Quick Answer:
The Mount Fuji International Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2025 around Lakes Kawaguchiko and Saiko. The full marathon starts at 09:00 with a finish cut-off at 15:00. Overseas runners can apply via the organizer’s Overseas Entry (through Aug 31, 2025). Reach Kawaguchiko from Tokyo by JR Chūō Line → Ōtsuki → Fujikyū Railway or by direct highway bus.
What to book (and when)
- Race day: Sunday, December 14, 2025. The organizer confirms the date on its notice page. Link your first planning step to the event’s announcement so you don’t rely on third-party summaries. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
- Overseas entry: The organizer’s Overseas Entry page lists general entry for non-residents through Aug 31, 2025 (JST), with pricing and what’s included. Package partners are named on the Entry & Tour page. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
- Domestic entry: Residents of Japan had Early Entry Apr 21–May 6, 2025 and General Entry May 7–Aug 31, 2025 (first-come, first-served), per the race’s schedule notice. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
- Race-week logistics: The traffic regulation map (EN) confirms race-day road closures and the 09:00–15:00 event window. Use it when you are arranging supporter‑watching spots or planning alternate driving routes. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
How to enter (step-by-step)
Overseas runners (non-residents)
- Visit the official marathon site and go to “Overseas Entry.”
- Review the detailed fee schedule and “What’s Included” sections for each distance.
- Gather the required paperwork (passport, insurance, optional medical clearance).
- Complete the online form, select luggage and parking options, and pay before the 31 Aug 2025 cutoff (or sooner if capacity is reached). (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
- If you prefer a bundled itinerary, the organizer lists an official package tour (with guaranteed race bib) on its Entry & Tour page. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
- Choose where to collect your bib (Tokyo pre-day counter or race-week venues in Kawaguchiko) as shown on the entry page and venue information. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
Domestic runners (Japan residents)
- Register during the posted windows shown on the Entry Schedule and Domestic Entry pages, be vigilant as capacity can close early. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
- If you’re driving, remember that parking applications open in early October; be sure to follow the organizer’s instructions carefully. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
Course & cut-offs (what matters most)
The marathon winds around Lakes Kawaguchiko and Saiko on a course certified by AIMS/JAAF. It kicks off at 09:00, and the total time limit is 15:00 (a 6 hour window), with split‑time checkpoints posted on the official course website and in the race handbook. Plan your nutrition and pacing plan around those checkpoint times. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
Where everything happens: The start/finish area and race‑day hub are located at Oike Park, featuring bag‑drop stations, restrooms, and information booths that are highlighted on the venue map. The map also indicates the pre‑event registration tables and the primary event site at Funazuhama/Hirahama—handy for coordinating meeting spots and organizing equipment. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
Getting there (Tokyo → Kawaguchiko)
You have two reliable options. Pick the one that fits your schedule and luggage.
- JR + Fujikyū (flexible, frequent): From Shinjuku (JR) ride the JR Chūō Line to Ōtsuki (Limited Express Kaiji/Azusa or rapid services), then transfer to the Fujikyū Railway for Kawaguchiko. JR East’s English timetable sheet is a handy planning overview, and Fujikyū’s FUJI EXCURSION page explains the direct Limited Express that runs through from Shinjuku on set departures. (JR East)
- Direct highway bus (fewest transfers): From Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station in roughly 1 h 35 m–2 h with typical one-way fares around ¥2,200. Reserve seats on the operator’s booking site. (Highway Buses)
Race-morning movement: From Kawaguchiko Station, follow event signage to the start area at Oike Park. Allow buffer time for crowds and any race-week shuttles or lane controls indicated on the venue and traffic pages. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
Time & cost comparison (for travel planning)
USD shown at ≈ 1 USD = ¥150; check live rates.
