For fans of “Uma Musume: Pretty Derby,” Tokyo Racecourse is one of the most important sacred places. In particular, the paddock and horse preview scenes that Special Week visits for the first time in the first episode of the anime are known as memorable scenes that have touched the hearts of many fans.
This article comprehensively explains all the information necessary for pilgrimage to Uma Musume sacred sites, centering on the horse preview area of Tokyo Racecourse. From how to recreate anime scenes, photography spots, and access information to how to enjoy the actual racecourse, we provide detailed guidance so that even first-time visitors can make their pilgrimage with peace of mind.
What is Uma Musume: Pretty Derby
“Uma Musume: Pretty Derby” is a story about “uma musume” (horse girls)—beautiful girls who are humanized versions of real famous racehorses—competing for victory in races called the Twinkle Series. The first season of the anime was broadcast in 2018, the second season in 2021, and the third season in 2023.
The game app also became a huge hit and is supported by not only horse racing fans but a wide audience. A major characteristic of the work is that it faithfully reproduces actual racecourses and historical races. Tokyo Racecourse has become one of the most frequently appearing and important settings.
In the anime, numerous famous races held at Tokyo Racecourse are depicted, such as the Japan Derby, Arima Kinen, and Japan Cup, with the atmosphere and facilities of the actual racecourse faithfully recreated in detail.
Basic Information About Tokyo Racecourse
Facility Overview
Tokyo Racecourse is located in Fuchu, Tokyo, and is one of Japan’s largest racecourses managed by the Japan Racing Association (JRA). With a capacity of approximately 220,000 people and modern facilities including the Fuji View Stand, it is a state-of-the-art facility.
Facility Features:
- Turf Course: 2,083m (outer loop), 1,899m (inner loop)
- Dirt Course: 1,600m
- Fuji View Stand: 7-story large stand building
- Paddock: Area where you can preview the runners
- Horse Preview: Exhibition area where you can observe horses up close
Race Schedule
Many races are held at Tokyo Racecourse throughout the year. The main hosting periods are as follows:
Spring Season (February–May):
- February Stakes (February)
- Takamatsunomiya Kinen (March)
- Oka Sho (April)
- Tenno Sho (Spring) (April–May)
- NHK Mile Cup (May)
- Japan Derby (May)
Fall Season (October–December):
- Tenno Sho (Fall) (October–November)
- Japan Cup (November)
- Arima Kinen (December)
For Uma Musume fan pilgrimages, these G1 race days are especially recommended. The entire racecourse is bustling with activity, allowing you to experience the atmosphere depicted in the anime to the fullest.
Admission Fees and Operating Hours
Admission:
- General admission: 200 yen
- Reserved seats: Additional fees (varies by seat type)
- Under 15 years old: Free
Operating Hours:
- Gate opens: Usually around 9:00–10:00 a.m. (varies by race)
- Final race ends and closes approximately 30 minutes later
On non-race days, general admission is generally not permitted, but entry may be possible during facility tours or event hosting. We recommend checking the JRA official website in advance.
About Horse Preview
The Role of Horse Preview
The Horse Preview is a facility located on the first floor of the Fuji View Stand at Tokyo Racecourse, on the paddock side. It is the area that horses destined to race pass through before heading to the paddock, and it is a precious place where fans can observe the horses up close.
Main Features:
- Bright glass-enclosed space
- Very close distance to horses
- Ability to confirm detailed information about the horse’s expression and condition
- Environment ideal for photography
For actual racing fans, it is an important location for assessing a horse’s condition. Bettors observe the horse’s coat quality, gait, and level of enthusiasm to determine their decisions for placing wagers. The atmosphere is faithfully recreated in the Uma Musume anime as well.
Depiction in the Uma Musume Anime
In the first episode of the anime “Uma Musume: Pretty Derby,” the scene where Special Week visits Tokyo Racecourse for the first time is depicted impressively. The scene where various uma musume are observed in the horse preview and paddock areas is an important scene that symbolizes the work’s world.
Main Scenes Featured in the Anime:
- Scene where Special Week watches other uma musume through glass
- The elegant appearance of Silence Suzuka
- Conversation between trainer and uma musume
- The tense atmosphere before a race
These scenes faithfully recreate the structure and atmosphere of the actual Tokyo Racecourse, and when you visit for a pilgrimage, you can experience the emotion of “This is exactly the place from the anime!”
Sacred Site Pilgrimage: Horse Preview Highlights
Photography Spot Detailed Guide
1. Horse Preview Front
The composition of viewing the horse (or its passage) from the glass-enclosed area can recreate Special Week’s perspective from the first episode of the anime.
