【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Narita Airport Terminal 2, Chiba Prefecture
Uma Musume Pretty Derby and Narita Airport Terminal 2
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a media mix content featuring anthropomorphized racehorses produced by Cygames. It has gained popularity through diverse media including anime, games, and comics, captivating many fans as a work that brings the world of horse racing closer to audiences.
Narita Airport Terminal 2 is an important pilgrimage site that appears in EXTRA R (Episode 13) “Let It Resound, Fanfare!” of the anime’s first season. It serves as the stage for an emotional scene where members of Team Spica, led by Special Week, welcome Silence Suzuka upon her return from an overseas expedition.
Basic Information about Narita Airport Terminal 2
Location and Access Information
Address: 〒282-0004 Chiba Prefecture, Narita City, Kofukomi 1-1
There are multiple ways to access Narita Airport Terminal 2, allowing you to choose based on your pilgrimage travel plans.
By Train:
- JR Narita Line “Airport Terminal 2 Building Station” directly connected (approximately 2 minutes on foot)
- Keisei Main Line “Airport Terminal 2 Building Station” directly connected (approximately 2 minutes on foot)
- Approximately 1 hour from Tokyo Station, approximately 50 minutes from Keisei Ueno Station
By Bus:
- Limousine buses (operating from major stations including Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Yokohama Station)
- Travel time varies depending on departure point, but approximately 70-90 minutes from Tokyo Station
By Car:
- Approximately 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. At the time of broadcast (2018), Haneda Airport had not yet become as internationally oriented as it currently is, so the choice of Narita Airport for the overseas return scene reflects the historical context of that period.
Currently, many international flights operate from the terminal, and it remains a bustling place with numerous travelers daily. When documenting pilgrimage visits, care must be taken not to disturb airport users.
Detailed Explanation of Anime Appearance Scenes
Appearance in EXTRA R “Let It Resound, Fanfare!”
In Episode 13 (EXTRA R) of the anime’s first season, members of Team Spica, including Special Week, welcome Silence Suzuka at Narita Airport Terminal 2 as she returns from her overseas expedition.
This scene, depicting Suzuka’s return after gaining experience abroad and achieving further growth, is deeply etched in the hearts of fans. The symbolic meaning of an airport as a place of “meetings and farewells” and “new beginnings” adds depth to the story.
Photographed Locations
The main photographed locations appearing in the work are as follows:
Parking Lot Rooftop:
One of the most impressive cuts in the anime is the scene photographed from the parking lot rooftop. From here, one can have a full view of Terminal 2 Building and see airplanes taking off and landing. At pilgrimage sites, photography from this location has become standard.
Arrival Lobby Surroundings:
The arrival lobby and its surroundings are depicted in Suzuka’s arrival scene. The atmosphere of the actual airport has been faithfully reproduced, and anime fans can immediately recognize “that scene” from the composition.
Pilgrimage and Photography Spot Guide
Recommended Photography Spots
1. P2 Parking Lot Rooftop (Most Important Spot)
The rooftop of P2 parking lot is where the scene in the anime of Special Week and the others waiting for Suzuka was photographed. From here, one can overlook the entire Terminal 2 Building, making it possible to photograph from the same angle as in the work.
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Terminal 2
- Photography Precautions: Be careful not to obstruct parking lot users
- Best Time: Daytime from morning onwards has good lighting conditions
2. Arrival Lobby (1st Floor)
The arrival lobby, the stage where Suzuka’s arrival scene takes place, is a place where actual airport users constantly come and go. When photographing, always follow the instructions of airport staff and be considerate so as not to disturb other users.
- Photography Available Hours: Generally 24 hours
- Restrictions: Tripods are prohibited; hand-held shooting only
- Etiquette: Shoot quickly in locations that don’t obstruct traffic
3. Observation Deck (Rooftop)
From Terminal 2’s observation deck, one can see runways and aircraft taking off and landing up close. While not directly appearing in the anime, it’s an excellent spot to experience the atmosphere of the airport.
