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 first season broadcast in 2018, the growth story of the protagonist Special Week captivated many fans.
The anime faithfully recreates actual racecourses, with the Tokyo Racecourse in particular appearing frequently as the central stage of the story. Due to the detailed and accurate background depictions, many fans visit it as a popular pilgrimage spot for “sacred site tours.”
Beyond just horse racing fans, the Tokyo Racecourse has become a special place for anime fans as well, with many pilgrims visiting on weekends. It is a precious location where you can experience the atmosphere of an actual racecourse while re-experiencing anime scenes.
Basic Information about Tokyo Racecourse Fuji View Stand (Paddock Side)
Facility Overview
The Tokyo Racecourse is located in Fuchu, Tokyo, and is operated by the Japan Racing Association (JRA). It is one of the world’s largest racecourses with a capacity of approximately 223,000 people and is also a sacred place for horse racing, hosting numerous major races including the Japan Derby.
The Fuji View Stand is the main stand of the Tokyo Racecourse, a massive 7-story building. True to its name, you can see Mount Fuji on clear days—an excellent location.
The paddock side refers to the area of the Fuji View Stand facing the paddock (saddling enclosure). From here, you can observe up close the racehorses adjusting their condition while walking before races.
Access
Access by Train
- Keio Line “Fuchu Keiba Seimonguchi Station”: About 2 minutes walk (nearest station)
- JR Musashino Line / Nambu Line “Fuchu Honcho Station”: About 10 minutes walk
- Keio Line “Higashi-Fuchu Station”: About 15 minutes walk
Fuchu Keiba Seimonguchi Station is directly connected to the main gate of the Tokyo Racecourse and offers the most convenient access. However, on racing days, especially during G1 races, the station becomes extremely crowded, so we recommend allowing extra time for travel.
Access by Car
About 10 minutes from “Chofu IC” on the Chuo Expressway, or about 5 minutes from “Fuchu Smart IC.” However, parking lots often become full on racing days, so public transportation is strongly recommended.
Admission Fees and Operating Hours
Admission Fees
- Racing days: 200 yen (free for ages under 15)
- Free admission days: Free (mainly Mondays or non-racing days)
- Reserved seating: Additional fees required (varies by seat type)
The Tokyo Racecourse offers relatively affordable admission. For pilgrimage purposes, targeting free admission days is recommended. If you want to experience the actual horse racing atmosphere, visiting on racing days is ideal.
Operating Hours
- Racing days: 9:00 AM to around 5:00 PM (until races end)
- Free admission days: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (subject to change)
For detailed racing schedules and free admission dates, check the JRA official website in advance.
Detailed Facility Information about Fuji View Stand (Paddock Side)
1st Floor Paddock Area
The paddock side on the 1st floor is the place where you can see racehorses before races at their closest. For Uma Musume fans, it becomes a special space where you can actually experience the “scene where Uma Musume circle the paddock” depicted in anime with real racehorses.
The paddock is an oval-shaped circuit where racehorses walk with their jockeys, and you can observe them from any angle in a 360-degree view. You can see the horse’s condition, gait, and race readiness—the pre-race tension comes through vividly.
During pilgrimages, while recalling the scene from anime Episode 1 where Special Week is captivated by Silence Suzuka, you can experience the beauty and power of real racehorses.
2nd Floor Paddock View Area
The paddock side on the 2nd floor is one of the most important pilgrimage spots for Uma Musume sacred site tours. From here you can observe the paddock from above, making it an excellent photo spot where you can easily recreate the compositions depicted in anime.
Near the 2nd floor’s 26th pillar is a particularly popular photo spot where you can take pictures from the same angle as in the anime. Many pilgrims visit on weekends and racing days, so enjoy photography with a spirit of sharing space.
From the 2nd floor, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the entire paddock, making it easy to understand horse movements and overall atmosphere. It’s also recommended for those visiting a racecourse for the first time.
Other Floors
The Fuji View Stand is a 7-story building with various facilities on each floor.
3rd-4th floors: Restaurants, food courts, and shops with abundant dining options. You can enjoy racecourse cuisine while waiting for the next race.
5th-6th floors: The Memorial Stand designated seating area where you can watch races comfortably. With spacious seats and large vision screens, you can enjoy races in relaxation.
7th floor: An observation deck where you can see Mount Fuji on clear days. A spectacular viewpoint overlooking the entire course.
Scenes from Uma Musume Anime and Photo Spots
Important Scene from Anime Episode 1
Special Week and Trainer’s First Meeting
In Episode 1 of the anime, when Special Week visits the paddock of the Tokyo Racecourse and becomes captivated by Silence Suzuka’s running, it’s an impressive scene marking the beginning of the story. This scene is presumed to have been filmed from the 2nd floor paddock side of the Fuji View Stand.
When actually making a pilgrimage, look for the same angle as the anime from the position overlooking the paddock on the 2nd floor. The area near the 26th pillar is particularly known as a high-fidelity recreation point.
