This just in: Three Unique Triathlons in Japan for 2023

If you're a triathlete, it's definitely time to start planning your 2023 triathlon season!  
Domestic race organizers have (already!) begun rolling out race dates and details about triathlons next year. Which means NOW is the time to start thinking about your A/B/C races in Japan and the goals you want to achieve in 2023.  

Here's the scoop on three upcoming races - each very unique in their own way! 

• Osaka Castle Triathlon
• Mt. Fuji Triathlon
• Kujukuri Triathlon

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Osaka Castle Triathlon (Osaka)

• Race Day: Sunday, May 28
• Registration: Dec 23, 2022-Feb 28, 2023
• Sprint, Olympic Distance

Details

• One of a kind swim course in the Osaka Castle moat. Cleanliness and water safety issues aside, there's nothing like it in Japan. 
• Bike course will favor those with excellent technical skills. In the past, the bike and run have involved multiple laps - made challenging when the weather hasn't cooperated. 
• The following Monday is Memorial Day (May 29), if you're operating on a US calendar. ​​

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 Mt. Fuji Triathlon (Yamanashi)

• Race Day: Sunday, September 10
• Registration: TBA
• Olympic Distance

Details

• A relative newcomer to the domestic triathlon scene, 2022 was the inaugural edition taking place in Yamanashi Prefecture. 
• Swim is in a freshwater lake (wetsuit mandatory). Bike course will favor climbers. This is a relatively challenging course during a hot and humid time of year. ​

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Kujukuri Triathlon (Chiba)

• Race Day: Sunday, October 8
• Registration: TBA
• Olympic Distance, Middle Distance

Details

• The following Monday (October 9) is a Japanese public holiday (Sports Day). 
• One of the rare middle distance races in Japan (and in the Kanto region), Kujukuri is a large-scale triathlon with the capacity for 1,000 participants in each category. 
• 2023 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Kujukuri Triathlon, which has almost always taken place in poor weather ranging from light rain to torrential downpour, thunder, lightning, strong winds, and near flooding.