Kanakuri Shiso Running Station Association
(Operated by Kominka Saisei Kyokai Kumamoto)
603 Kamioda, Tamana-shi, Kumamoto-ken 865-0011
096-351-1876
096-351-1871
kominka.kumamoto@gmail.com
Japan’s first traditional
farmhouse-turned-running station is now open in Tamana, Kumamoto Prefecture, the hometown of the swift-footed marathon legend Kanakuri Shiso.
This 170-year-old farmhouse was converted into a running station in the Kamioda neighborhood of Tamana, Kumamoto. This is the area where Kanakuri Shiso, the marathon runner featured in the epic drama Idaten, grew up. We hope it becomes a hub for runners to come and meet up.
This video shows a rogaining event held here. Take a look to get an idea of what kind of events are possible.
Here is some basic information on the running station as well as a few nearby locations related to Kanakuri Shiso.
The running station is equipped with showers, bathrooms, and changing rooms, as well as a traditional farmhouse's earthen floor and tatami areas, making it an ideal base for running clubs and running events.
In addition to running, there are also courses for rogaining and “mara-nics” (marathon/picnics). Behind the running station is a mountain with a slackline and zipline, making it a versatile space for people of all ages.
Kamioda, Tamana is quintessential Japanese countryside and is where Kanakuri Shiso spent about 50 out of his 92 years of life, including his youth and later years. In the nearby Takaseura River area, you'll find centuries-old stone bridges and walls, old merchant houses, and stunning irises blooming from late May to early June.
Kanakuri’s family donated photographs and the house he grew up in to the city of Tamana. The Kanakuri Shiso Museum, renovated from a guest house, showcases photographs and memorabilia of Kanakuri and his family that can't be seen anywhere else.
Kanakuri passed away at the age of 92. His grave, alongside his wife Suya and adoptive mother Ikue, is located on a hill with views of the rice fields and Mt. Shodai that Kanakuri grew up with. In front of the grave, there is a monument engraved with Kanakuri’s words on physical strength, mental strength, and effort, as well as tanka poems by him and Suya.
A favorite spot of Kanakuri and his family. The park features a spring recognized as one of Kumamoto Prefecture's Top 100 Waters of the Heisei Era. Located just a five-minute walk from Kanakuri's residence, the park is a place where fireflies can be seen from late May to June and is a great place to enjoy a run through nature.
603 Kamioda, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Kanakuri Shiso, the first honored citizen of Tamana, set three world records as a marathon runner and was the first Japanese Olympian at the 5th Olympic Games in Stockholm. He started Japan’s first long-distance relay Tokaido Ekiden and Hakone Ekiden races. To promote marathon running, he completed long-distance runs from Shimonoseki to Tokyo, Sakhalin to Tokyo, and around Kyushu. He ran a total of 250,000 kilometers, which is equal to running around the world 6.25 times.
Kanakuri Shiso, throughout his 92 years, spent about 50 of those in Tamana during his youth and later years. Tamana is rich with sites connected to his legacy. Come explore places like the Kanakuri Shiso Residence & Museum (Ikebe Residence), his grave (Ikebe Family grave) and monument, or Kanakuri Setoguchi Park—a favorite spot for Kanakuri and his family.
Tamana, the setting for Natsume Soseki's Kusamakura, boasts historical sites such as Maeda’s Villa and Oama Onsen. With its warm climate, robust transportation network (including access to the Kyushu Shinkansen at Shin-Tamana Station), proximity to urban areas, and a concentration of educational and governmental institutions, Tamana is a vibrant community. The vast Tamana Plain, near the mouth of the Kikuchi River, thrives with agriculture, producing rice, strawberries, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and mikan oranges nurtured by the sea breeze.
Thank you for visiting our website. Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact us via phone or the email form provided below.
(Operated by Kominka Saisei Kyokai Kumamoto)
603 Kamioda, Tamana-shi, Kumamoto-ken 865-0011
096-351-1876
096-351-1871
kominka.kumamoto@gmail.com