The Akan Mashu Marathon carves its path through one of Hokkaido’s most formidable natural reserves—the Akan-Mashu National Park in Teshikaga. Covering approximately 42 kilometers, this marathon invites runners and hikers alike to engage directly with terrain that pushes both body and mind. Starting near the shores of Lake Akan, the route undulates through dense, ancient forests where trees seem to lean in, daring you to keep pace. Along the way, volcanic hills rise sharply, demanding careful footing on rugged trails scattered with volcanic rocks and roots that clutch at your shoes.

This marathon isn’t just a test of endurance—it’s a conversation with the land itself. Rivers murmur and rush alongside sections of the course, their currents daring you to move faster as they chase the path downhill. Elevation gains reach around 600 meters, striking a balance that challenges without overwhelming. The air shifts from cool forest shade to open hilltops where expansive views of Lake Mashu and its famously clear waters reward the effort.

Preparation remains practical and straightforward. Sturdy trail running shoes with solid grip are non-negotiable given slippery moss patches and occasional loose gravel. Hydration packs are essential—water stations are spaced but don’t fully cover the course’s length. Early autumn is the prime window for the marathon, when temperatures cool, and the landscape colors itself in flames of red and gold, though some fog may drift down to cloak the trail in mystery.

Timing your run or hike around dawn or late afternoon lets you absorb light playing on ancient volcanic ridges without the harsh glare of midday. The marathon is a dialogue with wild forces that demand respect—not conquest—offering an experience deeply rewarding to anyone ready for raw, honest adventure in Japan’s northern wilds.