[Uma Musume Pretty Derby] Nakayama Racecourse·Paddock Chiba Prefecture

【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Nakayama Racecourse・Paddock Chiba Prefecture

The Nakayama Racecourse in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, is an important stage that appears frequently in the anime and games of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby.” In particular, the paddock area is where the Uma Musume show themselves before races in impressive scenes, making it a popular pilgrimage spot. This article provides thorough explanations useful to both Uma Musume fans and racing fans, covering the paddock at Nakayama Racecourse, anime filming locations, access methods, and how to enjoy actual horse racing.

About Nakayama Racecourse | A Sacred Ground of Horse Racing Representing Chiba Prefecture

Nakayama Racecourse is located in Kosaku, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, and is operated by the Japan Racing Association (JRA). The current grandstand, completed in 1990, is a 7-story building covering an area of approximately 165,000 square meters. Along with Tokyo Racecourse and Kyoto Racecourse, it stands as a central facility of Japanese horse racing, hosting numerous grade races throughout the year.

History and Characteristics of Nakayama Racecourse

Nakayama Racecourse was established in 1907 (Meiji 40), boasting over 100 years of history. After World War II, in 1949, it came under the jurisdiction of the Japan Racing Association, continuing to the present day. The course is characterized by one of the steepest gradients among all racecourses, with the uphill stretch in the final straight presenting a significant challenge for racehorses. This unique course configuration has created numerous dramatic moments.

The course holds three main meets per year (January-March, September, December), hosting Grade 1 races such as the Arima Kinen, Sprinters Stakes, and Asahi Cup Futurity Stakes. The December Arima Kinen, in particular, is affectionately known as the “Grand Prix,” attracting attention as a major event to determine the strongest horse of the year.

Relationship with Uma Musume

In “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” Nakayama Racecourse is depicted as a very important stage. In anime Season 1, it appears in Special Week’s debut race and important race scenes, while Season 3 features impressive scenes such as Kitasan Black running from Ibaraki, with many memorable moments depicted.

In the game, numerous races held at Nakayama Racecourse are implemented, known for their high difficulty reflecting the steep course characteristics. Long-distance races that demand high stamina are common, positioning Nakayama Racecourse as a place that tests breeding skills.

Basic Information about the Paddock and Highlights

The paddock is an important area where racehorses appear before races, allowing spectators to confirm the horse’s condition. Nakayama Racecourse’s paddock is positioned close to the grandstand, with an easily accessible design.

Structure and Layout of the Paddock

Nakayama Racecourse’s paddock features an oval circuit with a green grass area in the center. Around the circuit are standing areas where spectators can view, with many fans gathering before races. The paddock’s perimeter also has roofed viewing spaces, allowing comfortable viewing even on rainy days.

Multiple entrances to the paddock exist, with passages providing direct access from the grandstand. The anime depicts Uma Musume entering the paddock through these passages, with many fans searching for this location during pilgrimage visits.

Hiseiko Statue and Its Significance

Near the paddock stands a statue of Hiseiko, a legendary racehorse. Hiseiko was a champion horse that rose to fame in the 1970s, becoming a “national idol horse” that caused a social phenomenon. The statue, installed in 2000, has become a popular spot attracting many fans today.

For Uma Musume fans, this statue is an important photo spot. While not directly featured in the anime, it’s worthwhile to visit during pilgrimage as a place to feel horse racing history.

Winners Lady and Uma Musume Collaboration

Nakayama Racecourse features “Winners Lady,” a unique program adding flowers to trophy ceremonies. From 2022, collaboration with “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” began, with voice actors appearing as Winners Ladies during September meets.

From September 2023, a new project started where cast members hold race number placards at special and grade race paddocks, becoming an unmissable event for Uma Musume fans. In the September 28, 2025 Sprinters Stakes, three cast members playing Uma Musume based on racehorses with winning experience are scheduled to appear in the winners circle, with collaboration events regularly held.

Anime Appearances and Filming Location Guide

The “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” anime features various locations at Nakayama Racecourse. This section explains major appearances and their filming locations in detail.

Season 1 Anime Appearances

In Season 1, a scene where Special Week first sees other Uma Musume at the paddock is depicted. This scene was filmed from a specific paddock angle, allowing identification of the actual model location by using the paddock’s view as a landmark.