Photography Tips:
- Time: Most lively 1 hour to 30 minutes before race start
- Angle: Shooting at a 45-degree angle to the glass reduces glare
- Settings: The interior is bright, so avoid raising ISO sensitivity too much
- Timing: Aim for the moment the horse passes (about 20 minutes before the race)
2. View from the Paddock Side
The passage leading from the Horse Preview to the Paddock is ideal for recreating scenes of uma musume walking.
Photography Tips:
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire space
- Utilize the flow of people for dynamic photos
- The ceiling structure is also faithful to the anime, so shooting from a low angle looking up is also recommended
3. Fuji View Stand 1st Floor Lobby
The lobby area surrounding the Horse Preview serves as the background for scenes where uma musume gather.
Photography Tips:
- Pay attention to the structure of pillars and ceiling
- Natural light entering times (morning) are beautiful
- On race days, it’s crowded, so earlier times are recommended
Tips for Recreating Anime Scenes
Special Week’s Perspective from Episode 1
- Positioning: In front of the Horse Preview glass, center slightly to the left
- Camera Height: At eye level (approximately 150–160 cm)
- Composition: Viewing the passage through glass
- Time of Day: During the busy time before the race
Silence Suzuka’s Elegant Scene
- Positioning: Area close to the paddock
- Camera Angle: Composition looking slightly upward
- Timing: The moment the horse (uma musume) walks quietly
- Background: Take advantage of the bright space with natural light
Recommended Visiting Times by Season
Spring (March–May)
Reasons to Recommend:
- Japan Derby (May) allows you to experience famous anime scenes
- Sakura season allows for combined pilgrimage with Fuchu no Mori Park
- Pleasant weather makes extended stays comfortable
Major Races:
- Oka Sho: Important race depicting uma musume’s growth
- NHK Mile Cup: Festival of milers
- Japan Derby: Most exciting G1 race
Fall (October–December)
Reasons to Recommend:
- Arima Kinen (December) is the year-end grand event
- Tenno Sho (Fall), Japan Cup, and other G1s race consecutively
- Autumn foliage season allows for enjoyable surrounding exploration
Major Races:
- Tenno Sho (Fall): Middle-distance champion determination
- Japan Cup: International G1 race
- Arima Kinen: Grand prix race with important positioning in anime
Benefits of Weekday Racing
While weekend G1 races are extremely crowded, weekday races offer the following benefits:
- Fewer people, allowing for leisurely photography
- Times when you can have the Horse Preview to yourself
- Can tour the entire facility calmly
- Can enjoy an off-the-beaten-path atmosphere
Access Information and Surrounding Facilities
Train Access
Keio Line “Fuchu Keiba Seimonguchi Station” (Nearest Station)
Access:
- About 25 minutes via Keio Line Express from Shinjuku Station
- 2-minute walk from station to Tokyo Racecourse main entrance
- Most convenient access method
Features:
- Increased service on race days with additional stops
- Uma Musume-related advertisements may be displayed in the station
- Dining and convenience stores nearby
JR “Fuchu Honcho Station”
Access:
- JR Musashino Line and Nambu Line available
- About 15-minute walk from station to Tokyo Racecourse
- West gate is the nearest entrance
Features:
- Less crowded than Keio Line
- Shopping street along the walking route
- Can approach via Fuchu no Mori Park while sightseeing
JR “Higashi-Fuchu Station”
Access:
- JR Musashino Line
- About 20-minute walk from station to Tokyo Racecourse
Features:
- Least crowded route
- Quiet route through residential area
- Recommended when you have extra time
Access by Car
Major Roads:
- About 10 minutes from Fuchu Smart IC on the Chuo Expressway
- About 15 minutes from Chofu IC on the Chuo Expressway
Parking Information:
- Capacity: Approximately 3,000 spaces
- Fee: 2,000 yen (on race days)
- Note: On G1 race days, parking fills up early in the morning
Recommendation:
On G1 race days, public transportation is strongly recommended. Surrounding roads become extremely congested, and parking lots fill up early.
Surrounding Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
Fuchu no Mori Park
A vast park adjacent to the west side of Tokyo Racecourse. It appears in the anime as a background for scenes of uma musume training.
Highlights:
- Spacious lawn area
- Cherry blossom-lined paths (spring season)
- Jogging course
- Viewpoint overlooking Tokyo Racecourse
Access:
- 5-minute walk from Tokyo Racecourse west gate
- 10-minute walk from JR Fuchu Honcho Station
Okuunitama Shrine
A historic shrine located in the center of Fuchu City, said to be the model for the shrine Special Week visits in the first episode of the anime.
