The Hakone Ekiden, commonly known as the university relay race, is held annually on January 2nd and 3rd. The race is run in five sections along the old Tokaido road (mainly along National Route 1, etc.) from Otemachi in Tokyo to Hakone, with a team of 10 runners from each university competing over both the outbound and return courses.
This event gathers top collegiate track athletes from the Kanto region, and fierce battles take place every year. However, unless you follow the race by train or other means, your viewing options are limited. There are several key spots you won’t want to miss—places where the decisive moments occur, where strategic moves can be seen, and where the sheer power of the competing runners is palpable. In this article, we have compiled a list of recommended viewing spots for the Hakone Ekiden.
Highlights of the Hakone Ekiden 2024
The 2024 Hakone Ekiden, which marked the historic 100th edition, featured 23 teams (schools), with three additional schools participating as it was a commemorative event. However, the All-Japan Student Federation (a mixed team) did not take part. In both the outbound and return legs, Aoyama Gakuin University emerged victorious, claiming overall championship without any complaints.
For the 101st Hakone Ekiden (2025), a total of 21 teams will participate, including the usual student federation teams—there are no debutants this year. Senshu University and Tokyo International University are making a return after a two-year absence, while all other universities continue their participation from last year. It promises to be a high-level competition as always.
While the contest for the top among the champions is sure to be thrilling, watch closely as each school strives to successfully pass the tasuki (sash). At each relay point, if a delay occurs after the leading team passes, a staggered start is enforced, and teams that fall behind may lose the opportunity to pass the sash, sparking a battle for every single second.
Recommended Viewing Spots for the Outbound Leg
There are five sections overall, but one of the key areas in the outbound leg is known as the “Flower Section 2,” stretching from the Tsurumi relay station (in Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture) to the Totsuka relay station (in Totsuka Ward, Yokohama).
This critical section, where overcoming a notorious difficult part is the key, is a spot to watch as the aces from each school engage in tactical battles and true contests of strength. In the 2019 race, for example, Nihon University surged to fourth place with a remarkable 13-runner breakthrough, and Kokushikan University advanced in first place with an 8-runner breakthrough, highlighting the dominance of their ace runners.
Please note that while we have highlighted these exciting spots, the significance of each section may vary depending on each school’s strategy. The “Flower Section 2” isn’t necessarily the only critical area.
【Section 1: Otemachi】If You Want to See the Start!
Section 1 of the Hakone Ekiden begins in Otemachi, located in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. With numerous stations on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, access is very easy.
However, as the starting point, the area is crowded not only with spectators but also with university officials and members of the press. The vibrant cheers and performance of the cheering squads create an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of a festival just before the race begins. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the runners just before they set off—but be prepared for sizable crowds. If you plan to stake out a spot, arriving very early is necessary.
Spectators can also follow the runners by train from Otemachi. Although the schedule is tight and the pace hectic, if you’re chasing the race, head straight to Tokyo Station as soon as possible.
【Late Section of 1st Leg: Rokugobashi】Watch the Shifts in Ranking
In Section 1, you can clearly see each school’s early strategy. Some teams sprint to build an early lead, while others play it safe initially.
From the middle to the end of Section 1, groups tend to form, and some runners seize the opportunity to break away from the pack. This decisive moment likely occurs near Rokugobashi, around the border of Ota Ward in Tokyo and Kawasaki in Kanagawa, just before reaching the Tsurumi relay station.
Following the “Flower Section 2,” this area reveals the runners’ tactical prowess and strategy, making it a great spot to witness sudden changes in the rankings. With easy access from Keikyu Kawasaki Station, this spot is a strong candidate for your viewing plan.
【Section 2: Hodogaya to Gondazaka】Aces Conquering the Tough Section
As mentioned earlier, the aces from each team take on the challenging section here, where strong runners may dramatically turn the tide—even causing dominant teams to falter.
Section 2 is deemed difficult due to its undulating terrain in the latter half, with “Gondazaka” in Yokohama serving as one of the race’s toughest parts. How the runners tackle this section is a key point to watch. Because the early part of Section 2 is flat, even championship contenders can mismanage their pacing and lose ground on Gondazaka. This area truly encapsulates the early contest of the Hakone Ekiden.
Since Gondazaka is away from the train stations and difficult for spectators to access, the best approach is to get off at JR Hodogaya Station or JR Higashi-Totsuka Station and then move closer to the area on foot.
【Section 5: Around Odaiba and Kowakudani Stations】The Sacred Ground of the Mountain God
Section 5 takes place in the mountainous areas of Hakone. Beginning at the Odawara relay station (near Kazamatsuri Station), the race enters Hakone. From the Hakone-Yumoto area onward, the race becomes a mountain climb where runners with the best climbing ability and technique battle fiercely.
The area near Odaiba Station and Kowakudani Station is especially thrilling. In the deep winter mountains, with extreme cold and steep hairpin turns, the runners face serious challenges—but it’s also where those adept at mountain climbing show off their full power. Note that the area near Odaiba Station on the Hakone Tozan Line can become extremely crowded when runners are passing, so choose a safe and less congested spot to wait.
