【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Complete Guide to Inokashira Onshi Park, Tokyo (Tokyo)|Sacred Site Pilgrimage Map and Photography Spot Thorough Explanation
What is Uma Musume Pretty Derby
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a multimedia project produced by Cygames that depicts a world where “Uma Musume” (horse girls) who have inherited the names and spirits of real racehorses come to life. The project spans anime, games, manga, and more, captivating many fans as a work that brings familiarity to the world of horse racing.
In the series, distinctive characters modeled after famous real racehorses such as Tokaiteio, Special Week, and Kitasan Black become the protagonists, portraying their daily lives at Tracen Academy and their pursuit of dreams on the track. In a worldview where humans and Uma Musume coexist, their growth, friendship, and passion for racing form the core of the narrative.
The anime series features many real locations, and in particular, Inokashira Onshi Park in the Kichijoji area of Tokyo is frequently used as the setting for daily scenes of the Uma Musume characters.
Why Inokashira Onshi Park Became a Sacred Site for Uma Musume
Inokashira Onshi Park has consistently appeared as an important setting from Uma Musume Pretty Derby anime Season 1 through Season 3. The reason this park was chosen is its proximity to the location that served as the model for Tracen Academy, and it possesses a natural environment suitable for daily scenes of walks and conversations among the Uma Musume.
In fact, specific locations within the park such as the pond, bridges, and benches are depicted carefully in the work, making it a sacred site with special meaning for anime fans as “a place where the characters actually walked.” The convenient access from Kichijoji Station is also one of the reasons many pilgrims visit.
Basic Information and Access to Inokashira Onshi Park
Overview of the Park
Inokashira Onshi Park is a historic park that opened in 1917 (Taisho 6) as Japan’s first suburban park. With a total area of approximately 430,000 square meters, it is characterized by a natural environment centered around Inokashira Pond. As a place of relaxation where seasonal landscapes can be enjoyed throughout the year, it is loved by both local residents and many tourists.
The park contains diverse facilities including Inokashira Pond, a boating area, Inokashira Nature Culture Park, and outdoor stages, and becomes crowded with many people on weekends. It is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, with approximately 500 cherry blossoms creating a spectacular sight in spring.
Access Methods
Access by Train
- Approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the south exit (park exit) of Kichijoji Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines
- Approximately 1 minute’s walk from Inokashira Park Station on the Keio Inokashira Line
Access by Bus
- Multiple bus lines including Odakyu Bus and Keio Bus stop at Inokashira Park
Park Hours and Admission
- Park Hours: Open at all times (except for some facilities)
- Admission: Free (Inokashira Nature Culture Park requires admission fee)
With its close distance from Kichijoji Station and good access from the city center, it is ideally positioned as a base for sacred site pilgrimages.
Appearance Scenes and Photography Locations in Anime Seasons 1 & 2
Scenes Around Nanai Bridge
In anime Seasons 1 and 2, the area around Nanai Bridge appeared as the setting for conversation scenes among Uma Musume including Tokaiteio. Nanai Bridge is one of the bridges crossing Inokashira Pond, and is an excellent vantage point for viewing the pond’s landscape.
Walking from Kichijoji Station along Nanai Bridge Street and entering the park, you come to a walking path along the pond. This bridge allows you to enjoy the pond’s scenery across all seasons, and in the anime, the beautiful water surface is depicted in the background. Visiting the actual location gives you a real sense of how faithfully the anime recreates the scene.
Bench Near Noguchi Ujio Poetry Monument
The Noguchi Ujio poetry monument is located near Nanai Bridge, and the nearby bench serves as the setting for important conversation scenes of the Uma Musume. In particular, an impressive conversation scene between Tokaiteio and Mejiro Mcqueen was depicted here, and many fans take commemorative photos at the same bench.
The area around the monument is relatively quiet, allowing you to relax while enjoying the view of the pond. The bench position is on the right side after crossing the bridge, and the key to photographing at the same angle as the anime is to sit on the bench facing toward the pond.
Benzaiten Bridge and Surroundings
Benzaiten Bridge is a bridge in the center of Inokashira Pond, characterized by its distinctive red railings, and frequently appears as a distant view in the anime. This bridge is a symbolic landmark of the pond and is located near the boating area.
The area around Benzaiten Bridge is particularly popular within the park, and becomes crowded with many people on weekends and during cherry blossom season. In the anime, this bridge appears in scenes that provide an overview of the entire pond, functioning as an important location to express the park’s overall atmosphere.
New Appearance Scenes in Anime Season 3 and Photography Points
Bench Scene of Kitasan Black and Tokaiteio
In anime Season 3, Kitasan Black takes the lead role as the protagonist, and impressive interaction scenes with her senior Tokaiteio are depicted. The bench where the two sit and talk is identified as a specific location that can be reached by turning right after crossing Nanai Bridge.
To visit the photography location of this scene, walk from Kichijoji Station along Nanai Bridge Street, enter the park, and cross Nanai Bridge. After crossing the bridge, proceed in the right direction (along the walking path by the pond) and you will see multiple benches near the Noguchi Ujio poetry monument. The bench depicted in the anime is one positioned where the pond is visible directly ahead.
At the actual location, the greenery of trees and blue sky reflected in the water’s surface are beautiful, and you can feel the same calm atmosphere as depicted in the anime. Early morning hours and weekday mornings are relatively uncrowded, allowing you to enjoy the pilgrimage at leisure.
Walking Path Along the Pond
Season 3 features many scenes of Uma Musume walking along the path that borders the pond. The approximately 1.5-kilometer walking path that surrounds Inokashira Pond offers beautiful scenery regardless of the season you visit.
Various trees are planted along the path, offering different views each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn leaves in fall. The anime also gives careful attention to seasonal background depiction, and you will discover different charms depending on when you visit.
Detailed Map and Route Guidance for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Recommended Pilgrimage Route (Time Required: Approximately 60–90 minutes)
Start: Kichijoji Station South Exit (Park Exit)
- Kichijoji Station → Nanai Bridge Street (5 minutes’ walk)
- Head directly toward Inokashira Park from the south exit
- You will reach Nanai Bridge Street after passing through the shopping street
- Nanai Bridge Street → Inokashira Park Entrance (3 minutes’ walk)
- Continue along the street and you will see the park entrance
- Many cafes and miscellaneous shops line the way
- Park Entrance → Nanai Bridge (5 minutes’ walk)
- Enter the park and proceed along the pond-side path
- You will see the bridge ahead
- Nanai Bridge → Noguchi Ujio Poetry Monument・Bench Area (2 minutes’ walk)
- Cross the bridge and turn right
- The monument and benches will soon come into view
- Important Photography Point: Kitasan Black and Tokaiteio Scene
- Bench Area → Pond-side Walking Path Loop (30–40 minutes’ walk)
- If you have time, going around the pond is also recommended
- You can enjoy the pond’s scenery from various angles
- Walking Path → Benzaiten Bridge (Along the way)
- Red bridge in the center of the pond
- Ideal for distant view photography
- Benzaiten Bridge → Return to Inokashira Park Station or Kichijoji Station (5–10 minutes’ walk)
Detailed Location Information of Photography Points
Nanai Bridge Area
- Coordinates: Around 35.7011° N, 139.5742° E
- Features: Bridge overlooking the pond, trees in background
- Best Angle: From the center of the bridge toward the pond
Noguchi Ujio Poetry Monument・Bench
- Coordinates: Approximately 50m east from Nanai Bridge
- Features: Bench facing the pond, monument as a landmark
- Best Angle: Sitting on the bench facing toward the pond
Benzaiten Bridge
- Coordinates: Center of the pond
- Features: Red railings, near boating area
- Best Angle: Photograph the entire bridge from in front of it
Best Timing for Photography and Precautions
Characteristics by Time of Day
Early Morning (6:00–8:00)
- Advantages: Few people, allowing for quiet photography
- Light Quality: Morning sun is beautiful, water surface shimmers
- Precautions: In winter, it may be dim as sunrise is late
Morning (9:00–12:00)
- Advantages: Adequate brightness, easy to photograph
- Light Quality: Front lighting makes subjects bright
- Precautions: Weekend crowds begin to increase gradually