Highlights:
- Majestic main hall
- Tree-lined approach
- Benefits for winning luck
Access:
- 5-minute walk from Keio Line Fuchu Station
- About 20-minute walk from Tokyo Racecourse
Higashi-Fuchu Station
The model for the station where Special Week gets off in the first episode of the anime.
Highlights:
- Station building exterior
- View from the platform
- Station forecourt atmosphere
Photography Points:
- Photograph the station building from outside the ticket gates
- Platform atmosphere (photography should be considerate of other passengers)
How to Enjoy Actual Horse Race Spectating
Beginner’s Guide to Horse Race Spectating
Among Uma Musume fans, many come to the racecourse for sacred site pilgrimage without prior racing experience. Here we explain the basics of horse racing spectating that even beginners can enjoy.
How to Place Bets
Basic Types of Wagers:
- Win: Bet on the horse that finishes first (most straightforward)
- Place: Bet on a horse that finishes in the top three (easier to win)
- Exacta: Bet on first and second place finishers (order doesn’t matter)
- Quinella: Bet on first and second place finishers in correct order
- Trifecta: Bet on first through third place finishers (order doesn’t matter)
How to Purchase:
- Fill out a marking sheet
- Purchase at self-service ticket machine
- Purchase at the window (recommended for beginners)
Beginner Tips:
- Start with small amounts of 100–500 yen
- Use win or place bets to get a feel for it
- It’s fine to choose based on your favorite horse’s name or number
Race Spectating Pointers
Paddock Viewing (15 minutes before race):
- Check the horse’s gait
- Observe coat quality and physique
- Watch the jockey’s expression
Horse Preview (20 minutes before race):
- Confirm the horse’s composure
- Observe its level of enthusiasm
- Appreciate the horse’s beauty
Race Spectating:
- Grandstand spectating: Easy to grasp the overall flow
- Spectating near the finish line: Thrilling and exciting
- Watching on monitors: Understand the detailed developments
Enjoyment Methods Specific to Uma Musume Fans
Finding the Original Horse Models
Uma Musume characters are modeled after real famous racehorses. Current competitors or descendants of retired champions sometimes appear in races.
How to Find Them:
- Check bloodlines in the race program
- Pay attention to information like “child of ○○” or “grandchild of ○○”
- Horse names sometimes include the name of the model horse
Experiencing Anime Races
Watching in person races depicted in the anime, such as the Japan Derby or Arima Kinen, deepens your understanding of the work.
Recommended Races:
- Japan Derby: Central to Special Week’s story
- Arima Kinen: The grand prix that many uma musume aspire to
- Tenno Sho (Fall): Battle for the middle-distance crown
- Japan Cup: International grand stage
Racecourse Gourmet Dining
Tokyo Racecourse has diverse dining options, and gourmet food is another source of enjoyment.
Popular Menu Items:
- Racecourse Curry: A classic dish
- Turfee Cafe: Stylish cafe menu
- Various bento boxes: Enjoying meals on the stand is part of the experience
- Craft Beer: A drink after the races
Photography Etiquette and Precautions
Basic Photography Etiquette
When photographing during sacred site pilgrimage, observe the following etiquette.
Basic Rules:
- Be considerate of other visitors
- Do not block passages
- Judge tripod use based on surroundings
- Do not use flash directed at horses (may startle them)
- Avoid prolonged occupation of spaces
Prohibited Actions:
- Entering restricted areas
- Loud voices directed at horses or jockeys
- Photographing from dangerous locations
- Commercial use photography (requires advance permission)
Rules at the Racecourse
Dress Code:
- No specific regulations, but comfortable, easy-to-move clothing recommended
- Sun protection for summer, warm clothing for winter
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking around
What to Bring:
- Camera/smartphone
- Mobile battery (for extended stays)
- Sunscreen and hat (summer)
- Winter clothing (winter)
- Picnic mat (can be used in grass areas)
Prohibited Items:
- Entry into the race track area
- Pets (service dogs excepted)
- Dangerous items
- Large luggage (use coin lockers)
Other Highlights of Fuji View Stand
Paddock
Located next to the Horse Preview, the paddock is where the runners circle. It is an important area frequently featured in the anime.
Features:
- View horses walking up close as they actually race
- Witness the moment jockeys mount
- The circuit takes about 2 minutes to complete
- Tiered seating provides good viewing
Photography Points:
- Front of the paddock circuit
- Near the mounting area
- Overhead view from upper steps
Winners Circle
After a race, the winning horse and related parties take commemorative photos at this location.
Highlights:
- The excitement of victory
- Interviews with horse owners and trainers
- The commemorative photo session
Access:
- Located behind the paddock
- Moving immediately after the race ends provides a good viewing position
Observation Deck
The observation deck on the top floor of Fuji View Stand offers a panoramic view of the entire racecourse.
