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The Ultimate Hakone Ekiden 2027 Spectator Guide: Experience Japan’s Greatest New Year Sporting Event for Free
If you are planning a trip to Japan over the New Year period in 2027, you might already have your itinerary packed with shrine visits (hatsumode), eating traditional New Year foods (osechi ryori), and shopping for lucky bags (fukubukuro). However, hiding in plain sight is one of Japan's most spectacular, emotionally charged, and deeply traditional annual events—one that the vast majority of inbound tourists completely miss.
Welcome to the 103rd Hakone Ekiden (箱根駅伝).
Held annually on January 2 and January 3, this massive university long-distance relay race completely captivates the nation. More than a third of Japan's population tunes into the live national television broadcasts on Nippon TV, and millions of passionate fans line the streets from central Tokyo all the way to the volcanic mountains of Hakone to cheer on the runners.
For the international traveler, the Hakone Ekiden presents an unparalleled, 100% free opportunity to witness Japanese sporting culture at its absolute finest. There are no tickets required to stand on the roadside, no barriers to entry, and an atmosphere that rivals the Olympic marathon.
In this exhaustively detailed, 2027-specific spectator guide, we will break down everything you need to know to experience this incredible event in person. From the exact dates (the outbound leg on Saturday, January 2, 2027, and the return leg on Sunday, January 3, 2027) to the best transit-accessible viewing spots, local food recommendations, and essential etiquette, this guide is your key to unlocking a truly local Japanese New Year experience.
What is the Hakone Ekiden?
Before you stand on the freezing sidewalks of Tokyo or Hakone waiting for the runners, it is crucial to understand what you are watching. The Hakone Ekiden is not just a marathon; it is an ekiden—a long-distance relay race.
The Origins and The Format
The word ekiden (駅伝) comes from a combination of two characters: eki (station) and den (to transmit). Historically, it refers to the old Japanese courier system where messages were passed along the Tokaido road from station to station between Tokyo (then Edo) and Kyoto.
Founded in 1920 by Shizo Kanakuri—known as the father of the Japanese marathon—the Hakone Ekiden was created to forge Japanese distance runners capable of competing on the global Olympic stage. Today, it is exclusively contested by the elite men's track and field teams from universities in the Kanto (greater Tokyo) region.
The most iconic element of the ekiden is the tasuki—a simple cloth sash. Instead of passing a baton, runners wear this sash diagonally across their chest. Dripping with the sweat of their teammates, the tasuki symbolizes the weight of the university's pride, the immense pressure of the race, and the unbreakable bond of the team. Dropping or failing to pass the tasuki is considered a profound tragedy in the world of ekiden.
The 2027 Race Basics (The 103rd Edition)
The 2027 race will mark the 103rd running of the event. It is a grueling two-day saga covering a massive total distance of 217.1 kilometers.
- Qualifying Round: The field of competing universities is highly exclusive. The top 10 teams from the previous year receive automatic seeding. The remaining schools battled it out in a brutal qualifying round held on October 17, 2026, on a 21.0975km course in Tachikawa, Tokyo, to secure the final spots. A Kanto Student Union team (comprising top runners from schools that didn't qualify as a team) also participates.
- Outbound Leg (往路 - Ouro): Held on Saturday, January 2, 2027. The race starts at 8:00 AM in Tokyo and covers 107.5km, finishing at Lake Ashi in Hakone in the early afternoon.
- Return Leg (復路 - Fukuro): Held on Sunday, January 3, 2027. The race starts at 8:00 AM at Lake Ashi and covers 109.6km, tracing the route back to finish in central Tokyo.
Both days are divided into 5 sections, or Ku (区), meaning a total of 10 runners per team will each run roughly a half-marathon distance (approximately 21km) at blistering, world-class speeds.
Navigating the Route: Top 5 Free Spectator Spots for Tourists
The race route runs from the Yomiuri Shimbun Tokyo headquarters in Otemachi down through Shinagawa, Kawasaki, Yokohama, Hiratsuka, Odawara, and finally up the punishing volcanic slopes of Hakone to Lake Ashi.
Because the race covers over 100 kilometers, you cannot see the entire thing. Tourists must pick one or two specific spots per day to spectate. Moving around during the race to "chase" the runners is highly discouraged and logistically nearly impossible due to massive crowds and strict traffic controls.
Here are the top 5 most accessible, dramatic, and tourist-friendly spots to watch the 2027 Hakone Ekiden, complete with access details and local food recommendations.
1. The Otemachi Start/Finish Line (Central Tokyo)
When to go: Jan 2 (Outbound Start) or Jan 3 (Return Finish) Vibe: Electric, tense, corporate cheer squads, taiko drums.