- Operating Hours: 6:30-21:00 (subject to seasonal changes)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Recommended Points: Possible to take commemorative photos with airplanes
Photography Precautions and Etiquette
Due to its nature as an international airport, Narita Airport has strict security. When visiting for pilgrimage purposes, please pay careful attention to the following points:
Photography-Related Precautions:
- Use of tripods and selfie sticks is generally prohibited
- Be considerate so other users don’t appear in photos
- Photography within security areas is strictly forbidden
- If warned by staff, comply immediately
Behavioral Etiquette:
- Avoid loud conversations or loud voices
- Avoid occupying spaces as a group for extended periods
- Don’t obstruct the passage of airport users
- If visiting in cosplay, confirm with the airport beforehand
Security-Related Matters:
- Avoid suspicious behavior
- Always keep luggage with you
- Never enter restricted areas
Nearby Pilgrimage Spots
Uma Musume Sacred Sites in Chiba Prefecture
When visiting Narita Airport Terminal 2, there are Uma Musume-related spots in Chiba Prefecture worth visiting together.
Nakayama Racecourse:
Located in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, Nakayama Racecourse is also an important stage in the Uma Musume world. If you visit on an actual horse racing day, you can experience the work’s world view more deeply.
- Location: 1-1-1 Kosaku, Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from “Funabashi Hoten Station” on the JR Sobu Line
- Admission Fee: 200 yen for general admission on race days
Major Sacred Sites in Tokyo
There are abundant pilgrimage spots in Tokyo that can be visited on the return journey from Narita Airport.
Tokyo Racecourse (Fuchu Area):
One of the most important places in the Uma Musume setting. Major races including the Japan Derby are held at this sacred site of all sacred sites.
- Location: 1-1 Hiyoshi-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo
- Access: Directly connected to “Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station” on the Keio Line
Tachikawa Area · Kichijoji Area:
Various locations that served as stages for daily scenes in the anime are scattered throughout. Areas that served as models for the Tracen Academy surroundings are also included, places that fans absolutely want to visit once.
Efficient Pilgrimage Planning
Same-Day Model Course
Morning: Narita Airport Terminal 2
- 9:00 Arrive at Airport Terminal 2 Building Station
- 9:15-10:30 Photography at parking lot rooftop, arrival lobby, and observation deck
- 10:30-11:30 Lunch and rest within terminal
Afternoon: Move to Nakayama Racecourse area
- 12:00 Depart from Narita Airport
- 1:30 PM Arrive at Nakayama Racecourse (if on a racing day)
- 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Observe and photograph within racecourse
- 4:30 PM Move to Tokyo from Funabashi Hoten Station
Pilgrimage Plan with Overnight Stay
Day 1: Narita Airport – Chiba Prefecture
- Morning: Narita Airport Terminal 2 pilgrimage
- Afternoon: Visit Nakayama Racecourse
- Evening: Overnight stay in Chiba City or Funabashi City
Day 2: Tokyo’s Sacred Sites Tour
- Morning: Fuchu Area (Tokyo Racecourse)
- Afternoon: Tachikawa Area · Kichijoji Area
- Evening: Other sacred sites in Tokyo
Budget Estimates
Same-Day Plan:
- Transportation: 3,000-5,000 yen (round trip from Tokyo)
- Food: 2,000-3,000 yen
- Miscellaneous: 1,000 yen
- Total: Approximately 6,000-9,000 yen
1 Night 2 Days Plan:
- Transportation: 5,000-8,000 yen
- Accommodation: 6,000-10,000 yen
- Food: 4,000-6,000 yen
- Miscellaneous: 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 enjoy flower viewing at places around the airport. However, the Golden Week period brings heavy airport congestion, making it unfavorable for photography.
Recommended Points:
- Comfortable weather for photography
- Coincides with spring racing season, making racecourse visits fulfilling
- Beautiful fresh greenery from the observation deck
Summer (June-August)
Summer requires heat precautions, but clear skies allow for photography with blue sky backgrounds. During summer vacation season, airports are congested, so visiting on weekdays is recommended.