Episode 11 features a scene where the grown Special Week runs at the paddock. Comparing this to Episode 1’s scene reveals emotional growth through changed expressions, creating an impressive direction. This scene is depicted from a specific position along the paddock circuit.

Broye’s entrance shows her passing through a corridor, descending stairs toward the paddock. This passage is the actual route connecting the grandstand to the paddock, which pilgrims can retrace during visits.

Season 3 Anime Appearances

Season 3 impressively depicts Kitasan Black running from Ibaraki and entering Nakayama Racecourse. This scene follows the route from Funabashi-Hoten Station through the regular entrance to the main gate, filmed from where the racecourse comes into view.

Kitasan Black entering through the main gate and heading toward the goal while circling the grandstand is another important Season 3 scene. The winning flowers displayed along the way can be seen by visiting before noon on grade race days.

The opening depicts Satono Crown standing on the sidewalk near the central gate. All exterior shots were filmed from the central gate’s sidewalk, allowing pilgrims to photograph the racecourse from the same angle as the anime.

Photography Tips and Precautions

Several precautions apply when photographing during pilgrimage. First, photography is generally permitted inside the racecourse, but consideration must be given to avoid inconveniencing other visitors. Especially on race days, early action is recommended to secure filming locations.

Photography at the paddock is most atmospheric before races, though crowds are also large during this time, making courtesy essential. Tripod use may be restricted in certain areas, so checking in advance is recommended.

Weather significantly affects building visibility, so choosing a day with similar weather to the anime scene produces more atmospheric photos. Clear morning conditions, in particular, offer excellent lighting for beautiful photographs.

Access Methods and Route from Nearby Stations

Accessing Nakayama Racecourse mainly involves trains and buses. This section explains the most common access methods in detail.

Access from Funabashi-Hoten Station

JR Musashino Line’s Funabashi-Hoten Station is the nearest station to Nakayama Racecourse. From the station to the racecourse is approximately 15 minutes walk, allowing visitors to retrace Kitasan Black’s route from Season 3.

Exiting the station from the north exit, signage indicates directions to the racecourse. Following the route, the Nakayama Racecourse building eventually comes into view. “Where the racecourse becomes visible” is the filming location of Season 3’s Kitasan Black entrance scene.

Walking toward the main gate, the central gate appears on the left. The central gate’s sidewalk is known as a filming location used in anime opening sequences, making it a must-visit spot during pilgrimage.

Access from Shimosa-Nakayama Station

JR Sobu Line’s Shimosa-Nakayama Station is another nearby option. From this station to the racecourse is approximately 20 minutes walk, slightly farther than Funabashi-Hoten but offering an enjoyable shopping street route.

From Shimosa-Nakayama Station, exit the north exit and head toward National Route 14. The route features restaurants and convenience stores, allowing meals or shopping before reaching the racecourse.

Free Shuttle Bus Utilization

A free shuttle bus to Colton runs from before Coney Corner on the north side of Motoyawata Station. This bus operates on racing days, providing convenient racecourse access.

Bus schedules vary by date, so checking JRA’s official website beforehand is recommended. Especially on grade race days, early time slots are advisable due to anticipated crowds.

Vehicle Access and Parking

By vehicle, Nakayama Racecourse is approximately 10 minutes from the Haraogi Interchange on the Keiyo Road. The racecourse features large-scale parking facilities accommodating many vehicles on race days.

However, parking may fill on major event days like Grade 1 races, making public transportation preferable. Parking fees vary by date but typically cost around 1,000 yen.

Nakayama Racecourse Course Characteristics and In-Game Recreation

Nakayama Racecourse’s course is faithfully recreated in “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” game, with understanding its characteristics being key to breeding strategy success.

Actual Course Characteristics

Nakayama Racecourse’s course covers 1,667 meters (grass), with a 310-meter straight. Its most distinctive feature is one of the racecourse world’s steepest gradients, particularly in the final straight with approximately 2.8 meters elevation change.

This steep gradient demands both stamina and acceleration, making it a difficult course. Actual racing often shows strong horses from Tokyo Racecourse struggling at Nakayama, highlighting course compatibility importance.