Trainer’s First Encounter
Also in Episode 1, the scene where Special Week first meets the trainer is also depicted around the paddock. Multiple locations appear, including along the paddock circuit and stand corridors.
Other Appearances
Throughout the anime series, the Tokyo Racecourse appears repeatedly. In important race scenes such as the Japan Derby, the exterior and interior of the Fuji View Stand are depicted in detail.
Scenes of resolution at the paddock: Many Uma Musume scenes show them renewing their determination at the paddock before races. Real racehorses similarly elevate their spirits at the paddock before racing.
Cheering scenes from stands: In scenes where spectators cheer for Uma Musume, the grandness and power of the Fuji View Stand are expressed. Actually visiting reveals even greater scale than depicted in anime.
Photography Tips and Etiquette
Best Times for Photography
For natural light photography, late morning to noon is recommended. The paddock side faces east, so morning light shines beautifully.
Avoiding Crowds
Racing days draw many visitors, so for pilgrimage purposes, targeting weekday free admission days is ideal. You can take your time photographing and easily recreate anime scenes.
Photography Etiquette
- Avoid using tripods during crowded periods
- Be considerate not to block passageways
- Be careful not to inconvenience other visitors
- Note that there may be restrictions on photographing actual racehorses and jockeys—confirm facility rules
- When posting to SNS, be mindful that other visitors’ faces don’t appear in shots
The Appeal of the Paddock and How to Enjoy It
What is a Paddock?
A paddock is the area where racehorses walk with their jockeys before races, also called a “saddling enclosure” in Japanese. For horse racing fans, it’s an important time to assess horse condition. For Uma Musume fans, it’s a special space where you can experience the anime world firsthand.
Points to Check at the Paddock
Horse Condition
You can assess a horse’s condition that day by observing coat shine, muscle definition, and gait. The anime frequently depicts scenes where trainers pay attention to Uma Musume’s condition.
Horse Spirit and Composure
For racehorses before races, balancing proper tension with calmness is important. Horses that are overly excited or lacking energy may not perform well in the actual race.
Jockey-Horse Harmony
The unity between jockey and horse when mounted is also an important checkpoint. The sight of human and horse becoming one for the race evokes the bond between Uma Musume and trainer.
Enjoyment Methods for Uma Musume Fans
One way to enjoy watching racehorses circle the paddock is to recall the anime Uma Musume while observing. Understanding the actual races and episodes of the real horses who are models for Uma Musume deepens appreciation of anime and games.
For example, watching actual race footage of Special Week and Silence Suzuka before making a pilgrimage creates a more moving experience.
Other Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots at Tokyo Racecourse
Main Gate Passage
The passage extending from the main gate of the Tokyo Racecourse is an impressive location appearing in anime openings and endings. Many scenes show Uma Musume dashing through it swiftly, making it a standard pilgrimage spot.
While the passage is crowded with horse racing fans on racing days, it’s relatively quiet on free admission days, allowing leisurely photography.
Horse Preview
Horse Preview is an area where information about racing horses can be checked. The anime has scenes of Uma Musume information being displayed here, offering a taste of actual racecourse atmosphere.
Fuji View Stand (Course Side)
The area facing the course, opposite the paddock side. From here you can watch actual races and experience Uma Musume galloping scenes with real racehorses.
It features a world-class Turf Vision (large video display) for thrilling race viewing. The giant screen frequently appearing in anime delivers overwhelming impact when seen in person.
West Gate Area
The west gate is another entrance to the Tokyo Racecourse, used when coming from Fuchu Honcho Station. The surrounding area has restaurants and merchandise shops where you can enjoy racecourse atmosphere.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in the Fuchu Area
Beyond the Tokyo Racecourse, Uma Musume-related spots dot the surrounding Fuchu area.
Fuchu no Mori Park
A vast park adjacent to the south of Tokyo Racecourse. Anime may feature scenes of Uma Musume training here. You can enjoy strolling and picnicking in this verdant environment.
Okunitama Shrine
A historic shrine 5 minutes walk from Fuchu Station, known as the main shrine of Musashi Province. Horse racing professionals and fans often visit for victory prayers, and pilgrims often include it in their Uma Musume routes.
Fuchu Station Area
The area around Keio Line Fuchu Station has abundant dining and shopping facilities, convenient for stopping before or after visiting the racecourse. Exploring Fuchu town after visiting the racecourse is also recommended.
