{"id":943,"date":"2025-01-03T16:15:30","date_gmt":"2025-01-03T07:15:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daisetsu-tj.com\/?page_id=943"},"modified":"2026-03-30T00:00:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T15:00:36","slug":"overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/daisetsu-tj.com\/en\/overview","title":{"rendered":"Event Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

About the Race<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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This race is held in the northern part of the Daisetsuzan mountain range<\/strong>, between the Kamikawa and Abashiri regions of Hokkaido. The town of Engaru is a little far away, about 1 to 2 hours by car from major cities, and the Shirataki area where the tournament headquarters is located is even farther from the center of Engaru town. The race is held in a place that is not easy to get to, but there are definitely experiences that can only be had in such a remote place<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In the Daisetsuzan Trail Journey<\/strong>, even the starting point is far from the city, but as you make your way along the trail, the signs of human life become even fainter. You are led along single-track trails that wind through the virgin forest, and even when you reach a clearing, it is not a place for humans, but an extraordinary natural environment. At the top of the steep mountain trail, the panoramic view stretches as far as the eye can see (hopefully on a beautiful day!), and you will realize that you can get to a place like this on your own two feet, and you will feel the animal strength that remains in your body.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

This course includes a beautiful mountain ridge that is a special protected area of the Daisetsuzan National Park, and you will pass through the Hirayama Mountain Trail and the challenging mountains of Ariake and Tengu Dake on your way there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The steps you take to progress there on your own, and then to overcome the difficult spots and return again, are truly a journey<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the only mountain trail running event held in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, which is representative of Hokkaido, and it is a competition where you can experience the great nature of Hokkaido in a remote and secluded area<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We look forward to your participation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daisetsuzan Trail Journey Race Office
Hiroya KON<\/strong>\uff08Representative of EZO TRAIL\uff09<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s what the Daisetsuzan Trail Journey is all about!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Daisetsuzan Trail Journey is Hokkaido\u2019s only mountain trail running event, taking place in the Daisetsuzan mountain range.<\/dt>\n\n\n\n
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Although there are trail running races held at ski resorts in Hokkaido, races in high-altitude mountain regions are extremely rare (perhaps this is the only one?). Furthermore, no other trail running events include the Daisetsuzan range in their route.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

The course includes the Daisetsuzan Special Protection Area, where you can experience rare and untouched nature that has been preserved by local people.<\/dt>\n\n\n\n
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The area along the ridgeline from Hirayama to Mt. Bunsan has been designated a “Special Protection Zone,” which is the highest level of protection. The area’s scenery, including the alpine plant life that can only thrive in such an environment, is a true representation of Hokkaido\u2019s ancient natural landscape.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

The journey begins and ends in Shirataki, a place steeped in ancient history.<\/dt>\n\n\n\n
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The event venue is located in Shirataki, Engaru Town, an \u201cancient land\u201d where Paleolithic-era ruins<\/a> remain.
The “Artifacts Excavated from the Hokkaido Shirataki Site Complex,” which consists of stone tools such as obsidian unearthed in the area, was designated a National Treasure in 2023 (Shirataki Geopark Promotion Council<\/a>.) You can view artifacts excavated from the site and learn more about them at the Engaru Town Buried Cultural Properties Center<\/a>, located within the Shirataki General Branch Office of Engaru Town (Shirataki Geopark Official Website<\/a>). It’s definitely worth a visit! Why not check it out while you\u2019re here for the tournament?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the race course follows the same path ancient people walked tens of thousands of years ago.
Welcome to Shirataki, a place brimming with romance!<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Daisetsuzan is not the only highlight; Tengudaira, which is located near the start and finish lines, is another.<\/dt>\n\n\n\n
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The venue is located in a mountainous basin. This plateau, known as “Tengudaira,” is located at an elevation of around 600 meters and features flat land and rolling hills. Today, vast farmland stretches across the landscape, and the scenery is well worth seeing. There is also an observation deck overlooking the area located near the race venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For runners participating in the 60 km race, the early morning view of Tengudaira might be a reward for getting up early. They’ll run through a golden plain bathed in the morning sun, with distant mountain ranges shrouded in mist. Stoic runners who seek mountains might feel that running across the plain is a waste of time, but I hope you\u2019ll take a moment to enjoy the unique scenery.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

We respect and welcome all runners enjoying this journey.<\/dt>\n\n\n\n
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Watching elite runners with their well-trained bodies effortlessly sprint along rugged mountain trails inspires me and shows me the infinite potential of the human spirit. While we respect them, this event isn\u2019t just for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It takes you on a journey through remote, unspoiled areas of Hokkaido, where the region\u2019s ancient natural beauty remains intact. We welcome all runners who wish to explore the great outdoors\u2014places they might not normally visit\u2014by following in the footsteps of those who came before them. Although participants will be ranked based on their completion times, we respect everyone who takes part in this journey through Hokkaido\u2019s natural landscapes, regardless of their ranking or whether they reach the finish line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We especially hope that trail runners, outdoor enthusiasts, and road runners who love the mountains will come experience this event for themselves. We look forward to your challenge!<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n\n\n\n

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Event overview<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Event <\/strong>name<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Daisetsuzan Trail Journey 2026 (DTJ 2026)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event schedule<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Sunday, July 26, <\/span><\/strong>2026
<\/b><\/span>\u30004:00AM<\/strong> – 60km start
\u30007:00AM<\/strong> – 40km start
\u30009:00AM<\/strong> – 15km start
\u30006:00PM<\/strong> – goal time limit (40km\/60km)

*The event will still take place if it will rain, but the organizers may change the route or cancel the event to keep the runners safe.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Location<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Shirataki area of Engaru town
Kita Daisetsu mountain range
(Hokkaido prefecture, Japan)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Race category<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

60km (ITRA 3 point race)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

distance: 59.3km \/ elevation gain: about 3185\uff4d \/ trail rate 91.7%
\u3000start: Kita-Taisetsu Skiing Ground
\u3000finish: Kita-Taisetsu Skiing Ground
time limit\uff1a14hrs (4:00AM – 6:00PM)
number of aid stations: 3
nubmer of water stations: 2
capacity: 250 runners<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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40km (ITRA 2 point race)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

distance: 39.9km \/ elevation gain: about 2090\uff4d \/ trail rate 90.5%
\u3000start: Kita-Taisetsu Skiing Ground
\u3000finish: Kita-Taisetsu Skiing Ground
time limit\uff1a11hrs (7:00 – 18:00)
number of aid stations: 2
number of water stations: 2
capacity: 250 runners<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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15km<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

distance: 14.3km \/ elevation gain: about 361\uff4d \/ trail rate 65.7%
\u3000start: Kita-Taisetsu Skiing Ground
\u3000finish: Kita-Taisetsu Skiing Ground
time limit\uff1a3hrs – (9:00 – 12:00)
number of aid stations: 0
capacity: 100 runners
ITRA point: 0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Eligibility \/ Requirements<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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60km \/ 40km<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n