GUIDE LINES
Summer Events
6 | TRAVELER
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Wassamu and Nayoro Piyashiri Ski Hill Climb Wassamu Ski Resort opens up one of its slopes for a 500-meter sprint to the top. If you’re feeling up to it, Nayoro Piyashiri Ski Hill Climb holds a similar race the next day. The two resorts are an hour drive from each other in Hokkaido. When: July 22-23 Where: Wassamu Ski Resort, Hokkaido Web: sportsentry.ne.jp/event/t/84815
Offroad Triathlon in Shobudani Shobudani is a popular cycling and driving route in Hyogo. Racers can sign up for the full triathlon (swim 1,200 meters, cycle 13 kilometers and trail run eight kilometers) or go for the relay or lite options. When: Aug. 9 Where: Shobudani Forest Park, Hyogo Web: tatunomtb.blog74.fc2.com
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OMM Lite and Bike Hakuba This entry-level race is designed to give newbies a feel of an Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) navigational race. The OMM Lite is a two-day race with some off-trail areas, but most is on trail with teams of two to five people. Families and friends who are not participating can camp with racers in the overnight camping area. The OMM Bike (the cycling version of OMM Lite) will be held simultaneously. When: July 17-18 Where: Hakuba, Nagano Web: theomm.jp
Mt. Rokko Trail Run and Summer Picnic This trail run is held on Mountain Day in Japan at Mt. Rokko which overlooks Osaka Bay. The 28-kilometer course goes up to 1,750 meters and takes about six hours, while the 10-kilometer race goes up to 300 meters and takes around four hours. There is also a family-friendly rogaining challenge held the same day. When: Aug. 8 Where: Kobe Municipal Arboretum, Hyogo Web: actrep-sports.com/mt-rokko-picnic
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2021 OSJ Ontake 100 Trail Run A normally inaccessible forest trail in Otaki Village will be opened for this 100-mile (160-kilometer) race that starts at 8 p.m. on July 17 and ends the next day. Runners can also opt for the 100-kilometer race starting at midnight. When: July 17-18 Where: Otaki, Nagano Web: powersports.co.jp/osjtrail/21_ontake100
Salomon 4100D Mountain Trail in Nozawa Onsen This trail run is set in the ski resort and hot spring village of Nozawa Onsen. There are long (65 kilometers), middle (23 kilometers) and short (14 kilometers) courses and participants can run solo, as a pair or in a group. When: July 23 Where: Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Web: s-mountain.com/nozawa
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RACES
Kakitsu Trail Run This trail run follows castle ruins in the mountains of Harima. The race is divided into 30-kilometer and 10.4-kilometer categories. When: July 23 Where: Tatsuno, Hyogo Web: runninghigh.jp/kakitsu
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Tokyo’s Summer Olympics are taking center stage but there are still some great summer events and festivals to enjoy as Japan slowly crawls toward normalcy. Many events are being held on a smaller scale this year and some are still to be confirmed so always double check event websites for up-to-date information before attending. Be sure to check Outdoor Japan Online where more races and events will be added and updated as they are confirmed. Editor's Note: The situation regarding COVID-19 is changing daily. We encourage readers to follow local guidelines for stopping the spread of COVID-19 and practicing social distancing, mask wearing and other safety measures where required. Participating in races and events is solely each individuals decision.
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