Precautions:
- Heat stroke prevention (hydration, hat wearing)
- Outdoor photography best in early morning or evening
- Take periodic breaks in air-conditioned indoor spaces
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is a season equally suitable for pilgrimage visits as spring. Particularly October-November offers stable weather and pleasant climate for travel enjoyment. It’s also the autumn racing season, making it ideal for combined pilgrimage with racecourses.
Recommended Points:
- Comfortable weather
- Clear autumn air enables beautiful photography
- Opportunity to observe famous autumn races
Winter (December-February)
Winter requires cold weather precautions, but the clear air makes the view from the observation deck especially beautiful this season. Year-end and New Year periods bring airport congestion, but mid-January through February are relatively quiet.
Precautions:
- Warm clothing essential (rooftop is especially cold)
- Early sunset means allowing extra photography time
- On snowy days, be aware of transportation delays
Uma Musume Fans’ Airport Utilization Tips
Enjoying Airport Cuisine
Narita Airport Terminal 2 offers diverse dining options. During pilgrimage visits, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine from various regions and internationally flavored dishes.
Recommended Restaurants:
- Japanese food: Sushi, tempura, ramen, etc.
- Western food: Hamburgers, pasta, steak, etc.
- Cafes: Starbucks, Tully’s Coffee, etc.
Souvenir and Merchandise Shopping
Multiple souvenir shops within the airport allow you to purchase specialty products from Chiba Prefecture and throughout Japan. Official Uma Musume merchandise is not sold at the airport, but purchasing specialty products from Chiba as travel records is also recommended.
Airport Facility Utilization
Free Wi-Fi:
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, convenient for SNS posting and information gathering.
Rest Areas:
Seating is available throughout for resting while planning your next destination.
Coin Lockers:
You can store large luggage and travel light for your pilgrimage.
Comparison with Other Airport-Related Sacred Sites
Narita Airport Terminal 1
Terminal 1 of Narita Airport also appears in Uma Musume Season 3. Visiting both Terminal 2 and Terminal 1 enables more fulfilling pilgrimage visits.
Terminal 1 Highlights:
- 4th Floor Bus Stop
- 4th Floor Check-in Counter
- Observation Deck
Access: Approximately 10 minutes from Terminal 2 via free shuttle bus
Differences from Haneda Airport
Currently, Haneda Airport also has extensive international flights, but at the time of the anime’s broadcast (2018), Narita Airport was the major international hub. Understanding this historical context deepens comprehension of the work.
Recording Your Pilgrimage
Photography Tips
Composition:
- Save anime scenes beforehand as screenshots
- Search for the same angles for photography
- Wide-angle lenses make it easier to capture entire buildings
Light Conditions:
- Morning through midday allows beautiful front-lit photography
- Evening tends to create backlighting, so be careful
- Cloudy days also allow soft-light photography
SNS Posting Points
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 Precautions:
- Pixelate faces if other people appear in photos
- Be careful with location sharing
- Don’t post information related to airport security
Conclusion: The Appeal of Narita Airport Terminal 2 Pilgrimage
Narita Airport Terminal 2 remains a sacred site deeply etched in the hearts of many fans as the stage for the emotional scene in Uma Musume Season 1 EXTRA R. The scene where Team Spica members welcome Silence Suzuka upon her return from overseas is one of the most memorable moments in the work.
Being in a special location that is an actual international airport presents various photography restrictions, but visiting while following proper etiquette offers a precious opportunity to re-experience the anime’s world. The view from the parking lot rooftop is an excellent spot to perfectly recreate one of the anime’s scenes.
Within Chiba Prefecture, there are Nakayama Racecourse, and in Tokyo, there are Tokyo Racecourse, Tachikawa Area, and Kichijoji Area, among many other Uma Musume-related sacred sites. With efficient planning, enjoy fulfilling pilgrimage travels.
Those who have developed affection for the world of horse racing through anime will find that planning visits to actual racecourses deepens their understanding of the work. Uma Musume pilgrimage offers a wonderful experience of enjoying anime fan pleasures while simultaneously discovering the attractions of various regions throughout Japan.
Why not visit Narita Airport Terminal 2 and, like Special Week, stand in the same place and re-experience this moving scene?