Recommended Viewing Spots for the Return Leg
At the start of the return leg on the second day, the starting times are adjusted based on the rankings from Day 1. For teams battling for positions in the top 10, the contest becomes a battle from the very beginning about whether to maintain their lead or overtake competitors.
While teams must maintain their pace early on, the latter part of the race is expected to be a dead heat as runners strive to improve their rankings. Even teams that fell behind might battle desperately to pass the tasuki, fighting for next year’s seeding rights—the return leg promises to be even more thrilling than the outbound leg.
【Fujisawa Area】A Key Point That Connects to the Final Stages
After descending from the mountains and passing through the section from Odawara to Hiratsuka (Section 8), the race enters the Fujisawa area. Fujisawa is served by both JR Tokaido Line and Odakyu Line, making it very accessible. Since the course runs close to the stations, it’s a great spot for watching the race. The area around the station is lined with convenience stores and restaurants, so you won’t have trouble grabbing a meal even if it gets crowded. Once the race settles down, you might even consider taking the Enoshima Electric Railway to Kamakura and paying a visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine for a New Year’s shrine visit.
While Section 8 features mostly flat terrain in the mountains, which might lull runners into complacency, this also means that even the top teams must remain vigilant to avoid falling behind. It’s a crucial spot where the runners’ stamina and stability are put to the test before the final sprint. Watch closely to see how the teams perform here.
【Reversal in Section 9: Yokohama Station and Tsurumi Relay Station】
Section 9 of the return leg, corresponding to Section 2 of the outbound leg, is another area where the aces are positioned. Expect high-level battles by powerful runners, and there’s always the possibility of a dramatic reversal in this section. As the race nears its end, runners eager to climb the rankings may push themselves to the limit, creating a popular spot for witnessing desperate sprints.
Particularly around the area near Yokohama Station and Tsurumi Relay Station—accessible via JR and Keikyu lines—crowds are common. It is recommended to arrive early if you plan to watch from close by. After the race, you can explore attractions in Minato Mirai, making this an ideal area that combines both sports and tourism.
【Section 10: In Front of the Otemachi Goal Area】The Final Stage of the Ekiden!
Otemachi, which was also featured in Section 1, serves as the finish line of the Hakone Ekiden. Here, you can witness the powerful final sprints amid cheers from an enthusiastic crowd.
For the runners, this is the last stretch where every second counts, and even teams that lost ground in Section 9 may attempt a last-minute comeback. The sight of a team making a dramatic final push is sure to move you.
Since the finish area and its surroundings are expected to be very crowded, it is advisable to arrive early and secure a comfortable viewing spot.
Recommended Off-the-Beaten-Path Viewing Spots
Due to the New Year holidays, the entire course of the Hakone Ekiden is always bustling with people. While some areas are challenging to watch because of the terrain, it’s rare to find a completely empty spot.
However, apart from the popular spots mentioned above, there may be areas near stations where crowds are lighter or places where you can catch key moments in the race. Below, we introduce some potential hidden gems from the 2020 Hakone Ekiden that could serve as excellent viewing spots.
Easy-to-Reach Area: “Keikyu: Kagetsusōchiji and Namamugi”
Along the Keikyu line, between major stations like Yokohama and Tsurumi, stations such as “Kagetsuen (formerly Kagetsuen Station)” and “Namamugi Station” are recommended. The Keikyu line runs close to the course from Tsurumi Ward to Shinagawa, making these spots very convenient for watching the race. In particular, the areas around Kagetsuen and Namamugi, where the aces receive the tasuki in the outbound leg and the runners pass it in the return leg, may offer a chance to witness those critical final bursts in a close race.
Tsurumi relay station is also easily accessible and tends to attract crowds, but you can still have an engaging viewing experience there. However, note that both stations are not major hubs and only local trains stop there. Be sure to pay attention to which train you're boarding.
Tidal Area: “Near Kokufu Station (Section 3)”
For the outbound leg, the area immediately outside JR Kokufu Station boasts excellent visibility of the course. Here, you can wait for runners coming from the direction of Hiratsuka while enjoying the view of Sagami Bay stretching before you.
If timing permits, you might even catch a glimpse of runners chasing the course on the Tokaido Line toward Odawara. Since central Odawara is nearby, you could easily shift your plans to include sightseeing in the New Year.
Just Before the Mountains: “Hakone-Yumoto Station Front”
Hakone-Yumoto, located just before the steep mountain ascent at Odaiba, is a popular viewing spot.
The course here is along the station front, where you can observe the runners as they begin their mountain climb. Since the popular viewing spot at Ōdaiba is in the mountains, the crowd at Hakone-Yumoto tends to be a bit more manageable.
Summary of the 2024 Hakone Ekiden
For many, the Hakone Ekiden is a New Year’s tradition, with families gathering to watch it on TV while enjoying ozoni (traditional New Year’s soup). Some even get so caught up in cheering for their alma mater that they become passionately involved. Why not combine your New Year’s holiday with a trip to the actual course and experience the race live?
Keep in mind that the favorites and participating teams change every year. Enhance your viewing experience by gathering information on the key runners and watching their performances—the excitement will only multiply!