Views:
- Panoramic view of the entire course
- Scenery toward Fuchu no Mori Park
- Mount Fuji visible on clear days
Photography Points:
- Overhead photography of the entire race
- Expressing the vastness of the racecourse
- Atmosphere photography at dusk
Event Information
Uma Musume-Related Events
The Tokyo Racecourse occasionally hosts collaboration events related to Uma Musume.
Past Examples:
- Panel exhibitions
- Life-size panel installation
- Collaboration merchandise sales
- Voice actor talk shows
- Stamp rallies
How to Get Information:
- JRA official website
- Uma Musume official Twitter
- Racecourse official SNS
Regular Events
Family-Oriented Events:
- Pony riding experience
- Petting zoo
- Kids area
For Horse Racing Fans:
- Stable tours
- Jockey talk shows
- Backstage tours
Other Attractions in the Fuchu Area
Around Fuchu Station
The area around Keio Line Fuchu Station is the gateway to Tokyo Racecourse and has abundant commercial facilities.
Main Facilities:
- Isetan Fuchu Store
- Foris (shopping mall)
- Cururu (commercial facility)
Dining:
- Longtime local restaurants
- Chain restaurants well-represented
- Easy to stop by after leaving the racecourse
Fuchu City Museum of Local History and Folklore
A museum where you can learn about the history and culture of Fuchu. It also has a planetarium.
Highlights:
- Reconstructed traditional houses
- Seasonal flowers (plum blossoms, hydrangeas)
- Planetarium
Access:
- Bus from Keio Line Wakakusu Station
- About 15 minutes by car from Tokyo Racecourse
How to Enjoy by Season
Spring (March–May)
Highlights:
- Cherry blossoms blooming (Fuchu no Mori Park)
- Beautiful fresh greenery
- Japan Derby excitement
Recommended Way to Spend Your Time:
- Morning flower viewing at Fuchu no Mori Park
- Afternoon horse race spectating at the racecourse
- Evening shrine visit at Okuunitama Shrine
Summer (June–August)
Highlights:
- Lush green scenery
- Summer racing (July–August)
Cautions:
- Strong sunlight requires sun protection measures
- Frequent water breaks essential
- Can cool off in indoor areas
Fall (September–November)
Highlights:
- Beautiful autumn foliage
- Consecutive G1 race hosting
- Tenno Sho (Fall), Japan Cup
Recommended Way to Spend Your Time:
- Morning photography at Horse Preview
- Afternoon watching stakes races
- Evening autumn foliage viewing
Winter (December–February)
Highlights:
- Arima Kinen (December)
- Clear winter air
- February Stakes (February)
Cautions:
- Prepare thorough cold-weather protection
- Outdoors are cold, but indoors have heating
- Early sunset requires careful time management
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Can beginners to horse racing also enjoy this?
Yes, absolutely. Many Uma Musume fans start without prior horse racing experience. You can enjoy it without buying racing tickets—just watching races and touring the facilities is worthwhile. Simply seeing the horses up close at the paddock or horse preview is valuable.
Is it easy to go alone?
Very easy. Many people visit the racecourse alone and can enjoy it at their own pace. Many Uma Musume fans also visit, so you may meet people who share your interests.
How long should I plan to spend?
For pilgrimage alone, plan on 2–3 hours; including horse race spectating, 4–6 hours is a reasonable estimate. On G1 race days, many people stay from morning to evening.
Can it be enjoyed on rainy days?
Fuji View Stand has a roof, and the paddock and horse preview can be viewed from covered areas. Race spectating is also possible on indoor monitors, so rainy weather doesn’t prevent enjoyment.
Are goods for sale?
JRA official goods can be purchased at shops within the racecourse. Uma Musume collaboration goods are typically only available during event hosting. We recommend checking the official website in advance.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Tokyo Racecourse Sacred Site Pilgrimage
The Horse Preview at Tokyo Racecourse is a special place for Uma Musume fans. You can not only recreate memorable anime scenes but also experience the thrill of actual racing and the beauty of horses.
Keys to Pilgrimage Success:
- Check the race schedule in advance
- Arrive early on G1 race days
- Aim for the 20-minute window before races at Horse Preview
- Include surrounding sacred sites in your pilgrimage
- Enjoy while respecting etiquette
- Try experiencing actual horse race spectating
Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu is where you can experience the Uma Musume world in reality. At the horse preview, relive that anime emotion, and also experience the thrill of actual racing. Your appreciation for the work is sure to deepen further.
Create your own special memories in Fuchu. As a trainer and as a fan, we hope it becomes your best day ever.