| Leg / Item | Typical time (one-way) | Typical fare (JPY → USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku → Ōtsuki (JR Chūō Line) | 55–95 min | ¥1,340–¥2,600 → $9–$17 | Faster on Limited Express; seat supplement applies. (JR East) |
| Ōtsuki → Kawaguchiko (Fujikyū Railway) | 45–60 min | ~¥1,100–¥1,300 → $7–$9 | Local vs. Limited Express timings; confirm day-of. (JR East) |
| FUJI EXCURSION (direct) | ~1 h 50 m–2 h | Reserved service | Through train Shinjuku ↔ Kawaguchiko; reserved seats required. (Fujikyu Railway) |
| Shinjuku ↔ Kawaguchiko (Highway bus) | ~1 h 35 m–2 h | ~¥2,200 → ~$15 | Book on Highway-buses.jp; factor Sunday traffic. (Highway Buses) |
| Race cut-off (full) | — | — | Finish by 15:00 (6-hour limit from the 09:00 start). (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗) |
Tip: When taking a day‑trip, set calendar reminders for the latest viable Fuji excursion or bus that departs after the six‑hour cutoff. Verify the exact departure you intend to catch on December 14, 2025 by checking the operator’s website the day before. (JR East)
Race-week logistics in one place
- Venue & facilities: The Venue page shows start/finish at Oike Park, bag-drop tents, toilets, and info counters. Screenshots help, but the live page is best for any late changes. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
- Traffic restrictions: The English Traffic Regulation PDF charts road‑segment closures around Lakes Kawaguchiko and Saiko, with times aligned to the 09:00–15:00 race window. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
- Baggage & parking: Overseas plans usually cover both luggage drop‑off and parking, whereas for the domestic race you must register for parking in October and can add luggage for a modest charge; refer to the individual race pages for your chosen distance and check the sections labeled “parking” and “baggage.” (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
Accessibility notes
- Course & venues: The start/finish in Oike Park and much of the lakeside promenade are flat and paved, but density near the corrals can be high—arrive early for a calmer setup. Venue toilets and bag-drop locations are signed; expect queues inside the hour before the start. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
- Public transport: Trains and buses offer priority seating; platforms and bays can be crowded just after the finish as runners and supporters depart at the same time. Families and those with mobility needs should consider earlier return departures or a brief recovery meal before traveling. (Use the operator links above for the exact day’s schedule.) (JR East)
- Service suspensions/changes: Winter weather or incidents can affect both rail and road services. Check JR East, Fujikyū Railway, and Highway-buses.jp the morning of Dec 14, 2025 before leaving your hotel. (JR East)
FAQs
When is the 2025 race and what’s the timetable?
The official date is Sunday, December 14, 2025. The full marathon starts at 09:00 with a race-wide cut-off at 15:00. Distances and on-site times appear across the organizer’s course guides and traffic notice. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
How do overseas runners get a bib without a Japanese address?
Use the organizer’s Overseas Entry flow and, if desired, the Entry & Tour package partner for guaranteed entry. Submit by Aug 31, 2025 or earlier if full. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
Where is the start/finish and where should supporters stand?
The hub is Oike Park. The Traffic Regulation map shows road closures and helps supporters plan viewing points and detours around Kawaguchiko and Saiko. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
What are the key cut-offs on course?
The full course has intermediate gate times published by the organizer; runners must clear each gate on schedule to continue and still finish by 15:00. Check the official Course page before race week. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
Is there a simple transport option with luggage?
The direct highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station minimizes transfers and stairs; seat reservations are recommended. (Highway Buses)
Where and when is bib pickup?
The entry and venue pages outline Tokyo pre-day pickup and Kawaguchiko race-week desks (including race-morning windows). Choose the option that matches your itinerary. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
Does the event provide bag-drop and parking?
Yes—bag-drop is available at the main venue, and parking is handled via application for domestic runners (October opening) or included in overseas packages. Check your distance page for the latest instructions. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
Key Takeaways
- Anchor dates to the organizer: Dec 14, 2025; 09:00–15:00—and keep the traffic map handy for race-day movement. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
- Pick the right entry path: Overseas Entry through Aug 31, 2025; domestic windows were in Apr–Aug 2025 and fill fast. (第14回富士山マラソン〖公式〗)
- Choose transport for simplicity: Highway bus for the fewest transfers; JR + Fujikyū for frequency and the FUJI EXCURSION through service. (Highway Buses)
- Plan your exit: Set a target return train/bus after the 6-hour finish—don’t leave that to chance on race day. (JR East)