The race begins and ends right in the heart of Tokyo's financial district, directly in front of the Yomiuri Shimbun Tokyo Headquarters in Otemachi. If you want to see all the teams lined up, bursting with adrenaline as the starter pistol fires at exactly 8:00 AM, this is the place to be.
However, be warned: this area becomes exceptionally congested. Dedicated fans, university alumni associations, and cheer squads (Ōendan) arrive in the pre-dawn darkness to save places. If you want a view of the actual starting line, you need to arrive by 6:00 AM or 6:30 AM at the latest. The January mornings in Tokyo are freezing (often hovering around 1°C to 4°C), so dress in heavy layers.
Pro-Strategy for Tourists: Watch the electrifying 8:00 AM start in Otemachi. As soon as the runners disappear down the avenue, head straight down into the subway. You can transit from Otemachi Station to Keikyu Kamata Station (via the Toei Asakusa / Keikyu Lines) in roughly 30 minutes. If you are fast, you can emerge in Kamata just in time to see the runners pass by again on their way toward Yokohama! (Make sure you have your IC card loaded and ready to avoid ticket machine lines. If you aren't sure which transit card to use, check out our guide: What is the Best IC Card for Tourists in Japan 2026? | Suica vs Pasmo vs ICOCA).
- Access: Otemachi Station (served by the Chiyoda, Marunouchi, Tozai, Hanzomon, and Mita subway lines). Exit C3 or C4 puts you right next to the Yomiuri Shimbun building. If you are staying nearby (perhaps using our guide on the Best Hotels Near Akihabara 2026 | Value Location Convenience), it is an incredibly short train ride or even a brisk walk.
- Where to wait/warm up: Caffe Veloce Otemachi (Address: 1-5-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku). Opens at 7:00 AM. It’s a great spot to grab a cheap, hot blend coffee (approx. 300 JPY) and a sandwich (approx. 350 JPY) to warm your hands before the 8:00 AM gun.
2. Tsurumi Relay Point (Yokohama)
When to go: Jan 2 (End of Leg 1 / Start of Leg 2) or Jan 3 (End of Leg 9 / Start of Leg 10). Vibe: Pure drama, tears, the tension of the tasuki handoff.
If you want to understand the emotional weight of the ekiden, you must watch a relay handoff point (chukeijo). The Tsurumi relay point in Yokohama is arguably the most famous and accessible for tourists.
On the Outbound leg (Jan 2), this is where the speedsters of Leg 1 hand off to the "Aces" of Leg 2 (the toughest flat section of the race). But the real drama happens here on the Return leg on January 3 (the transition from Leg 9 to Leg 10).
Because of traffic management rules, there is a time limit. If a runner is too slow and fails to reach the relay point within a certain time frame behind the lead runner, the race officials will force the next runner to start early. This is called the kuridashi (early start). The runner who starts early must wear a plain white sash (the "White Sash of Death") instead of their university's official colored tasuki. This breaks the continuous chain of the team's sacred sash. Witnessing a struggling runner sprinting toward the line, screaming in agony, only to see their teammate forced to start without the university sash mere seconds before they arrive, will bring you to tears, even if you have no connection to the schools.
- Access: The relay point is located on National Route 15, approximately a 2-minute walk from Keikyu Tsurumi-ichiba Station (Keikyu Main Line). Arriving at least 30 to 45 minutes before the runners are expected is highly recommended to get a spot near the handoff zone.
- Local Tip: Because you'll be relying heavily on local trains to navigate to these suburban stations, ensure you have a physical IC card or Apple Wallet Suica ready.
3. Totsuka Relay Point (Yokohama)
When to go: Jan 2 (Leg 2/3 transition) or Jan 3 (Leg 8/9 transition). Vibe: Heartwarming local community spirit and grassroots hospitality.
The Totsuka relay point is famous among domestic fans not just for the race, but for the incredible local color and community support that lines the route. Historically, the area along the Old Tokaido road in Totsuka has embraced the Ekiden as a massive neighborhood festival.
Informal free treats from local residents are a hallmark of this area. For example, local lore highlights a well-known neighborhood coffee shop owner who has reportedly handed out free coffee to freezing spectators on race day since 2005. While you should never expect or demand free items, this grassroots generosity reflects the warm, festive spirit along the route. Residents bring out their own camping chairs, thermoses of tea, and hand out hand-warmers to strangers. It is an amazing way to interact with Japanese locals outside of standard tourist avenues.
- Access: Approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk from Totsuka Station (served by the JR Tokaido Line, JR Yokosuka Line, and Yokohama Municipal Subway).
