If you happen to be in Japan during the New Year holidays, spend some time watching the annual university relay-race on TV, January 2nd-3rd. It starts in Tokyo and ends in Hakone the first day, then boomerangs back to Tokyo for the finish the second day, covering a distance of 108km. The race began in 1920, and is truly thrilling. The museum, located at the bottom end of Lake Ashino-ko, does not pack the emotional wallop that the actual race does, but might be interesting for fans of the race nonetheless, with photos, history, videos, mementos, and gift shop.
- 1 min read
The Hakone Eki-den Museum
Dedicated to the thrilling annual university relay-race

Community writer

The terrific annual Hakone Eki-den University Relay-Race

Entrance to the museum, situated at the bottom of the lake

News from last year's thriller

Giftshop selection

It's a small museum that is actually not very dynamic

The musuem includes maps, photos, lists of records and stories

A collection of race posters from over the years

Medals, old running shoes, and other memorabilla

Run, run, run
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Japanese Etiquette: The Ultimate Guide
Culture -
2
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
3
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
4
Yakiniku Inoue Ginza
Tokyo -
5
Awaji Island: A Hidden Gem in the Seto Inland Sea
Hyogo - Sponsored -
6
Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
7
Winter Adventure in Akita, Japan
Akita - Sponsored -
8
The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Head Spas in Japan
Beauty & Spa -
9
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
10
Transit Guide: JR Kansai Area Pass
Transportation
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
Osaka -
6
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
7
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto