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Japan's westernmost paradise,Located on Yonaguni IslandMunbu Resortis!
Saturday, November 14, 2026The 32nd Yonaguni Island Marathon, Japan's Westernmost IslandThe event will be held. This time, we have put together an easy-to-understand guide from a local perspective, covering everything from an overview of the event to interviews with people who have actually completed the race, recommended accommodations for each course, and access information on the day of the event.
1. What is the Yonaguni Island Marathon?
Source:Photo Details (Yonaguni Island Marathon) | Yaeyama Mainichi Shimbun Photo Library
This article introduces a major event held annually on Yonaguni Island, one of Japan's most cutting-edge islands, attracting runners from outside the prefecture.
Tournament Overview (Dates and Course)
The 32nd Yonaguni Island Marathon will be heldSaturday, November 14, 2026)It will be held on [date]. There are three types of courses:
- 25km courseA long course that circles the island. The Yonaguni Junior High School grounds are the start and finish point.
- 10km courseNishizaki Lighthouse is the starting point.
- 4km courseNewly established for this tournament. Yonaguni Junior High School grounds will serve as the start and finish line.
The appeal of this event is that you can choose from 25km, 10km, and 4km distances, each suited to your level and goals.
Course Features
The first half of the course is relatively flat, but the second half has steep sections, and in particular, there are many steep ups and downs from Higashisaki towards Higawahama, so managing your energy will be a key factor in determining your time. Along the route, you can see scenery unique to Yonaguni Island, such as the filming locations of Dr. Koto's Clinic, Agarizaki Lighthouse, and Nishizaki, the westernmost point of Japan, making it a popular race where you can enjoy the scenery while running.
2. [Real-life experience report] Interview with a finisher
[Insert image: Photos from the day of the competition (provided by participants or with permission to capture from videos) / Full width display]
This time, we interviewed someone who actually stayed at Munbu Stay and completed the Yonaguni Island Marathon. We bring you a real voice from the local area that you can't get from official information alone.
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| item | Content |
|---|---|
| age | 31 years old (at the time of participation) |
| Year of participation | 2024 |
| Event | 25km course |
| body weight | Approximately 90 kg |
| Time limit | 3 hours 40 minutes |
| Finishing time | 3 hours 33 minutes (approximately 7 minutes remaining until the time limit) |
Please read this as a record from an average runner weighing approximately 90kg who managed to complete the race just within the time limit. Conversely, where someone with this kind of time struggles might indicate the most difficult parts of the course.
My honest impressions after running the course
Source:Japan's Westernmost Island Yonaguni Island Marathon Organizing Committee Secretariat
Steep, wall-like slopes appear all over the island.
The 25km course starts at Yonaguni Junior High School (Sonai settlement).The course circles the island and returns to the middle school grounds. As I ran, I encountered steep hills many times, and the perceived exhaustion was even greater than the actual effort. Instead of maintaining a constant pace, I consciously ran slowly uphill and faster downhill.
And the biggest challenge is,"Higashizaki to Higawahama"This section involves repeating uphill and downhill sections 7 to 8 times, and the damage accumulated in the legs was considerable. This section occurs when you've covered about a quarter of the island, so if you get too exhausted here, the second half will be tough. Just when you think "one more" and reach the top, you see the next hill—it was a mentally draining section as well.
There are plenty of water stations, so you don't have to worry about staying hydrated. The islanders hand out water while offering words of encouragement, making the act of getting water itself a source of energy..On the other hand, there are relatively few restrooms, so it's best to drink frequently before you get thirsty, but avoid chugging drinks—keeping this balance in mind will give you peace of mind.
I've written mostly about the difficulties, but the scenery is undoubtedly among the best in Japan.Since the route circles an island surrounded by the sea on all sides, the ocean is in view for almost the entire time you're running. Little children along the route cheered me on the whole time.
To be honest, there were moments when the heat and the continuous uphill climb made me feel lightheaded. However, at those times, I heard the voices of the islanders, and I was suddenly awakened. From then on, my legs moved strangely well, and as a result, I was able to finish the race in a time I wouldn't normally achieve in my training. Considering the size of the island's population, I think it's truly special to receive so much encouragement.
How to spend the day of the competition
The day before, I wanted to avoid feeling too tired,Mumbu Rental CarI rented a car to get around the island. This turned out to be the right decision. The reason is,Because I was able to see and confirm the course I would be running the next day beforehand.That's it. I think it would have been difficult to finish the race without it.
