Racing Through a National Historic Site
Starting inside a nationally designated Special Historic Site, running past the Karamon Gate and the Reconstructed Townscape — a genuine time-slip to the Sengoku era. An experience found nowhere else.
ENTRY OPEN
2026.7.10 (Fri)
Entry Registration Opens
ICHIJODANI ASAKURA TRAIL RUN 2026
Run Through the
Phantom Capital
Ichijodani Asakura Ruins Trail Run ― Sunday, October 18, 2026
About the Race
"Japan's Pompeii"
Becomes the Race Venue
The Ichijodani Asakura clan castle town, once called the "Kyoto of the North," flourished over 450 years ago before being destroyed by Oda Nobunaga. The original street layout remains almost entirely intact beneath the soil — one of the rarest sites in Japan.
The moment you set off from the Karamon Gate Plaza, you are transported back to the Sengoku era. That is Asakura Trail Run.
Triple-Designated Special Historic Site
The Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins hold one of the rarest triple national designations in Japan. Only here can you race through authentic historical remains — a trail run unlike any other.
Special Historic SiteSpecial Scenic AreaImportant Cultural Property
Highlights
Unique Experiences
Found Only Here
Sengoku Romance & Mountain Serenity
Beyond the lower castle gate, trails lead to ancient burial mounds and the ruins of Makiyama Castle. History enthusiasts and runners alike will be captivated with every step.
Genuine Local Hospitality
Warm cheers from local staff dressed as warlords, post-finish dishes made with local ingredients, and participation gifts featuring local coupons. Connections that make you want to come back again.
A race built on History & Hospitality
What the Asakura Trail Run values most is “history” and “hospitality.”
A Journey Through History
Set in the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, a nationally triple-designated historic site. Sengoku warriors in helmets and armor stand along the course, drawing runners into the age of the samurai.
Heartfelt Hospitality
Smiles and cheers from our staff, local food and souvenirs you can enjoy with shopping vouchers, and well-stocked aid stations. After the finish, students of the Fukui Prefectural School for the Blind offer acupuncture and moxibustion massage to ease tired bodies.
Course
Course Overview
A 14 km course starting and finishing at the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, winding through satoyama countryside and historic sites. Modern runners treading the same paths once walked by Sengoku warlords.
14 km
Short Course
18+
Age Requirement
¥5,000
Entry Fee
Oct 18
Race Date
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Race Information
Race Information
| Date | Sunday, October 18, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Shidonouchi-cho, Fukui City, Fukui |
| Organizer | Asakura Trail Run Executive Committee |
| Categories | Short Course (14 km) / Kids’ Course (3 km) |
| Eligibility | Short Course: age 18+ on race day / in good health and able to finish / signed waiver required (results by gender) Kids’ Course: elementary-school children |
| Time Limit | 3 hours (Short Course) |
| Capacity | Short Course: 330 / Kids’ Course: 100 |
| Entry Fee | Short Course: ¥5,000 / Kids’ Course: ¥1,000 |
| Awards | Top 3 by gender (prize: 10 kg of local new-harvest rice) |
| Participant Gift | Towel and a ¥1,000 shopping voucher usable at the venue |
| Reception | 8:00–9:00 / Lawn Plaza, Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins 28-37 Shidonouchi-cho, Fukui City |
| Start / Finish | Karamon Gate Plaza, Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins |
| How to Apply | RUNNET or postal application |
| Application Period | July 10 (Fri) – September 30 (Wed), 2026 |
| Office Deadline | September 25, 2026 (postmark valid) |
2026 marks our 10th anniversary
Since the very first race in 2015, 2026 marks the milestone 10th edition. The Kids’ Course (3 km) makes its return, bringing children’s cheers back to the ruins.
Race-Day Schedule
8:00 – 9:00 Reception (Lawn Plaza)
9:00 Opening ceremony
9:30 Short Course (14 km) start
10:00 Kids’ Course (3 km) start
12:30 Short Course cut-off (3-hour limit)
After race Awards ceremony & closing
Start and finish at Karamon Gate Plaza. Times are subject to change.
Organizers & Partners
Organizer Asakura Trail Run Executive Committee
Co-hosts Fukui Prefecture, Fukui City, Asakura Clan Ruins Preservation Association, Ichijo Community Center, Togo Community Center, Fukui Higashi Rotary Club, and the neighborhood associations, community-safety and sports-promotion groups of the Ichijo and Togo districts.
In Cooperation With Fukui Prefectural School for the Blind, Fukui City Asuwa Daiichi Junior High School
Supported By Fukui Shimbun, FBC Fukui Broadcasting, Fukui Television
ENTRY INFORMATION
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Entry opens Friday, July 10, 2026.
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