Yokohama vs Tokyo Marathon — How Do They Compare?

Compare Yokohama and Tokyo Marathons. Bay-side autumn course vs spring World Major, field size, entry difficulty, and which Greater Tokyo area marathon is right for you.

Quick Comparison

Feature 2026 Yokohama Marathon - Oct 25 2027 Tokyo Marathon - Mar 7
Country/RegionJapanJapan
MonthOctoberMarch
Avg Temperature15-20°C7-11°C
Course TypeFlatFlat
Elevation~35m~45m
Field Size28,00038,000
EntryLotteryLottery
World MajorNoYes
BQ CourseYesYes
Crowd SupportGoodExcellent

Detailed Comparison

The Yokohama Marathon (October) and Tokyo Marathon (March) are both in the Greater Tokyo area, just 30 minutes apart by train, yet serve very different runner needs. Tokyo is the World Marathon Major with 38,000 runners and immense international prestige. Yokohama is a 28,000-runner event along the scenic Yokohama Bay waterfront, offering a more relaxed and accessible alternative.

Course-wise, both are flat. Yokohama's ~35m elevation gain runs along the bay past Minato Mirai's futuristic skyline, the Red Brick Warehouse, and Yamashita Park. Tokyo's ~45m gain passes through Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa, and the Imperial Palace. Yokohama's waterfront course is scenic but can be exposed to bay winds. Tokyo's urban corridors provide more wind protection. Weather favors Tokyo — March temperatures of 7-11°C are cooler than Yokohama's October conditions of 15-20°C.

The practical advantage of Yokohama is entry. Tokyo's lottery is notoriously difficult (10:1 odds), while Yokohama's is far more accessible. For runners based in or visiting the Tokyo area who cannot get into the main event, Yokohama delivers a quality Japanese marathon experience with strong organization, good crowd support, and one of the most photogenic courses in the Kanto region.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yokohama easier to enter than Tokyo Marathon?

Yes, significantly easier. Tokyo Marathon has lottery odds of roughly 10:1 for international runners. Yokohama's larger per-capita allocation and lower international demand make its lottery much more favorable. It is the best Greater Tokyo alternative.

How far is Yokohama from Tokyo?

Yokohama is just 30 km south of central Tokyo, reachable in 25-30 minutes by train. Many runners stay in Tokyo and commute to the Yokohama start on race morning, or enjoy Yokohama's excellent waterfront hotels.

Is the Yokohama course scenic?

Very much so. The course runs along Yokohama Bay past the futuristic Minato Mirai skyline, the historic Red Brick Warehouse, Yamashita Park, and the Bay Bridge. It is one of the most photogenic marathon courses in Japan.

Which is better for a fast time?

Tokyo has the edge for fast times — its cooler March weather (7-11°C) and more sheltered urban course favor racing. Yokohama's October warmth (15-20°C) and bay wind exposure can slow times. Use our Pace Calculator to adjust for conditions.

Is the Yokohama Marathon BQ-eligible?

Yes, the Yokohama Marathon is BQ-eligible with a flat ~35m elevation profile. While warmer October conditions are not ideal for a BQ attempt, the course itself qualifies. For optimal BQ chances, consider the cooler Tokyo or Osaka Marathons instead.

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