Uma Musume Pretty Derby and Narita Airport Terminal 2
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a multimedia content project by Cygames that personifies racehorses. It has gained popularity through diverse media including anime, games, and comics, captivating many fans as a work that creates familiarity with the world of horse racing.
Narita Airport Terminal 2 is an important pilgrimage site that appears in EXTRA R (Episode 13) “Ring Out, Fanfare!” of Anime Season 1. It served as the stage for an emotional scene where members of Team Spica, including Special Week, welcome Silence Suzuka upon her return from overseas competitions.
Basic Information about Narita Airport Terminal 2
Location and Access Information
Address: 〒282-0004 Chiba Prefecture, Narita City, Komigomi 1-1
There are multiple ways to access Narita Airport Terminal 2, which can be selected according to your pilgrimage travel plans.
Access by Train:
- Direct connection to JR Narita Line “Airport Terminal 2 Building Station” (about 2 minutes walk)
- Direct connection to Keisei Main Line “Airport Terminal 2 Building Station” (about 2 minutes walk)
- About 1 hour from Tokyo Station, about 50 minutes from Keisei-Ueno Station
Access by Bus:
- Limousine buses (operated from major stations such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Yokohama Station)
- Travel time varies by departure point, but approximately 70-90 minutes from Tokyo Station
Access by Car:
- About 15 minutes from “Narita IC” on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway
- Multiple parking lots are available, with P2-P5 closest to Terminal 2
Facility Overview
Narita Airport Terminal 2 is an international airport terminal that opened in 1992. The fact that Narita Airport was chosen as the setting for an overseas return scene at the time of broadcast (2018) reflects the historical context, as Haneda Airport had not yet become as internationalized as it is now.
Many international flights still operate today, and the place is constantly busy with many travelers. When documenting pilgrimage visits, care should be taken not to inconvenience airport users.
Detailed Explanation of Anime Appearances
Appearance in EXTRA R “Ring Out, Fanfare!”
In Anime Season 1’s EXTRA R (Episode 13), there is a scene where members of Team Spica, including Special Week, welcome Silence Suzuka at Narita Airport Terminal 2 upon her return from overseas competitions.
This scene is deeply etched in the hearts of fans as an important moment where Suzuka returns after gaining experience overseas and achieving further growth. The symbolic meaning of the airport as a place of “meetings and partings” and “new beginnings” adds depth to the story.
Filming Locations
The main filming locations that appear in the work are as follows:
Parking Lot Rooftop:
One of the most impressive cuts in the anime is the scene filmed from the parking lot rooftop. From here, you can see the Terminal 2 building in its entirety and also observe airplane takeoffs and landings. In pilgrimage visits, photographing from this location has become standard.
Arrival Lobby Vicinity:
The scene of Suzuka’s arrival depicts the area around the arrival lobby inside the terminal. The actual atmosphere of the airport is faithfully recreated, and anime fans immediately recognize the composition as “that scene.”
Pilgrimage and Photography Guide
Recommended Photography Spots
1. P2 Parking Lot Rooftop (Most Important Spot)
The rooftop of parking lot P2 is where the scene of Special Week and others waiting for Suzuka was filmed in the anime. From here, you can see the entire Terminal 2 building and photograph the same angles as in the work.
- Access: About 5 minutes walk from Terminal 2
- Photography Notes: Be careful not to obstruct parking lot users
- Best Time: Morning to afternoon for good lighting conditions
2. Arrival Lobby (1st Floor)
The arrival lobby, which was the setting for Suzuka’s arrival scene, is a place where many actual airport users pass through. When photographing, always follow the instructions of airport staff and be considerate of other users.
- Available Photography Hours: Basically 24 hours
- Notes: Tripod use is prohibited; hand-held photography only
- Manners: Photograph quickly in places that do not obstruct passage
3. Observation Deck (Rooftop)
From the observation deck of Terminal 2, you can see runways and airplane takeoffs and landings up close. While not appearing directly in the anime, it is an excellent spot to experience the atmosphere of the airport.
