【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Tokyo Racecourse・Fujiview Stand (Paddock Side) Complete Guide | Holy Land Pilgrimage Highlights and Access Information
What is Uma Musume Pretty Derby?
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a popular content that depicts the story of “Uma Musume” (humanoid versions of real racehorses) aiming for the top in races. In the anime’s first season, which aired in 2018, the growth story of the protagonist Special Week captivated many fans.
The anime faithfully recreates actual racecourses, and in particular, Tokyo Racecourse frequently appears as a central setting in the story. Due to the meticulous and accurate background depiction, it has become a popular spot where many fans visit for “holy land pilgrimage.”
Tokyo Racecourse has become a special place not only for racing fans but also for anime fans, with many pilgrims visiting on weekends. It is a valuable location where you can experience the atmosphere of an actual racecourse while re-experiencing scenes from the anime.
Basic Information about Tokyo Racecourse・Fujiview Stand (Paddock Side)
Facility Overview
Tokyo Racecourse is located in Fuchu, Tokyo, and is a world-class racecourse operated by the Japan Racing Association (JRA). With a capacity of approximately 223,000 people, it is also a holy ground for horse racing where numerous major races, including the Japan Derby, are held.
Fujiview Stand is the main stand of Tokyo Racecourse, a massive 7-story building. True to its name, on clear days, you can see Mount Fuji from this excellent location.
The paddock side refers to the area of Fujiview Stand that faces the paddock (pre-race inspection area). From here, you can observe up close the racehorses preparing their condition while walking before the race.
Access Methods
Access by Train
- Keio Line “Fuchu Keiba Seimen Station”: About 2 minutes on foot (nearest station)
- JR Musashino Line/Nanbu Line “Fuchu Honcho Station”: About 10 minutes on foot
- Keio Line “Higashi-Fuchu Station”: About 15 minutes on foot
Fuchu Keiba Seimen Station connects directly to the main gate of Tokyo Racecourse, making it the most convenient access point. However, on racing days, especially during G1 race events, it becomes extremely crowded, so it is recommended to allow extra time for travel.
Access by Car
About 10 minutes from the “Chofu IC” on the Chuo Expressway, or about 5 minutes from “Fuchu Smart IC.” However, on race days, parking lots often fill up, and the use of public transportation is strongly recommended.
Admission Fees and Hours of Operation
Admission Fees
- Race Days: 200 yen (free for those under 15 years old)
- Free Entry Days: Free (mainly on Mondays or non-racing days)
- Designated Seats: Additional fees required (varies by seat type)
Tokyo Racecourse offers relatively affordable admission, and for holy land pilgrimage purposes, it is recommended to aim for free entry days. If you want to experience the atmosphere of actual racing, visiting on a race day would be ideal.
Hours of Operation
- Race Days: 9:00 AM to around 5:00 PM (until race completion)
- Free Entry Days: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (subject to change)
It is recommended to check the JRA official website in advance for detailed event schedules and free entry days.
Facility Details of Fujiview Stand (Paddock Side)
1st Floor Paddock Area
The paddock side on the first floor is the place where you can see racehorses before a race up closest. For Uma Musume fans, it becomes a special space where they can actually experience the “scene where Uma Musume walk around the paddock” depicted in the anime with real racehorses.
The paddock is an oval circuit where racehorses walk with jockeys mounted, and you can observe them from any angle at 360 degrees. The horse’s condition, gait, and level of determination before the race convey a sense of pre-race tension.
During a holy land pilgrimage, you can feel the actual beauty and power of real racehorses while recalling the scene from the anime’s first episode where Special Week is captivated by Silence Suzuka.
2nd Floor Paddock View Area
The paddock side on the second floor is one of the most important spots for Uma Musume holy land pilgrimages. From here you can observe the paddock from above, making it an ideal photo spot where you can easily recreate the composition depicted in the anime.
The area around 2nd Floor Pillar 26 is particularly popular for photography, where you can take photos at the same angle as the anime. On weekends and race days, many pilgrims visit, so please enjoy photography with a spirit of consideration for others.