Afternoon (13:00–16:00)
- Advantages: Brightest time of day if weather is good
- Light Quality: Beautiful reflection in the pond
- Precautions: Most crowded time, especially on weekends and holidays
Evening (16:00–18:00)
- Advantages: Sunset reflected in the pond creates fantastical scenery
- Light Quality: Beautiful colors of the magic hour
- Precautions: Some areas may have backlighting requiring exposure adjustment
Highlights by Season
Spring (Late March–April)
- Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the most beautiful season
- Becomes very crowded with flower viewers; early weekday mornings recommended
- The sight of cherry petals floating on the pond is a must-see
Summer (June–August)
- Lush green foliage, scenery full of vitality
- Early morning and evening cool hours are most comfortable
- Lotus flowers also bloom during this period
Autumn (October–November)
- Autumn leaves are beautiful, creating a calm atmosphere
- Relatively uncrowded, easy to photograph
- Morning and evening become chilly, so prepare accordingly
Winter (December–February)
- Few people, allowing quiet pilgrimage
- Clear air enables crisp photography of distant views
- Warm clothing essential, sunset early so plan accordingly
Photography Precautions
- Consideration for Other Visitors
- Do not occupy benches for long periods
- Avoid loud conversation and noise
- Choose locations that do not obstruct foot traffic
- Regarding Tripod Use
- Avoid using tripods during crowded times
- If using, select a location that does not impede traffic
- Some areas may have restrictions on tripod use
- Protection of Natural Environment
- Do not damage plants
- Always take trash with you
- Do not feed pond or wildlife animals
- Regarding Cosplay Photography
- It is advisable to confirm in advance before doing cosplay photography in the park
- Change clothes at facilities outside the park
- Be considerate to avoid inconveniencing other visitors
Other Uma Musume Sacred Sites in the Kichijoji Area
When visiting Inokashira Onshi Park, we recommend also visiting other Uma Musume-related spots in the surrounding Kichijoji area.
Around Kichijoji Station
In the anime, Kichijoji Station and the surrounding shopping streets also appear as backgrounds. The station plaza and locations such as Sunroad Shopping Street and Harmonica Yokocho are real places depicted and used as settings for daily scenes.
In particular, Sunroad Shopping Street appears in scenes of Uma Musume enjoying shopping, and is actually a lively area with many restaurants and miscellaneous shops. Walking through the shopping street while reminiscing about anime scenes is also part of the fun.
Inokashira Nature Culture Park
An aquarium located within Inokashira Onshi Park that occasionally appears as a distant view in the anime. Actually visiting allows you to interact with animals and enjoy a fulfilling day combining pilgrimage with other activities.
Combination Plans with Other Uma Musume Sacred Sites in Tokyo
Fuchu Area: Tokyo Racecourse
One of the most important locations in the Uma Musume world is the Tokyo Racecourse. Operating as an actual racecourse, it appears in the anime as the setting for racing scenes. You can view actual paddocks and stands depicted in the work.
From Inokashira Onshi Park to the Tokyo Racecourse, it takes approximately 30 minutes by Chuo Line from Kichijoji Station, then approximately 5-10 minutes on foot or by bus from Fuchu Honcho or Fuchu Station. On race days, you can also watch actual races, allowing you to experience the Uma Musume world more deeply.
Tachikawa Area
The Tachikawa area also contains locations depicted in the anime and can be visited in conjunction with Inokashira Park. Located approximately 20 minutes from Kichijoji by Chuo Line, it is conveniently positioned for incorporating into day-trip pilgrimage routes.
One-Day Pilgrimage Model Course
Morning: Inokashira Onshi Park
- 9:00 Arrive at Kichijoji Station
- 9:15–11:00 Sacred site pilgrimage within Inokashira Park
- 11:00–12:00 Lunch around Kichijoji Station
Afternoon: Tokyo Racecourse or Tachikawa Area
- 12:30 Depart from Kichijoji Station
- 13:00–16:00 Sacred site pilgrimage at Tokyo Racecourse or Tachikawa area
- 16:30 Head homeward
With this plan, you can efficiently visit multiple sacred sites and experience the Uma Musume world more deeply.