- Operating Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM (varies by season)
- Admission: Free
- Recommended Points: You can take commemorative photos with airplanes
Photography Notes and Manners
Due to its nature as an international airport, Narita has strict security. When visiting for pilgrimage purposes, please pay attention to the following:
Photography Notes:
- Tripod and selfie stick use is generally prohibited
- Be considerate to avoid other users appearing in photos
- Photography within security areas is strictly prohibited
- If staff advises you, comply promptly
Behavioral Manners:
- Avoid loud conversations or shouting
- Avoid group occupancy of spaces for extended periods
- Do not obstruct airport users’ passage
- Verify with the airport in advance if planning to visit in cosplay
Security-Related:
- Avoid suspicious actions
- Keep belongings on you at all times
- Never enter restricted areas
Nearby Pilgrimage Sites
Uma Musume Sites in Chiba Prefecture
When visiting Narita Airport Terminal 2, there are Uma Musume-related sites in Chiba Prefecture worth visiting together.
Nakayama Racecourse:
Located in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, Nakayama Racecourse is an important setting in the Uma Musume world. Visiting on actual race days allows you to experience the work’s worldview more deeply.
- Location: 1-1-1 Kosaku, Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes walk from JR Sobu Line “Funabashi-Houten Station”
- Admission: 200 yen (general admission) on race days
Major Sites in Tokyo
There are abundant pilgrimage sites in Tokyo that can be visited on the return from Narita Airport.
Tokyo Racecourse (Fuchu Area):
One of the most important settings in Uma Musume. It is the holy site of holy sites, where major races including the Japan Derby are held.
- Location: 1-1 Hiyoshi-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo
- Access: Direct connection to Keio Line “Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station”
Tachikawa Area and Kichijoji Area:
Various locations that served as settings for daily scenes in the anime are scattered throughout. This includes areas that were models for the Tracen Academy vicinity, and are must-visit spots for fans.
Efficient Pilgrimage Planning
Day Trip Model Course
Morning: Narita Airport Terminal 2
- 9:00 AM Arrival at Airport Terminal 2 Building Station
- 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM Photography at parking lot rooftop, arrival lobby, and observation deck
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Lunch and rest in terminal
Afternoon: Move toward Nakayama Racecourse area
- 12:00 PM Depart Narita Airport
- 1:30 PM Arrival at Nakayama Racecourse (if race day)
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Racecourse tour and photography
- 4:30 PM Move to Tokyo area from Funabashi-Houten Station
Pilgrimage Plan with Overnight Stay
Day 1: Narita Airport to Chiba Prefecture
- Morning: Narita Airport Terminal 2 pilgrimage
- Afternoon: Nakayama Racecourse visit
- Evening: Stay in Chiba City or Funabashi City area
Day 2: Tokyo area pilgrimage tour
- Morning: Fuchu area (Tokyo Racecourse)
- Afternoon: Tachikawa and Kichijoji areas
- Evening: Other pilgrimage sites in the city
Budget Estimate
Day Trip Plan:
- Transportation: 3,000-5,000 yen (round trip from Tokyo area)
- Meals: 2,000-3,000 yen
- Other: 1,000 yen
- Total: approximately 6,000-9,000 yen
1 Night 2 Day Plan:
- Transportation: 5,000-8,000 yen
- Accommodation: 6,000-10,000 yen
- Meals: 4,000-6,000 yen
- Other: 2,000 yen
- Total: approximately 17,000-26,000 yen
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March – May)
Spring offers mild weather and is an ideal season for pilgrimage visits. During cherry blossom season, you can also enjoy flower viewing at locations around the airport. However, Golden Week is when the airport is extremely crowded, making it unsuitable for photography.
Recommended Points:
- Comfortable weather for photography
- Overlaps with spring racing season, making racecourse visits enriching
- Beautiful fresh greenery from the observation deck
Summer (June – August)
Summer requires heat countermeasures, but clear skies often allow photography with blue skies as a backdrop. Since summer vacation season brings crowding to the airport, visiting on weekdays is recommended.
Notes:
- Heat exhaustion prevention (hydration, hat wearing)
- Outdoor photography best done early morning or evening
- Take regular breaks in air-conditioned indoor spaces
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn, along with spring, is an ideal season for pilgrimage visits. Particularly from October to November, the weather is stable and you can enjoy travel in pleasant autumn air. It’s also autumn racing season, making it perfect for combining racecourse visits with pilgrimage.
Recommended Points:
- Comfortable weather
- Clear autumn air allows beautiful photography
- Can watch famous autumn racing events
Winter (December – February)
Winter requires cold weather protection, but the clear air makes the observation deck views particularly beautiful. While the year-end and New Year periods see airport crowding, mid-January through February is relatively quiet.
Notes:
- Cold weather protection essential (especially on rooftops)
- Early sunset means photography time requires planning
- Be cautious of transportation delays on snowy days
Airport Utilization Tips for Uma Musume Fans
Enjoying Airport Cuisine
Narita Airport Terminal 2 has a diverse selection of dining establishments. Between pilgrimage activities, you can enjoy cuisine from throughout Japan and international dishes.
Recommended Restaurants:
- Japanese: Sushi, tempura, ramen, etc.
- Western: Hamburgers, pasta, steak, etc.
- Cafes: Starbucks, Tully’s Coffee, etc.
Souvenir and Merchandise Shopping
The airport has numerous souvenir shops where you can purchase specialty products from Chiba Prefecture and throughout Japan. Official Uma Musume merchandise is not sold at the airport, but purchasing Chiba Prefecture specialties as a travel record is recommended.
Airport Facility Utilization
Free Wi-Fi:
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, convenient for SNS posts and information gathering.
Rest Areas:
Seating throughout allows rest while planning your next destination.
Coin Lockers:
Store large luggage to travel light for pilgrimage activities.
Comparison with Other Airport-Related Sacred Sites
Narita Airport Terminal 1
In Uma Musume Season 3, Narita Airport Terminal 1 also appears. Visiting both terminals allows for more comprehensive pilgrimage.
Terminal 1 Attractions:
- 4th Floor Bus Stop
- 4th Floor Check-in Counter
- Observation Deck
Access: About 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from Terminal 2
Differences from Haneda Airport
While Haneda Airport now has extensive international flights, during the anime broadcast period (2018), Narita Airport was the main international gateway. Understanding this historical context deepens understanding of the work.
Documenting Your Pilgrimage
Photography Tips
Composition:
- Save anime scene screenshots in advance
- Find and photograph the same angles
- Wide-angle lenses are useful for capturing entire buildings
Lighting Conditions:
- Morning to afternoon offers good frontlit photography
- Evening tends toward backlighting, so be cautious
- Cloudy days still allow soft lighting photography
SNS Posting Tips
When posting pilgrimage records on SNS, using the following hashtags helps connect with fans with similar interests:
- #ウマ娘
- #ウマ娘聖地巡礼
- #成田空港
- #聖地巡礼
- #舞台探訪
Posting Notes:
- Blur faces of other people in photos
- Share location information carefully
- Do not post information related to airport security
Conclusion: The Charm of Narita Airport Terminal 2 Pilgrimage
Narita Airport Terminal 2 remains a sacred site in many fans’ hearts as the setting for the emotional scene in Uma Musume Season 1 EXTRA R. The scene where Team Spica members welcome Silence Suzuka’s return from overseas is one of the most memorable moments in the work.
As a special location—an actual international airport—photography has various restrictions, but with proper manners, visiting provides a valuable opportunity to re-experience the anime world. The parking lot rooftop view is the perfect spot to recreate an anime scene.
With many other Uma Musume-related sacred sites nearby, including Nakayama Racecourse in Chiba Prefecture and Tokyo Racecourse, the Tachikawa area, and Kichijoji area in Tokyo, efficient planning allows for an enriching pilgrimage journey.
For those who have developed familiarity with the world of horse racing through anime, combining plans with visits to actual racecourses deepens understanding of the work. Uma Musume pilgrimage offers the wonderful experience of simultaneously enjoying anime fan enthusiasm and discovering the charm of various locations throughout Japan.
Why not stand at Narita Airport Terminal 2, the same place where Special Week and others stood, and re-experience the emotional scenes yourself?
