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Kobe Marathon in Kobe

The Kobe Marathon debuted in 2011 to mark the sixteenth anniversary of the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake, framed around themes of reconstruction and resilience with proceeds supporting disaster recovery and prevention. The race also honors Japan's first-ever marathon, held in Kobe in 1909, and maintains a friendship partnership with Australia's Gold Coast Marathon since its founding.

The Kobe Marathon was first held in 2011, established specifically to mark the sixteenth anniversary of the devastating Great Hanshin earthquake that struck the city on January 17, 1995, killing more than 6,000 people and inflicting an estimated 100 billion dollars in damage, one of the most destructive natural disasters in modern Japanese history.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The race's explicit dedication to commemorating and supporting recovery from the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake gives it a depth of civic meaning beyond typical city marathons, with proceeds directly funding disaster prevention and recovery work

02

The mystery stays covered

Its symbolic link to Japan's first documented marathon, held in Kobe back in 1909 and marked by a monument unveiled before the modern race's 2011 debut, connects the contemporary event to more than a century of running history specific to the city

03

The city starts moving

The ongoing friendship partnership with Australia's Gold Coast Marathon adds an international dimension uncommon among more purely domestic city races

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

An annual marathon since 2011 explicitly commemorating recovery from the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake

Water and renewal

Living ritual

honoring Japan's first marathon held in Kobe in 1909

The sacred route

Living ritual

and maintaining a friendship partnership with Australia's Gold Coast Marathon

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually November

Getting around

Plan arrival around the route or course in Kobe; closures can make normal travel slower.

What to wear

Layered running gear suited to mild autumn race-day temperatures for participants, or comfortable outdoor clothing for spectators following the course through Kobe's streets.

Safety

At Kobe Marathon, respect barriers, moving equipment and marshal guidance; photos are never worth stepping into active areas.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Kobe.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

JPY

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map34.69 N, 135.18 EOpen in Google Maps

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan

Nearest airportUKB — Kobe
TransportPlan arrival around the route or course in Kobe; closures can make normal travel slower.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Kobe.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Kobe via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Kobe, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for November.Compare faresFestival gearLayered running gear suited to mild autumn race-day temperatures for participants, or comfortable outdoor clothing for spectators following the course through Kobe's streets.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Japan and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Kobe Marathon?

Kobe Marathon is listed for November · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Kobe Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Kobe, Japan. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLkobe-marathon.net
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually November
Source statusOfficial source linked
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