Planning and Preparing Your Pilgrimage
Recommended Pilgrimage Plans
Half-day Course (For Beginners)
- Arrive at Fuchu Keiba Seimonguchi Station
- Enter Tokyo Racecourse (photograph main gate passage)
- Photograph at Fuji View Stand 2nd floor paddock side
- Experience actual atmosphere at 1st floor paddock
- Tour each floor of Fuji View Stand
- Lunch at racecourse
- Departure
Full-day Course (For In-depth Enjoyment)
- Arrive at Fuchu Station, visit Okunitama Shrine
- Head to Tokyo Racecourse
- Include race watching if on a racing day for pilgrimage
- Detailed tour of all Fuji View Stand areas
- Observe multiple races’ horses at paddock
- Stroll through Fuchu no Mori Park
- Dinner around Fuchu Station
Packing Checklist
- Camera/Smartphone: For documenting pilgrimage
- Backup battery: Essential due to extensive photography
- Anime reference materials: Prepare images for comparison
- Hat and sunscreen: Outdoor areas predominate
- Comfortable walking shoes: Necessary for traversing large grounds
- Drinks: Essential, especially in summer
- Leisure sheet: For resting on grass areas
Weather and Clothing
Since Tokyo Racecourse has many outdoor facilities, weather confirmation is crucial. Bring an umbrella or raincoat for rainy weather. In summer, bring hats and sunscreen due to strong sunlight. In winter, prepare warm clothing as winds can be strong.
Enjoy Actual Horse Racing Too
Horse Racing Appeal for Beginners
As an Uma Musume fan, you’ll likely enjoy actual horse racing. The descendants of the famous horses who inspired Uma Musume are running at Tokyo Racecourse today.
How to Buy Racing Tickets
Racing tickets available in small amounts are tools to further enjoy races. Beginners should start with win (1st place) or place (top 3) bets starting from 100 yen.
How to Watch Races
Actual races have more impact and emotion than anime depicts. The sound of horses running, crowd cheers, and pre-finish tension can only be experienced at the venue.
Major Races and Schedule
Tokyo Racecourse hosts many important races throughout the year.
Spring Season (February-June)
- February Stakes (G1, February)
- Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1, March)
- Oka Sho (G1, April)
- NHK Mile Cup (G1, May)
- Tokyo Yushun (Japan Derby) (G1, May)
- Yasuda Kinen (G1, June)
Fall 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 depicted in the Uma Musume anime are particularly exciting races. Making a pilgrimage during these major race days lets you experience the anime world even more vividly.
Surrounding Facilities and Gourmet Information
Dining at the Racecourse
Tokyo Racecourse offers diverse dining options.
Within Fuji View Stand
- Restaurants: Western, Japanese, Chinese and diverse menus
- Food court: Casual dining options
- Cafés: Perfect for breaks
- Shops: Light meals and drinks available
Specialty Dishes
- Racecourse curry: Popular standard menu at many racecourses
- Turfy Yakisoba: Menu inspired by Tokyo Racecourse mascot “Turfy”
- Various rice bowls: Satisfying and popular
Gourmet Spots Around Fuchu Station
Lunch Options
The area around Fuchu Station has diverse dining establishments, convenient for visiting before heading to the racecourse or on return.
- Teishoku restaurants: Satisfying lunch at reasonable prices
- Ramen shops: Fuchu has many popular ramen establishments
- Cafés: Ideal for planning your pilgrimage
Important Notes and Etiquette for Pilgrimages
Facility Usage Rules
Photography Notes
- Commercial photography requires prior permission
- Be considerate not to inconvenience other visitors
- Photography in restricted areas is strictly prohibited
- There may be restrictions on photographing racehorses and jockeys
Crowding Precautions on Racing Days
G1 race days can attract tens of thousands of visitors, causing significant crowding.
- Aim to arrive early
- Anticipate crowding at stations and gates
- Consider leaving before the final race to avoid departure congestion
Respectful Pilgrimage
Consideration for Local Residents
The area around Tokyo Racecourse includes residential neighborhoods. Avoid loud conversations and trespassing on private property.
Trash Disposal
Dispose of any trash from photography in designated bins or take it with you. Maintaining sacred sites is pilgrims’ responsibility.
SNS Posting Considerations
When posting photos to SNS, ensure other visitors’ faces and personal information don’t appear. Also be considerate of spoiler avoidance.
Summary: Experiencing the Ultimate Sacred Site Pilgrimage at Tokyo Racecourse
The Fuji View Stand paddock side at Tokyo Racecourse is the sacred site where you can most vividly experience the world of Uma Musume Pretty Derby. The joy of recreating anime scenes at actual locations is incomparable for fans.
Seeing real racehorses at the paddock deepens understanding of the famous horses who inspired Uma Musume. Experiencing horse racing history and culture makes anime and games even more enjoyable.
When planning pilgrimages, confirm racing schedules and weather in advance and plan with margin. Using free admission days lets you enjoy pilgrimages affordably.
Tokyo Racecourse is a special place for Uma Musume fans and a wonderful facility to experience horse racing’s appeal. Remember etiquette and consideration for other visitors while enjoying the ultimate sacred site pilgrimage experience.
Please experience the beauty and power of real racehorses and the emotion depicted in anime at Tokyo Racecourse’s Fuji View Stand paddock side. Uma Musume’s world will surely feel much closer.
