The 3rd Shodoshima Shimamichi Trail 2026 (Autumn) will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, in the mountains of the Obe district on Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture. The event is organized by the Shodoshima Shimamichi Trail Organizing Committee, powered by Setouchi JAM.
Both of the previous two editions received far more applications than the 30 available spots, and entries closed early. For the third edition, the capacity has been increased to 50 participants. The roughly 7 km course follows pilgrimage paths and old mountain trails that were restored together with local residents, giving runners a chance to experience the island's terrain and history on foot.
The ¥5,500 entry fee (tax included) covers trail maintenance costs and ¥2,200 worth of marche tickets that can be used at Setouchi JAM 2026, an outdoor festival held on the same day. After the race, the day continues with live music, art, local food, and a range of activities.
Running the Pilgrimage Paths and Passing Island Culture On Through Heritage Tourism
View from a ridge along the course
Shodoshima's pilgrimage paths carry a long history of prayer along with the everyday lives of islanders. The trail is an initiative that works with local people to maintain the paths, and by running while learning about their history and culture, it aims to carry on and revive the island's pilgrimage culture.
A 7 km Course With Varied Terrain
The course is set in the Obe district in the northern part of Shodoshima. The roughly 7 km route (cumulative elevation: 528 m up and 527 m down) climbs pilgrimage paths, passes waterfalls, and crosses an old mountain trail with a dam behind the runners. The terrain of this island of stone is rich in ups and downs, with views of the Seto Inland Sea along the way and a chance to see the stories of daily life behind the scenery.
Running as a Way to Help Preserve the Paths
The trail takes a heritage tourism approach, visiting local heritage sites, and puts part of the entry fee toward trail maintenance. Runners' participation itself helps create a sustainable cycle that keeps the paths maintained and preserved.
Before maintenance
After maintenance
Before maintenance
After maintenance
After the Run: Food, Music, and Art at Setouchi JAM 2026
Registration and assembly take place at Shodoshima Auto Village YOSHIDA, where Setouchi JAM 2026, an outdoor and culture festival, is held from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on the same day.
¥2,200 Worth of Marche Tickets Included
After finishing, runners take a shuttle bus to the main venue. With the marche tickets included as a participant perk, they can enjoy seasonal dishes and crafts at "Shima Marche," where makers from on and off the island gather.
Culture and Outdoor Programs
Participants can join a variety of programs, including outdoor live performances at "MUSIC JAM" featuring Tamaki ROY (環ROY) and Kiichi Arimoto (有元キイチ) (Trio Set), climbing, slackline, and the film screening "SAFF Special Selection."
Inclusive Outdoor Experiences
Universal outdoor experiences are also offered so that people can enjoy nature regardless of age or disability, including wheelchair tree-climbing and the "Anyone Can Climb VR" exhibit.
3rd Shodoshima Shimamichi Trail 2026 (Autumn) Event Details
- Event name: 3rd Shodoshima Shimamichi Trail 2026 (Autumn)
- Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Schedule:
- 9:00 AM to 9:40 AM: Registration
- 10:00 AM: Start
- 12:00 PM: Race ends (time limit: 2 hours)
- 12:30 PM: Closing ceremony
- Registration and meeting point: Setouchi JAM venue, Shodoshima Auto Village YOSHIDA. A dedicated shuttle bus runs between the registration venue and the start/finish point.
- Start/Finish: Shodoshima Hitoritabi-yado Sainutsuno, Obe district, Tonosho Town
- Course: Mountain area of the Obe district on Shodoshima (approx. 7 km)
- Cumulative elevation: 528 m up / 527 m down
- Surface: approx. 50% mountain trails and forest roads, approx. 50% paved roads
- Capacity: 50 participants (first come, first served if applications exceed capacity; a waiting list is available)
- Eligibility: Healthy individuals aged 10 or older (no trail running experience required)
- Entry fee: ¥5,500 (tax included). Includes trail maintenance costs and ¥2,200 worth of marche tickets for Setouchi JAM.
- Participation perks and awards:
- Participation perk: original sticker and more (planned)
- Award perk: RSVE (special sponsor) 100% merino wool mesh tank top
- Entry period: Until 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 15, 2026
- Entry confirmation: Notified by email or the official Instagram from 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 22, 2026
- Organizer: Shodoshima Shimamichi Trail Organizing Committee, powered by Setouchi JAM
- Entry: Apply through the official entry form
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shimamichitrail/
Setouchi JAM 2026 Event Details
- Date and time: Saturday, November 28, 2026, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (doors open and registration starts at 9:00 AM)
- Venue: Shodoshima Auto Village YOSHIDA [Camp Site A] (302-1 Yoshida-ko, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa)
- Admission: Free entry and free access to the main experiences (some special programs, food and drink, and merchandise are paid)
- Organizer and producer: Organized by Sunborn Inc.; produced by the Shodoshima Climbing Association
- Supported by: Shodoshima Town, Tonosho Town
- Website: https://www.setouchijam.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/setouchijam/
Notes
The event is held rain or shine and canceled in the case of severe weather. Program details and locations may change. Check the official website and official Instagram for the latest information.