While scouting the course, you can also enjoy visiting Japan's westernmost point and filming locations for the TV drama "Dr. Koto's Clinic." On the day before, it's recommended to get around by car rather than walking, as this allows you to enjoy the island while conserving your energy.
Impressions of my stay at Munbu
The accommodation I stayed at when I participated was"Munbu Stay Nanta Beach"The room was clean and uncluttered, with a great view of the sea. The design allowed for easy packing, making it easy to unpack clothes and shoes. I think I chose the perfect room for the day before the marathon. Plus, it was only about a 10-minute walk to the marathon starting point.
In terms of location, having shops nearby is a big plus. Since shopping options are limited on Yonaguni Island, being able to stock up on snacks for the day before, breakfast on the day of the race, and drinks after the race is very helpful.Nanta Beach is located in the Sonai settlement area, and it's in the same area as Yonaguni Junior High School, which was the start and finish venue, so getting around on the day of the race was easy.However, it can get quite crowded, so we recommend purchasing anything you need as early as possible.
A message for those who will be participating in the future
Source:Japan's Westernmost Island Yonaguni Island Marathon Organizing Committee Secretariat
Even in November, it's quite hot, and the 25km race starts in the middle of the day. There isn't much shade. I realized that staying hydrated is important, but also that there aren't many toilets, so balance is key.
After the race, a get-together party will be held. There will be stalls and events, and it will be a time to enjoy island entertainment and socialize with other runners."A race to experience Yonaguni Island with your whole body."I hope you will understand it in that way.
3. Why booking accommodation early is essential.
The Yonaguni Island Marathon attracts many runners from outside Okinawa Prefecture. Securing accommodation is essential for a comfortable experience during the race. Here, we'll provide detailed information about accommodation, a crucial part of marathon preparation.
Characteristics of marathon events
Runner registration has already begun on the official website for the Yonaguni Marathon.
The 31st edition of the race, held in November 2025, saw many runners participate, with some winners even traveling from outside the prefecture. The race has become a major event within Yonaguni Island itself, attracting many runners from outside the island as well.
Also, starting with the Yonaguni Island Marathon in 2026,A new 4km short-distance course has been added.This makes it easier than ever to participate.
Furthermore, the 25km course takes 3 hours and 40 minutes, and the 4km and 10km courses take 2 hours, so there is ample time to run at your own pace with peace of mind.
reference:Japan's Westernmost Island Yonaguni Island Marathon Organizing Committee Secretariat
Island-wide accommodation capacity
The reason is simple,The island as a whole has limited accommodation capacity.That's because Yonaguni Island is a small island with a population of only about 1,600 people, and the number of hotel rooms is limited. When many participants from outside the island visit at once, such as for a marathon, reservations fill up very quickly, and it becomes a fierce competition.
Once the tournament schedule is announced, make a provisional reservation for accommodation at the same time as registering, or even earlier.That's the golden rule.
During the 2025 Yonaguni Island Marathon seasonMumbu StayHowever, all rooms are fully booked and many runners are using them, so please book early along with your flight tickets. If you are interested, please check as soon as possible.
4. Recommended locations for Munbu Stay, by course.
Yonaguni Island has four accommodations operated by Munbu Resort. Munbu Resort is a tourist hub on Yonaguni Island, offering accommodations, car rentals, restaurants, tours, and more.
While you won't have any major problems no matter where you choose, selecting a base that matches the course you're participating in will make getting around on the day of the competition much easier. Also, convenient locations and those with a high number of applicants tend to fill up quickly, so here we'll introduce recommended facilities for each course.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| address | 4350-45 Yonaguni, Yonaguni-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture |
| phone | 050-5482-5930 |
| Official website | https://resort.mumbu.net/ |
Each facility,Free shuttle service timed to coincide with your flight's arrival.We offer these amenities, so even those unfamiliar with island travel can stay with peace of mind.
For detailed information on each room type, rates, and the latest availability, please see below.Munbu Resort Accommodation List PageYou can check everything together here. First, check out our recommendations for each course and find a location that suits you.
① Nanta Beach | Convenient for shopping after the race
Munbu Stay Nanta Beach is here
It's a 5-minute walk to Masae Shoten. Located on a beach with white sand right in front, it's convenient for quick shopping after a race.
Just a three-minute walk away is Nanta Beach, where the contrast between the white sand and the Yonaguni blue waters is stunning.