The four corners, particularly the turn from corner 3 to 4, are sharp, with positioning significantly affecting race results. Inside post typically holds advantage, though outer posts may benefit depending on track condition and distance.

In-Game Recreation Accuracy

“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” game faithfully recreates Nakayama Racecourse’s steep gradient, demanding high stamina status. Long-distance races especially risk stamina-related speed loss, making status distribution during breeding critical.

In-game Nakayama races include the Satsuki Sho (Classic 4 April), Spring Stakes (Classic 3 March), and Yayoi Sho (Classic 2 February). These races serve as important breeding scenario milestones, requiring appropriate skill acquisition and status development for success.

Strategy Points

Prioritizing stamina acquisition is essential for Nakayama race strategy. Recommended baselines include C+ or higher for short distances, A or higher for long distances.

Next important is acquiring skills for uphill conditions. Skills like “Uphill ◯” and “Corner Recovery ◯” are particularly effective at Nakayama. “Straight Acceleration” and similar skills also help conquering the final hill.

Strategy-wise, “win” or “running” tactics typically work better than “catch-up” or “sustained run.” This reflects how being ahead before stamina exhaustion at the final hill reduces speed loss risk.

Enjoying Actual Horse Racing

Uma Musume fans visiting Nakayama Racecourse can experience the work more deeply by also enjoying actual horse racing. This section introduces beginner-friendly racing enjoyment points.

Admission and Ticket Purchasing Basics

Nakayama Racecourse general admission costs just 200 yen, very affordable. Admission tickets are available at the main or central gates. Inside, various facilities become accessible.

Ticket purchasing occurs at self-service machines or manual windows. Beginners should try “Win” (picking the winning horse) or “Exacta” (picking 1st and 2nd in any order). Minimum purchase amounts are 100 yen, allowing casual participation.

Paddock Horse Condition Checking

Before races, always viewing horses in the paddock is recommended. As depicted in Uma Musume anime and games, the paddock is crucial for confirming racehorses’ conditions.

Check points include the horse’s gait, coat shine, and apparent enthusiasm. Horses walking calmly and confidently indicate good condition, while misbehaving horses may indicate excessive enthusiasm.

The paddock allows witnessing jockeys mounting, offering perfect photo opportunities with many fans holding cameras.

Best Viewing Spots for Racing

Optimal racing viewpoints vary by preference. For immersive experience, the front row near the finish line is ideal. Witnessing horses thundering past offers racing’s greatest thrill.

For overall perspective, upper grandstand levels offer the best view of the entire course, facilitating race analysis. Uma Musume anime’s overhead perspective observation becomes possible.

Retracing from paddock to winners circle dynamics recreates Uma Musume world experiences, with post-race victory ceremonies being particularly worthwhile, especially with Winners Lady events.

Dining and Rest Areas

Nakayama Racecourse features various restaurants and shops. Popular racecourse cuisine includes curry rice, ramen, and grilled skewers, with special menus on grade race days.

Outdoor bench lunching is possible, offering pleasant times on clear days. Crowded days require early action for seating.

Ample rest spaces allow comfortable intervals between races. Family-friendly areas also welcome children.

Grade Races and Event Information

Nakayama Racecourse hosts numerous grade races and events throughout the year. Featured are races and events particularly noteworthy for Uma Musume fans.

Major Grade 1 Races

Sprinters Stakes (September) determines short-distance champions. September 28, 2025’s event confirms Uma Musume Winners Lady collaboration with three cast appearances announced.

Asahi Cup Futurity Stakes (December) determines the two-year-old male champion. This important race for forecasting future classic competition draws substantial attention.

Arima Kinen (December), affectionately called “Grand Prix,” serves as the year-end major event. Fan-voted horses compete, determining the year’s strongest horse. Uma Musume depicts this as crucial, with game implementation.

Uma Musume Collaboration Events

Nakayama Racecourse regularly implements “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” collaborations. Beginning in 2022, the December Winners Lady collaboration features voice actors, enlivening victory ceremonies.

From September 2023, special and grade race paddock Winners Lady projects, holding race number placards, began. This increases photography opportunities, providing welcomed fan service.

Collaboration information releases regularly via JRA official site and Uma Musume official portal, warranting regular checks.