- Where to eat nearby: If you miss out on the informal free treats, head into the station complex. St. Marc Cafe (Totsuka Station Branch) offers their famous "Choco Cro" (chocolate croissants) for around 220 JPY, and hot yuzu tea (approx. 450 JPY). For a hearty post-race lunch, visit Ootoya Totsuka Modis (inside the Totsuka Modis building near the station) for a traditional Japanese set meal (teishoku) like black vinegar chicken and vegetables for around 1,000 JPY.
4. Kowakidani Station Area (Hakone Tozan Railway)
When to go: Jan 2 (Leg 5 - The Mountain Climb) or Jan 3 (Leg 6 - The Mountain Descent). Vibe: Cinematic scenery, steep mountains, and a logistical marvel.
As the runners enter Hakone on the Outbound leg, they face the grueling Leg 5—a brutal 864-meter elevation climb up the volcanic mountain. The runner who conquers this leg fastest is crowned the "Mountain God" (Yama no Kami).
For tourists, watching near Kowakidani Station offers one of the most uniquely Japanese and highly photogenic moments of the entire race. The race route crosses directly over the tracks of the Hakone Tozan Railway at a level crossing. In almost any other situation, a train takes precedence over pedestrians. However, during the Hakone Ekiden, railway officials actively coordinate with race organizers via radio. When a runner approaches, the train drivers will actually halt the iconic mountain trains just short of the crossing to let the runners pass! The image of an elite athlete running past a stopped red mountain train is a classic, bucket-list photo opportunity.
- Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at Kowakidani Station. The crossing is immediately adjacent to the station.
- Where to warm up: Walking a short distance down the mountain road (or taking the train one stop to Miyanoshita), you can visit Naraya Cafe (Address: 404-13 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi). This incredibly charming, renovated traditional wooden building features a footbath (ashiyu) powered by natural hot springs. You can soak your freezing feet while enjoying a hot matcha and sweet bean paste (anko) monaka set for roughly 1,200 JPY. (Check New Year operating hours in advance).
5. Hakone-machi Port / Lake Ashi (The Outbound Finish Line)
When to go: Jan 2 (Early Afternoon - Finish) or Jan 3 (8:00 AM - Start). Vibe: Majestic winter scenery, Mt. Fuji views, freezing winds, and celebration.
The conclusion of Day 1 takes place at the edge of Lake Ashi, with the beautiful red torii gates of Hakone Shrine and the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji often visible in the background. It is a stunning locale.
The atmosphere here is festive but extremely cold. Winds whipping off the lake in early January are biting. To combat this, local vendors and community groups have a long-standing tradition of handing out free amazake to spectators in the finish area. Amazake is a thick, sweet, warming drink made from fermented rice. It is typically non-alcoholic (or contains less than 1% alcohol) and is a staple of Japanese New Year celebrations.
The finish area gets incredibly crowded as the anchor runners for Day 1 cross the line between 1:15 PM and 1:30 PM.
- Access: From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus (Line H) or Tokai Bus to the Hakone-machi Ko (Hakone-machi Port) bus stop. The ride takes about 40-50 minutes. Note that buses will be delayed due to race-day traffic restrictions, so you must head up the mountain very early on January 2.
- Sightseeing & Food: Right next to the finish line is the paid Hakone Ekiden Museum (Address: 167 Hakone, Hakone-machi. Adult admission: 650 JPY, open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM). It is highly recommended to visit after the race concludes to learn the deep history of the event (though the museum is distinct from the free live viewing outside). For food, take a 20-minute scenic walk along the lake to Motohakone Port and visit the famous Bakery & Table Hakone. Their legendary rice flour curry bread containing a whole soft-boiled egg (approx. 380 JPY) is a must-eat, though you can expect a line out the door. Note that while major stores take cards, having cash is highly recommended for small street vendors or local buses if your IC card runs out of charge (read more: Cash vs Card in Japan 2026: How Much Cash Do You Need?).
2027 Race Day Strategy & Etiquette for Tourists
Attending the Hakone Ekiden requires preparation. The scale of the crowds and the speed of the athletes mean you cannot simply wing it on the day. Here is your ultimate survival guide for race day.
Traffic Controls and Route Planning
Do not attempt to rent a car and drive around the Hakone/Shonan area on January 2 or 3. The police enforce massive, rolling traffic restrictions.
- Roads along the course typically close to vehicular traffic roughly 45 minutes before the lead runner is expected to arrive.
- The roads reopen immediately after the final runner (and the trailing police/broadcaster escort vehicles) passes.
- Because exact runner-passage times shift slightly year to year based on the pace of the athletes (often influenced by head-winds or weather), you cannot rely on exact minute-by-minute schedules. Advise to tourists: Pick one viewing spot in advance. Arrive 1 hour early. Do not try to move around during the race to catch them at multiple spots unless utilizing the specific Otemachi-to-Kamata subway trick mentioned earlier.