From the second floor, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the entire paddock, making it easy to understand the movement of racehorses and the overall atmosphere, and it is also recommended as a viewpoint for those visiting a racecourse for the first time.
Other Floors
Fujiview Stand is a 7-story building with various facilities on each floor.
3rd to 4th Floors: Restaurants, food courts, and shops with abundant dining facilities. You can enjoy racecourse cuisine and spend time until the next race.
5th to 6th Floors: The Memorial Stand, a designated seating area where you can comfortably watch races. You can enjoy races while sitting in spacious seats and watching the large video display.
7th Floor: There is an observation deck where, on clear days, you can see Mount Fuji. It is a scenic spot overlooking the entire course.
Scenes from the Uma Musume Anime and Photography Spots
Important Scenes from Anime Episode 1
Special Week and the Trainer’s First Meeting
In anime episode 1, when Special Week visits the paddock at Tokyo Racecourse and is captivated by Silence Suzuka’s running, this is an impressive scene announcing the beginning of the story. This scene is presumed to have been filmed from the paddock side of Fujiview Stand on the 2nd floor.
When actually doing a holy land pilgrimage, try to find the same angle as the anime by looking down at the paddock from the 2nd floor. The area around Pillar 26 is known as a particularly high-fidelity recreation spot.
First Meeting with the Trainer
Also in the first episode, the scene where Special Week first meets the trainer is depicted around the paddock area. Multiple locations appear, including along the paddock circuit and hallways in the stand.
Other Appearance Scenes
Throughout the anime series, Tokyo Racecourse appears multiple times. In important race scenes such as the Japan Derby, the exterior and interior of Fujiview Stand are depicted in detail.
Determination Scenes at the Paddock: Scenes are depicted where many Uma Musume renew their determination before races at the paddock. Real racehorses also similarly heighten their feelings toward racing at the paddock.
Cheering Scenes from the Stand: In scenes where spectators cheer Uma Musume from the spectator seats, the size and impact of Fujiview Stand are expressed. When you actually visit, you can experience even greater scale than depicted in the anime.
Photography Tips and Etiquette
Optimal Photography Time
Morning through noon is ideal for photography that takes advantage of natural light. Since the paddock side faces east, the morning light is beautiful.
Ways to Avoid Crowds
Since race days attract many visitors, for holy land pilgrimage purposes, it’s good to aim for weekday free entry days. You can shoot leisurely and easily recreate anime scenes.
Photography Etiquette
- Avoid using tripods during crowded times
- Be considerate not to block pathways
- Be careful not to inconvenience other visitors
- Photography of actual racehorses and jockeys may be restricted, so check facility rules
- When posting on SNS, be considerate not to have other visitors’ faces in the shot
Charm and Ways to Enjoy the Paddock
What is a Paddock?
A paddock is a place where racehorses walk around in circles with mounted jockeys before a race, and in Japanese is also called “shitamidokoro” (inspection area). For racing fans, it is an important time to assess a horse’s condition, and for Uma Musume fans, it is a special space where they can actually experience the anime world.
Points to Check at the Paddock
Horse’s Condition
You can judge a racehorse’s condition for the day from its coat shine, muscle development, and gait. In the Uma Musume anime as well, scenes are frequently depicted where trainers are concerned about the condition of Uma Musume.
Horse’s Determination and Composure
Before a race, appropriate tension and composure balance is important for a horse. Horses that are overly excited or conversely lack energy may not be able to perform at their best.
Unity Between Jockey and Horse
The unity between jockey and horse when mounted is also an important checkpoint. The sight of horse and rider becoming one as they head into a race is reminiscent of the bond between Uma Musume and trainers.
Ways to Enjoy Unique to Uma Musume Fans
One way to enjoy it is to imagine the Uma Musume from the anime while watching racehorses circle the paddock. By learning about the actual running and episodes of the real famous horses that are models for Uma Musume, your understanding of the anime and games deepens.
For example, if you watch actual race footage of Special Week or Silence Suzuka before a holy land pilgrimage, the experience will be more moving.
