The World Masters Games are the world's largest multi-sport event for adult athletes, and the next edition is in Japan: World Masters Games 2027 Kansai, from 14 to 30 May 2027. Anyone aged 30 or over can enter, with no qualifying standard. For sports tour operators and clubs, that means a large, travelling market with a fixed date.
The key facts
- Dates. 14 to 30 May 2027, 17 days in all.
- Who can enter. Athletes aged 30 and over. There is no upper age limit.
- Sports. 35 sports and 59 disciplines, including baseball, the half marathon, judo, karate, tennis and weightlifting.
- Entry period. Online entry opened on 2 March 2026 and closes on 28 February 2027.
- Venues. Events are spread across the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, with rowing on Lake Biwa and football at J-GREEN Sakai.
What it means for the trade
- Rooms by venue. Venues are in several cities. We base each team near its own venue, not simply in central Osaka.
- Golden Week is before it. The Games start after the Golden Week holidays, but rooms in Kyoto and Osaka are busy in May. Early holds matter; see our peak periods guide.
- Companions. Many athletes travel with a partner or family. A good package has a programme for them too.
- Equipment. Teams with bikes, boats or large kit need planned transfers and storage.
- Before and after. Athletes often add a few days of touring. Kansai makes this easy; see our day trips from Osaka.
How we plan it
We build rooms, transfers and companion programmes around each team's venue and schedule. Registration is done by each athlete with the organisers. For other events, see our marathon and running events guide.
FAQ
When are the World Masters Games 2027? 14 to 30 May 2027, across the Kansai region of Japan.
Who can take part in the World Masters Games? Anyone aged 30 or over. There is no qualifying standard and no upper age limit.
When does entry close? The entry period runs until 28 February 2027.
Want a World Masters Games package for your clients? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
