TAROBO 379 CHALLENGE 2026 — October 11, 2026 (Sun)
Event Overview
Event Details
Date
October 11, 2026 (Sunday)
Venue
Tarobogu Shrine (Higashiomi, Shiga)
Capacity
700 participants (12 categories)
Race Time
Morning to afternoon (TBC)
Getting There
The venue is located at Tarobogu Shrine in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture. The nearest train station is "Tarobogumae" on the Ohmi Railway. A free shuttle bus runs from the station to the venue (approx. 10 min walk).
By car: Exit the Meishin Expressway at Yokaichi IC, approx. 10 min drive to Tarobogumae Station. No parking is available at the venue.
On race day, the "Gacha Fes" event makes Ohmi Railway rides just ¥100 for adults (free for children).
About the Race
What is Stair Climbing?
Tarobogu Shrine, located in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, is known as the shrine of victory. Its main hall sits atop a mountain, reached by 742 stone steps.
The TAROBO 379 CHALLENGE uses 379 of these steps as a timed stair-climbing course. Supervised by the Japan Stair Climbing Promotion Association, the course balances safety with competitive intensity.
Racing full-speed up the stone steps of an ancient shrine — a one-of-a-kind experience found nowhere else in the world.
740+
Total steps at Tarobogu
379
Race course steps
Course Record
Men: 46.60 sec
Women: 1 min 10.14 sec
Categories
Race Categories
12 categories from elementary school students to seniors, plus team and dog-pair categories.
Race Day Moments
The challenge takes about one minute — and the entire venue watches you climb.
Why October?
October is the perfect season to visit the Shiga region. Autumn foliage begins to color the surrounding mountains, temperatures are mild and ideal for racing, and the ancient stone steps of Tarobogu Shrine glow in warm golden light. Combine your trip with visits to Kyoto, Osaka, or the shores of Lake Biwa.
For Spectators & Visitors
You don't have to race to enjoy the TAROBO 379 CHALLENGE. Watch athletes sprint up ancient stone steps as the crowd cheers — a spectacle unlike any conventional road race. Explore the shrine grounds, pass through the legendary Paired Rocks, and soak in the atmosphere of a 1,400-year-old sacred site. Admission is free for all spectators.
Entry Information
How to Enter from Overseas
International participants cannot use the standard Japanese entry platforms (RUNNET / Sports Entry).
Please contact the organizing committee directly via email. We will guide you through the registration process in English.
Contact the Organizing CommitteeEvent Track Record
The TAROBO 379 CHALLENGE is a growing event with strong momentum.
2024 (Inaugural): ~330 participants, 11 categories
2025: 548 entries (487 raced), 14 categories, participants from 19 prefectures across Japan
Approx. 2,000 spectators and visitors on race day (2025)
Multiple TV and newspaper coverage including national and regional outlets
150,000+ YouTube views (2025 event)
Official SJC (Stair Climbing Japan Circuit) Stage 3 race
2026 target: 700 participants across 12 categories
Recommended Accommodation
There are no hotels within walking distance of the venue. We recommend staying in one of these nearby areas:
Yokaichi (Closest — 8 min by car)
- ・ Hotel Route-Inn Higashiomi Yokaichi Ekimae — 1 min walk from Yokaichi Station
Omihachiman (20–25 min by car)
- ・ AB Hotel Omihachiman — 2 min walk from Omihachiman Station
- ・ Green Hotel Yes Omihachiman — hot spring bath available
Hikone (35–40 min by car)
- ・ Hotel Sunroute Hikone — 1 min walk from Hikone Station
- ・ Comfort Hotel Hikone — 1 min walk from Hikone Station (east exit)
For Travel Agencies & Group Inquiries
Interested in organizing a tour or group participation? We welcome inquiries from travel agencies and tour operators worldwide. For groups of 10 or more, please contact us in advance so we can coordinate registration, on-site logistics, and language support.
Contact Us for Group ArrangementsWe typically respond within 2 business days.