IZU TRAIL Journey 2026 - Izu Peninsula, Japan

IZU TRAIL Journey returns to Japan's Izu Peninsula for a two-day trail-running gathering on 12–13 December 2026, combining an outdoor expo in Mishima with two point-to-point mountain races on Sunday. First staged in 2013, the event has become a well-regarded fixture of Japan's year-end trail calendar and a longstanding member of the Asia Trail Master series. Outdoor footwear brand KEEN has joined as title partner for the 2026–2028 editions.

From the coast into the mountains

The flagship ITJ70k begins at Matsuzaki New Port at 06:00 JST on Sunday 13 December, then crosses western Izu's ridgelines towards Shuzenji Onsen. Its 69.1 km course includes approximately 3,242 m of ascent, three official aid stations and a 14-hour limit, finishing no later than 20:00. The route includes mountain passes and protected beech woodland, with potential views towards Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji when conditions permit. Key intermediate cut-offs include Kogane Bridge at 26.0 km (11:00), Nishina Pass at 40.2 km (14:30) and Darumayama Kogen at 58.0 km (18:30).

The Around Alone 28k starts at 11:00 from Amagi-no-Mori at Nishina Pass. It covers 28.9 km with 1,139 m of ascent and a 6-hour-30-minute limit. This category is explicitly self-supported: although an aid station and medical support are provided, 28k participants cannot take the organisers' food or water. Both races finish in the Shuzenji Onsen area.

Essential runner arrangements

Saturday 12 December, 09:00–16:00: all runners must attend in person for mandatory equipment checks and bib collection at Rakujuen Park, Mishima, alongside an outdoor expo with around 30 exhibitors. Proxy equipment checks are not permitted. Runners must carry the required map/GPX, compass, charged phone, two lights, survival blanket, emergency food, waterproof jacket, insulating layers, at least one litre of water and other items listed in the official rules. Trekking poles are prohibited; some protected forest sections restrict overtaking.

The race is point-to-point, so transport needs planning. A pre-booked 03:00 bus from Mishima serves the 70k start; reservations are offered until 20 November, subject to capacity. For 28k runners, a free 09:00 shuttle leaves Shuzenji Station for Nishina Pass. Baggage is transported from the start areas to the finish. Mishima is approximately 50 minutes from Tokyo by Tokaido Shinkansen, making it a practical base for the expo.

Entry and race status

The published general-entry window was 21 July–3 August 2026, with oversubscribed places allocated by lottery; hometown-tax entry closed 31 August. Registration is now closed. The advertised capacities are 1,500 for ITJ70k and 250 for Around Alone. The 70k awards recognise the top five men and women, with cash prizes for the top three in each division; the 28k recognises its top three men and women. Organisers may alter the course for weather, trail safety or conservation reasons.