Operational Schedule and Crowd Conditions

Nakayama Racecourse operates during approximately three annual periods: January-March, September, and December, roughly monthly-long periods with weekend-focused race days.

Crowd situations vary significantly by racing grade. Grade 1 days see extreme crowds, particularly Arima Kinen days marking the year’s highest attendance. Conversely, weekdays or non-grade weekends remain comparatively quiet.

For pilgrimage prioritizing fewer crowds, choose weekdays or non-grade weekends. However, Uma Musume collaborations typically occur during grade race days, requiring crowd acceptance if prioritizing events.

Surrounding Tourist Spots and Combined Plans

Various tourist attractions and leisure facilities are scattered around Nakayama Racecourse. Featured are spots enjoyable alongside pilgrimage.

Funabashi Area Tourist Spots

Funabashi features large commercial facilities like LaLaport TOKYO-BAY and IKEA Tokyo-Bay. While somewhat distant, bus and taxi access is available, offering shopping and dining for enriched days.

Funabashi Andersen Park, with vast grounds, attracts families. Nature enjoyment and refreshment make pre/post-racecourse stops appealing.

Relaxation at Hot Spring Facilities

After racing observation and pilgrimage walking, relaxation at bath facilities is recommended. Super sentos like “Yu-Raku no Sato” near Funabashi offer spacious, relaxing facilities for comfort.

These facilities are accessible by bus or taxi from the racecourse, making ideal day conclusions. Attached dining allows dinner enjoyment.

Multi-Racecourse Tour Plans

Serious Uma Musume pilgrimage can include Tokyo Racecourse (Fuchu City, approximately 90 minutes away) and Kyoto Racecourse tours. Tokyo Racecourse, as Japan’s largest and major Uma Musume scene setting, warrants visits.

Kyoto Racecourse in western Japan suits overnight travel plans, combining with Kyoto tourism for enriched trips.

Precautions and Etiquette for Visits

Observing certain precautions and etiquette when visiting Nakayama Racecourse is important.

Racecourse Rules and Manners

Racecourses are public facilities with many users. Avoid loud conversations and running, bothering other visitors. Race-time quiet observation is proper etiquette.

Photography is generally permitted but requires consideration avoiding capturing other visitors. Tripod use may face restrictions during crowding; follow staff directions.

Proper trash disposal maintains cleanliness. Though food is allowed, avoid excess alcohol and maintain composed behavior.

Weather and Clothing Judgment

As an outdoor facility, Nakayama Racecourse’s comfort greatly varies with weather. Sunny days warrant hats and sunscreen. Rainy days require umbrellas or raincoats.

Choose comfortable, walkable shoes. Extensive ground coverage requires moving between paddock, grandstands, and ticket windows, making high heels inadvisable.

Seasonal temperature variations warrant layering, particularly spring/autumn. Winter meets require proper cold protection.

Packing Checklist

Essential items for Nakayama visits:

• Admission fee (200 yen) and cash for tickets
• Camera/smartphone (charger recommended)
• Race newspapers or prediction apps
• Beverages (available on-site)
• Hats or sunscreen (sunny days)
• Umbrellas or raincoats (rainy days)
• Binoculars (race observation)
• Notebook and pen (prediction recording)
• Uma Musume merchandise (collaboration event times)

Proper preparation ensures comfortable racecourse time.

Conclusion | Nakayama Racecourse for Both Uma Musume and Racing Fans

Nakayama Racecourse, important to “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” and actual racing’s sacred ground, offers substantial appeal. Varied enjoyment exists from paddock-centered pilgrimage to actual racing observation to surrounding tourism.

Visiting anime-depicted locations deepens work understanding, further enriching Uma Musume enjoyment. Actual racing observation reveals genuine racing thrills underlying in-game races.

Excellent accessibility, walkable from Funabashi-Hoten Station, adds appeal. Convenient for Tokyo access, it suits day trips.

Regular Uma Musume collaborations offer special fan experiences. Combining grade race visits allows simultaneous racing excitement and Uma Musume world immersion.

Will you not visit Nakayama Racecourse’s paddock, seeing the very landscape Uma Musume see? Physical visits provide unparalleled emotional experiences impossible through screens. At the next operational period, visit Nakayama Racecourse, experiencing Uma Musume’s world firsthand.