Essential Items and Apps for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Essential Items to Bring
- Smartphone・Camera
- Essential item for photography
- Peace of mind with a backup battery
- Anime Screenshots
- Save in advance for comparative photography
- Convenient for finding the same angles
- Maps・Guide Materials
- Download for offline viewing
- Print this article or save to smartphone
- Drinks・Light Snacks
- Vending machines available in the park, but bringing them is convenient
- Can enjoy while resting on benches
- Season-Appropriate Equipment
- Summer: Sunscreen, hat, towel
- Winter: Warm clothing, gloves
- Rain: Folding umbrella, raincoat
Convenient Apps
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Apps
- Pilgrimage support apps utilizing location services
- Check-in features allow recording of visits
Google Maps
- Pre-mark photography points
- Navigation function to arrive without getting lost
Weather Forecast Apps
- Confirm weather for visit dates
- Check time-by-time weather
Camera Apps
- Apps with comparative photography features are convenient
- Overlay anime scenes with actual photographs for comparison
Recommended Dining and Cafes Around Inokashira Park
We introduce dining spots in the Kichijoji area perfect for stopping by during sacred site pilgrimage breaks.
Cafes Near the Park
Kichijoji has many distinctive cafes ideal for rest breaks during park exploration. Near the entrance to Inokashira Park, there are cafes with terrace seating overlooking the park’s greenery, perfect for recovering from pilgrimage fatigue.
Kichijoji Cuisine
Around Kichijoji Station, a diverse range of restaurants gather, including ramen, curry, and Western cuisine. Harmonica Yokocho features old-established bars and small restaurants, and is recommended to visit after pilgrimage in the evening.
Uma Musume as a Work That Brings Familiarity to the World of Horse Racing
Uma Musume Pretty Derby is a work that has made horse racing, a sport that seemed to have a high barrier to entry, approachable through endearing characters and moving stories. Real racehorse histories and legendary races form the background of the work, and many people have come to know the appeal of horse racing through the anime.
The contrast between daily settings like Inokashira Onshi Park and racing settings like Tokyo Racecourse and Nakayama Racecourse depicted in the work highlights the Uma Musume’s everyday life versus extraordinary moments, their effort versus glory. Through sacred site pilgrimage, you can truly appreciate the depth of such a work.
Manners and Consideration for the Community During Pilgrimage
Sacred site pilgrimage is an enjoyable experience, but care for local residents and other park visitors must not be forgotten.
Basic Manners
- Do Not Make Noise
- The park is a place of rest for many people
- Avoid loud conversation and music playback
- Always Take Trash With You
- Basic principle for keeping the park beautiful
- Collect any photography props you bring
- Do Not Trespass on Private Property
- Residential areas exist around the park
- Photography on private property without permission is strictly prohibited
- Avoid Long-Term Occupation of Spaces
- Benches and other spaces are wanted by others
- Photography should be quick, in a spirit of sharing
- Contribute to the Local Economy
- Dine and shop at local establishments
- Good community relations help preserve sacred sites
Precautions When Posting to SNS
When posting photographs taken to SNS, be considerate so that other visitors do not appear in photos. Additionally, avoid disclosing exact location information to prevent overcrowding.
Conclusion: Experience the Uma Musume World at Inokashira Onshi Park
Inokashira Onshi Park is a precious sacred site where you can experience the Uma Musume Pretty Derby world. From anime Season 1 through Season 3, it has consistently appeared as an important setting, with many daily scenes of popular characters including Kitasan Black, Tokaiteio, and Special Week depicted there.
Visiting actual locations such as Nanai Bridge, the bench area near the Noguchi Ujio poetry monument, and Benzaiten Bridge brings anime scenes to vivid remembrance, deepening affection for the work. With its convenient location in Kichijoji and abundant nearby sacred sites and appealing dining spots, it is ideally positioned for pilgrimage.
Sacred site pilgrimage that traces the paths walked by Uma Musume while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Inokashira Pond, which shows different faces with each season, will become a special experience for fans. Please visit Inokashira Onshi Park while respecting manners and being considerate of the community, and create wonderful sacred site pilgrimage memories.
The familiarity with the world of horse racing depicted in games and anime deepens further through visiting actual locations. Please visit Inokashira Onshi Park and feel the presence of the Uma Musume characters.
