Marathons are hugely popular in Japan. Every year, hundreds of them take place around the country. But the race held in the town of Obuse, in Nagano Prefecture, is very different. The aim of the Obuse Mini Marathon is not to compete against the clock but for participants to enjoy the hospitality of the local area. There are no major tourist attractions in the town. The runners just move at a relaxed pace through the residential areas and around the surrounding countryside. This event has become famous throughout Japan as the marathon with the largest number of runners in fancy dress. In this edition of Journeys in Japan, Sabrina Sayin comes to Obuse to take part in the Mini Marathon.

Okushiri Island-about 84 kilometers in circumference-is located southwest of Hokkaido in remarkably blue and transparent waters. The island has rare rock formations shaped over many, many years, beech forests dating back more than 100 years, and unspoiled nature. In summer, many visitors come for tasting fruit-of-the-sea delicacies, such as freshly collected sea urchin and abalone. In 1993, the island suffered damage from a tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake. But the island has recovered. People are dedicated in their efforts to pass on the lessons from the disaster to future generations.

Across Japan, communities highlight their distinctive charms to attract visitors. On this episode of Journeys in Japan we revisit 3 locales that have come up with creative ways to put themselves on the map, becoming known not only in Japan but around the world.