Other Holy Land Pilgrimage Spots at Tokyo Racecourse
Main Gate Passage
The passage leading from the main gate of Tokyo Racecourse is an impressive place that appears in the anime’s opening and ending. Scenes of many Uma Musume dashing through briskly are depicted, and it has become a standard spot for holy land pilgrimages.
On race days, the passage is crowded with many racing fans, but on free entry days, it is relatively empty, allowing for leisurely photography.
Horse Preview
Horse Preview is an area where you can check information about running horses. The anime also features scenes where Uma Musume information is posted, making it a place to experience the actual racecourse atmosphere.
Fujiview Stand (Course Side)
The opposite side from the paddock side, facing the racing course. From here you can watch actual races and experience the Uma Musume sprinting scene with real racehorses.
There is a world-class Turf Vision (large video display), allowing you to enjoy powerful race footage. The giant screen that frequently appears in the anime has overwhelming impact when seen in person.
West Gate Area
The west gate is another entrance to Tokyo Racecourse, used when coming from Fuchu Honcho Station. The surrounding area has restaurants and merchandise shops, allowing you to enjoy the racecourse atmosphere.
Holy Land Pilgrimage Spots in the Fuchu Area
Beyond Tokyo Racecourse, there are Uma Musume-related spots scattered throughout the nearby Fuchu area.
Fuchu no Mori Park
A vast park adjacent to the south of Tokyo Racecourse. In the anime, it may appear in scenes where Uma Musume are training. You can enjoy a scenic stroll or picnic in this lush environment.
Oyama Shrine
A historic shrine about 5 minutes on foot from Fuchu Station, known as the Ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Musashi Province. Racing enthusiasts and fans often visit to pray for victory, and it is sometimes included in Uma Musume fan holy land pilgrimage courses.
Around Fuchu Station
The area around Keio Fuchu Station is well-equipped with restaurants and shopping facilities, convenient for visiting before or after your racecourse trip. It’s also recommended to explore the Fuchu area on your way back from the racecourse.
Planning and Preparation for Holy Land Pilgrimage
Recommended Pilgrimage Plans
Half-Day Course (For Beginners)
- Arrive at Fuchu Keiba Seimen Station
- Enter Tokyo Racecourse (photograph at main gate passage)
- Photograph at 2nd floor paddock side of Fujiview Stand
- Experience the actual atmosphere at paddock 1st floor
- View each floor of Fujiview Stand
- Have lunch inside the racecourse
- Return
Full-Day Course (Leisurely Enjoyment)
- Arrive at Fuchu Station, visit Oyama Shrine
- Move to Tokyo Racecourse
- If it’s a race day, holy land pilgrimage including race viewing
- Detailed viewing of all areas of Fujiview Stand
- Observe horses from multiple races at the paddock
- Stroll through Fuchu no Mori Park
- Have dinner around Fuchu Station
Packing Checklist
- Camera/Smartphone: For recording your holy land pilgrimage
- Backup Battery: Essential as photography will be extensive
- Anime Reference Materials: Prepare images for comparison
- Hat/Sunscreen: Essential for outdoor areas
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: For walking the vast grounds
- Beverages: Especially essential in summer
- Leisure Sheet: For resting on grass areas
Weather and Clothing
Since Tokyo Racecourse has many outdoor facilities, checking the weather is important. For rainy weather, prepare an umbrella or raincoat. In summer, sunlight is strong, so hats and sunburn protection are essential. In winter, wind can be strong, so prepare adequate winter clothing.
Also Enjoy Actual Horse Racing
Charm of Horse Racing Enjoyable Even for Beginners
If you are an Uma Musume fan, you will likely also enjoy actual horse racing. Descendants of the famous horses that are models for Uma Musume still run at Tokyo Racecourse today.
How to Buy Betting Tickets
Betting tickets, which can be enjoyed with small amounts, are a tool to enjoy races more. Beginners are recommended to start with Tansho (betting on 1st place) or Fukusho (betting on top 3) which can be purchased for 100 yen.
