Obuse, Nagano: Walking and Running for Fun (S08E23)

Marathons enjoy immense popularity in Japan, with hundreds held annually across the nation. However, the Obuse Mini Marathon in Nagano Prefecture stands apart from the rest. Instead of focusing on speed, the event encourages participants to savor the local hospitality. Obuse lacks major tourist attractions, so runners take a leisurely route through its neighborhoods and the scenic countryside. This unique marathon has gained notoriety as the one with the highest number of participants in costumes. In this episode of Journeys in Japan, Sabrina Sayin visits Obuse to join in on the fun at the Mini Marathon.