Swimming is permitted, and as the beach is shallow, even small children can play in the sea safely.
② Hikawahama | Good access to the starting point of the 10km course
Munbu Stay Hikawahama is located here.
The location offers good access to Nishizaki, the starting point of the 10km course. Filming locations for the TV drama "Dr. Koto's Clinic" are also within walking distance, allowing you to spend the day before the race in a quiet environment.
③ In front of the airport | Convenient for travel before and after the competition and for your return flight.
Munbu Stay Airport Front is here.
Its location right next to Yonaguni Airport is a major advantage, making it easy to plan your schedule around travel before and after the competition, as well as your return flight.
AlsoMunbu Kitchen and Munbu Rent-a-Car are also available on the premises.Therefore, it is a convenient location where you can take care of all your daily needs.
④ Sonai | For companions who want to support the area and also do some sightseeing.
Munbu Stay Sonai is here
Located in the heart of Sonai, the island's largest settlement, it's within walking distance of shops and restaurants. It's highly recommended for those visiting to support the island or to sightsee.
5. Access methods on the day of the competition and before/after the event
There are two main ways to get to Yonaguni Island from Ishigaki Island or Naha: by plane and by ferry. Since the number of flights for each is limited, be sure to plan your schedule in advance so you don't have to rush on the day of the competition.
Access by air and sea
The basic route is to fly to Yonaguni Airport and then take a ferry to Kubura Port. The number of flights and travel times are as follows:
- air travelRyukyu Air Commuter (Naha/Ishigaki ⇔ Yonaguni, 2 flights per day)
- sea routeFerry Yonaguni (Ishigaki ⇔ Yonaguni, 4 times a week)
Due to the limited number of flights and the risk of cancellations due to weather, please avoid scheduling your trip too close to the day of the competition.Arrived the day before.It's safer to do so.
Means of transportation within the island
For getting around the island, Munbu offers free shuttle service.Mumbu Rental Car(TEL 050-5482-5932), you can use the free community bus on the island.
Yonaguni Island boasts vast and unspoiled natural landscapes, so renting a car is highly recommended as it allows you to explore the tourist spots on your own.
Click here for the Munbu Resort rental car reservation page.
6. Rewarding gourmet food after finishing the race (Munbu Kitchen/Munbu Terrace)
If you want to enjoy gourmet food after a marathon on Yonaguni Island, try a restaurant that focuses on local ingredients."Munbu Kitchen"I highly recommend this. Here's a reward time that kills two birds with one stone: you can pamper your body after completing the race while also enjoying the unique island cuisine.
Yonaguni Island Munbu Kitchen, a creative island restaurant located within Munbu Resort."So, we have a menu that's perfect as a reward for completing the race.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| address | 4350-45 Yonaguni, Yonaguni-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Opening times | 11:00～22:00 LO:Food-21:00 Drink-21:30 |
| Closed days | Open almost every day *Closed during severe weather |
| phone | 050-5482-5933 |
① A superb shabu-shabu set featuring seasonal swordfish from Yonaguni Island.
When you think of Yonaguni Island, you think of marlin!
Enjoy the rare swordfish from Yonaguni Island, which is caught in limited quantities, prepared in our specially made broth.
This exquisite dish offers a refined, rich flavor of swordfish that fills your mouth.A special flavor available only during this season.Please enjoy it.
②Okinawa Agu Pork Shabu-Shabu Set
When you think of Okinawa, you think of Agu pork!This dish, bursting with sweetness and umami, is perfect for warming up after a run. We recommend enjoying it with some local island vegetables and finishing it off with a rice porridge.
3. Easy BBQ with no preparation or cleanup required
Empty-handed authentic BBQIt's a great place to enjoy yourself, and perfect for celebrating with friends after a run, when you feel a sense of relief. On clear days, you can gaze at a sky full of stars and spend a luxurious time that you can't experience in the city.
7. Finally
The Yonaguni Island Marathon 2026 will have three courses: 25km, 10km, and 4km.This is a popular event where you can enjoy the island's spectacular scenery. However, there is a limited number of accommodations available on the island as a whole.Choose a location that suits your course and make reservations early.However, this is key to being in top condition for the competition. Please use the testimonials from the finishers we've shared as a reference and proceed with your preparations.
Munbu ResortWe will continue to provide accommodations and experiences that all participants and supporters can enjoy with peace of mind. Please check our official website for the latest information and tour details.
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