- Pedestrian crossings along the race route are strictly managed by police. When the runners are approaching, you will not be allowed to cross the street. Make sure you are on the side of the road you want to be on well in advance. Check the official broadcaster (Nippon TV) or the race organizer's site on the morning of the event for the live tracker map.
Spectator Etiquette (The Unwritten Rules)
The Japanese take the Ekiden very seriously, and maintaining a respectful atmosphere is paramount for tourists joining the crowds.
- No Flags on Poles: You are welcome to wave small paper flags provided by university sponsors on the roadside, but do not bring large flags mounted on sticks or poles. They obstruct the view of others and can be dangerous if they tip into the path of a runner.
- Stay on the Sidewalk: Under no circumstances should you step into the roadway to take a photo. The runners are moving at roughly 3 minutes per kilometer (an incredibly fast pace), and camera vehicles, police motorcycles, and team director cars are constantly weaving through the course.
- Cheer Respectfully: Shouting "Gambare!" (Do your best!) or "Faito!" (Fight!) is highly encouraged. However, refrain from using noisemakers, airhorns, or flash photography, which can startle the exhausted athletes.
- No Banners on Fences: Do not tie personal banners to guardrails or pedestrian bridges.
What to Wear (Surviving the Japanese Winter)
January in the Kanto region is generally characterized by bright, clear, sunny skies, but very cold temperatures. Tokyo mornings will be near freezing. Hakone will be significantly colder, often featuring snow on the ground in the higher elevations.
- Layering is Key: Wear thermal inner layers (like Uniqlo HEATTECH), a thick sweater, a windproof down jacket, gloves, and a beanie.
- Kairo (Hand Warmers): This is a lifesaver. Go to any convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) and buy Kairo (カイロ). These are inexpensive, single-use chemical heat packs. A pack of 10 costs around 350 JPY. Buy the "Haranai" (non-stick) type to keep in your coat pockets for your hands, and the "Haru" (stick-on) type to attach to your base layer over your lower back or stomach.
Deep Dive: Understanding the 10 Sections (The "Ku")
To truly appreciate the race like a local, you need to know the character of the 10 different sections. When standing on the roadside, knowing what the runners are experiencing makes the viewing infinitely more exciting.
Day 1: The Outbound Leg (107.5km)
- Section 1 (Otemachi to Tsurumi - 21.3km): The chaotic start. It is incredibly flat and fast. Teams usually put their best tactical runners here to ensure they don't fall behind the main pack early on. The pace here is furious.
- Section 2 (Tsurumi to Totsuka - 23.1km): Known as the Hana no Ni-ku (The Flowery Second Section). This is where the absolute best runner (the "Ace") of each university is placed. It features brutal, rolling hills toward the end in Yokohama. If you are watching in Totsuka, you are watching future Olympians at their breaking point.
- Section 3 (Totsuka to Hiratsuka - 21.4km): The coastal section. The runners finally hit the Shonan coastline with beautiful views of Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay. The head-winds here can be devastating.
- Section 4 (Hiratsuka to Odawara - 20.9km): The shortest section of the race, transitioning from the coast into the foothills of the mountains. This is often where teams try to make up lost time before the terrifying mountain climb.
- Section 5 (Odawara to Lake Ashi - 20.8km): The Legend. This section climbs 864 meters up Route 1 into the Hakone caldera. The temperature drops drastically, and the physical toll is immense. The runner who wins this section earns national fame as the Yama no Kami (Mountain God).
Day 2: The Return Leg (109.6km)
- Section 6 (Lake Ashi to Odawara - 20.8km): The Mountain Descent. Starting at 8:00 AM in freezing temperatures, runners hurl themselves down the steep, winding mountain roads at terrifying speeds. The physical impact on their knees and quadriceps is brutal.
- Section 7 (Odawara to Hiratsuka - 21.3km): A relatively flat section where the temperature begins to rise as the sun comes up, causing dramatic shifts in pacing.
- Section 8 (Hiratsuka to Totsuka - 21.4km): Featuring the infamous "Yugyoji Slope" (Yugyoji no Saka), a brutal uphill section that drains the last remaining stamina of the runners.
- Section 9 (Totsuka to Tsurumi - 23.1km): The "Return Ace" section. This is where team captains and senior runners are placed to secure the team's position. This leads into the heartbreaking Tsurumi relay point, where the threat of the kuridashi (forced early start) looms for slower teams.
- Section 10 (Tsurumi to Otemachi - 23.0km): The final glory run into central Tokyo. The crowds here are the largest of the entire race, cheering the anchor runners across the finish line amid a sea of media and flashing cameras.