How to Watch Races
Actual races have more power and emotion than depicted in anime. The sound of horses running, cheers from spectators, and the tension before the finish are experiences that can only be had on-site.
Major Races and Schedule
Throughout the year, many important races are held at Tokyo Racecourse.
Spring Season (February-June)
- February Stakes (G1・February)
- Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1・March)
- Oka Sho (1000 Guineas) (G1・April)
- NHK Mile Cup (G1・May)
- Tokyo Yusun (Japan Derby) (G1・May)
- Yasuda Kinen (G1・June)
Autumn Season (September-December)
- Sprinters Stakes (G1・October)
- Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1・October)
- Japan Cup (G1・November)
- Tokyo Daishoten (G1・December)
The Japan Derby and Tenno Sho, which are depicted in the Uma Musume anime, are particularly exciting races. Doing a holy land pilgrimage on these big race days allows you to experience the anime world even more deeply.
Surrounding Facilities and Gourmet Information
Dining at the Racecourse
Tokyo Racecourse has a variety of restaurants.
Inside Fujiview Stand
- Restaurants: Western, Japanese, Chinese and more diverse menus
- Food Courts: Casual dining
- Cafes: Perfect for breaks
- Shops: Light meals and beverages
Specialty Cuisine
- Racecourse Curry: A standard popular menu at many racecourses
- Turfie Yakisoba: A menu inspired by Tokyo Racecourse’s mascot character “Turfie”
- Various Rice Bowl Dishes: Satisfying portions and popular
Gourmet Spots Around Fuchu Station
Lunch Spots
The area around Fuchu Station has a variety of restaurants. It’s convenient to stop by before heading to the racecourse or on your way back.
- Teishokuya (Set Meal Restaurants): Satisfying lunches at reasonable prices
- Ramen Shops: Fuchu has many popular ramen restaurants
- Cafes: Ideal for planning your holy land pilgrimage
Precautions and Etiquette for Holy Land Pilgrimage
Rules for Facility Use
Photography-Related Precautions
- Commercial photography requires prior permission
- Be considerate not to inconvenience other visitors
- Photography in restricted areas is strictly prohibited
- Photography of racehorses and jockeys may be restricted
Congestion Management on Race Days
Tens of thousands of people visit on G1 race days, causing significant congestion.
- Aim to arrive early
- Anticipate congestion at stations and entrances
- Consider leaving before the final race to avoid congestion on the way back
Holy Land Pilgrimage Following Proper Etiquette
Consideration for Local Residents
The area around Tokyo Racecourse includes residential neighborhoods. Avoid loud conversation and trespassing on private property.
Trash Disposal
Always take any trash generated during photography or dispose of it in designated trash bins. It is the responsibility of pilgrims to keep the holy site clean.
Consideration When Posting on SNS
When posting photos taken on SNS, be careful not to have other visitors’ faces or personal information in the shot. It is also important to be considerate about avoiding spoilers.
Summary: Experience the Best Holy Land Pilgrimage at Tokyo Racecourse
Fujiview Stand (Paddock Side) at Tokyo Racecourse is a holy site where you can most vividly experience the world of Uma Musume Pretty Derby. For fans, the joy of recreating scenes depicted in anime at actual locations is something special.
By seeing real racehorses at the paddock, your understanding of the famous horses that are models for Uma Musume deepens. By touching racing history and culture, anime and games become even more enjoyable.
When planning a holy land pilgrimage, it is recommended to check the racing schedule and weather in advance and make a plan with plenty of time. By taking advantage of free entry days, you can enjoy holy land pilgrimage at a reasonable cost.
Tokyo Racecourse is a special place for Uma Musume fans and at the same time a wonderful facility to experience the charm of horse racing. Please enjoy the best holy land pilgrimage experience while following etiquette and being considerate of other visitors.
Please experience the beauty and strength of real racehorses and the emotion depicted in the anime at Fujiview Stand (Paddock Side) at Tokyo Racecourse. Surely, the world of Uma Musume will feel even closer to you.
