“Uma Musume: Cinderella Grey” is a spin-off work of “Uma Musume: Pretty Derby” that tells the story modeled after Oguri Cap, a legendary racehorse from local racing. The work features numerous real place names and spots centered around Gifu Prefecture, and pilgrimage to sacred sites has become popular among fans.
This article comprehensively introduces sacred sites in Gifu Prefecture featured in Cinderella Grey, and explains in detail efficient pilgrimage routes, access methods, and precautions when visiting.
The Deep Connection Between Cinderella Grey and Gifu Prefecture
Oguri Cap and Kasayama Racecourse in Gifu Prefecture
Oguri Cap, the protagonist of Cinderella Grey (named Oguri Cap in the work), is modeled after the real racehorse Oguri Cap. The actual Oguri Cap debuted at Kasayama Racecourse in Gifu Prefecture in 1985 and is known as the “chestnut-colored monster” who rose from local racing to central racing.
In the work, Oguri Cap is depicted as belonging to Kasayama Training Center, aiming to advance from local racing to central racing, making Gifu Prefecture an important setting for the story.
Depictions of Gifu Prefecture in the Work
In Cinderella Grey, the scenery around Kasayama Racecourse and the geographical characteristics of Gifu Prefecture are depicted in detail. Through the careful background artwork by artist Taiyo Kuzumi, real locations are faithfully recreated, making it a work where fans can enjoy pilgrimage to sacred sites.
Kasayama Racecourse: Center of Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Basic Information on Kasayama Racecourse
Location: 12 Wakaba-cho, Kasayama-cho, Hashima District, Gifu Prefecture
Access:
- About 15 minutes on foot from Kasayama Station on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line
- Direct access via “Kasayama Racecourse” bus stop from JR Gifu Station (Gifu Bus)
- About 10 minutes by car from “Gifu-Hashima IC” on the Meishin Expressway
Racing Days: Typically held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (confirm the annual schedule on the official website)
Admission: Free (special viewing seats available for a fee)
Points to See at Kasayama Racecourse
Paddock
The paddock where Oguri Cap is depicted walking before a race in the work also exists at the actual Kasayama Racecourse. On racing days, you can see horses up close before races, experiencing the world of Cinderella Grey.
Grandstand
From the main grandstand of Kasayama Racecourse, you can see the entire 1,400-meter dirt course. It’s recommended to watch actual races while recalling the thrilling racing scenes from the work.
Oguri Cap Memorial Museum and Exhibition Corner
Inside Kasayama Racecourse, there is an exhibition corner with materials and photographs related to the actual Oguri Cap. This is a valuable spot where you can learn about the history of the racehorse that became the model for Cinderella Grey.
Stable Area
During general open days or special events, it may be possible to view the stable area. This is a place where you can feel the atmosphere of the stables where Oguri Cap spends time in the work.
Tips for Sacred Site Pilgrimage at Kasayama Racecourse
- Visit on racing days: Seeing actual races allows you to immerse yourself deeper in the world of the work
- Arrive early: Shortly after opening is relatively quiet, allowing for leisurely photo taking
- Check official events: Special events may be held on notable days such as the Oguri Cap Memorial Race
- Follow etiquette: The racecourse is a business facility with many racing fans. Be considerate of other visitors when taking photos or sightseeing
Sacred Sites Around Kasayama Town
Kasayama Station (Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line)
Kasayama Station is considered the model for the station Oguri Cap uses when heading to central racing in the work. Though a small station, it serves an important role as the nearest station to the racecourse.
Points of interest: The townscape around the station retains an old-fashioned atmosphere with elements that overlap with the work’s background.
Townscape of Kasayama Town
Kasayama Town spreads along the Kiso River. Various locations throughout the town served as models for the rural landscapes and residential areas featured in the work.
Recommended walking route:
- Depart from Kasayama Station
- Pass through the shopping street to Kasayama Racecourse
- Explore the residential areas around the racecourse
- Walk along the levee beside the Kiso River
Kiso River Riverbed
The Kiso River flows along the east side of Kasayama Town. The river and levees appear in the backgrounds of scenes where Oguri Cap trains in the work.
Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Kasayama Racecourse
Points of interest: The vast riverbed is perfect for walking and jogging, where you can imagine Oguri Cap running.
Related Spots in Gifu City
Around JR Gifu Station
JR Gifu Station, the gateway to Gifu Prefecture. It serves as an access point to Kasayama Racecourse and is referenced in the work as the center of Gifu.
Use in sacred site pilgrimage:
- Bus terminal for Kasayama Racecourse
- Wide selection of hotels and restaurants
- Tourist information for Gifu Prefecture available
Kinkazan and Gifu Castle
Kinkazan and Gifu Castle, symbols of Gifu City. The scenery of Gifu may be depicted in the work’s backgrounds.
Location: 18 Tenshu-kaku, Gifu-shi, Gifu Prefecture
Access: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Gifu Station, then by ropeway to the summit after getting off at Gifu Park
Points of interest: From the castle tower, you can see the entire Gifu cityscape and Nobi Plain, overlooking the lands where Oguri Cap raced.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Day Trip Course (Departing from Nagoya)
Time required: Approximately 6-8 hours
Schedule:
- 9:00 Depart from Meitetsu Nagoya Station
- 9:40 Arrive at Kasayama Station, walk to Kasayama Racecourse
- 10:00-14:00 View Kasayama Racecourse and watch races
- 14:30-15:30 Explore Kasayama Town area
- 16:00 Depart from Kasayama Station
- 16:30 Arrive at Gifu Station, explore station area
- 18:00 Depart from Gifu Station toward Nagoya
1 Night, 2 Days Course
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive at Gifu Station, check in to hotel
- Afternoon: Visit Kasayama Racecourse and watch races
- Evening: Explore Kasayama Town area
- Night: Stay in Gifu City
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Kinkazan and Gifu Castle
- Afternoon: Sightsee in Gifu City (Nagara River, Kawara Town, etc.)
- Evening: Head back home
Course Using Car Access
Using a car allows for more efficient pilgrimage to a wider range of sacred sites.
Recommended route:
- Exit at Meishin Expressway “Gifu-Hashima IC”
- Kasayama Racecourse (free parking)
- Explore Kasayama Town area
- Travel to Gifu City (approximately 20 minutes)
- Kinkazan and Gifu Castle
- Around the Nagara River
Preparation and Precautions for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Checklist of Items to Bring
- Camera/smartphone: For photographing sacred sites
- Work materials: Comics or screenshots are useful for comparison
- Map/app: Map apps like Google Maps or NAVITIME
- Transportation IC card: Convenient for using Meitetsu and buses
- Comfortable walking shoes: Essential for touring the racecourse and town
- Sunscreen/hat: The racecourse grandstand can have strong sunlight
- Drinks: Especially important in summer to prevent heat stroke
Etiquette When Visiting
Photography Etiquette
- No trespassing on private property: Avoid entering private land outside the racecourse
- Consideration for other visitors: Many racing fans visit the racecourse. Be mindful not to obstruct their passage when taking photos
- Maintain quiet: Act quietly in residential areas
- Refrain from using tripods: Avoid using tripods during crowded times or where they would obstruct passage
Etiquette at the Racecourse
- Respect for horses and jockeys: Never shout loudly or startle horses at the paddock
- Observe designated areas: Never enter restricted areas
- Take trash with you: Contribute to environmental conservation
- Follow racecourse rules: Always comply with instructions from facility staff
Best Seasons
Spring (March-May)
- Mild weather ideal for sightseeing
- Many racing events at Kasayama Racecourse
- Beautiful scenery during cherry blossom season
Autumn (September-November)
- Comfortable temperatures
- Season for the Oguri Cap Memorial Race (typically held in November)
- Beautiful autumn foliage around Gifu Castle
Summer and Winter Precautions
- Summer (June-August): Heat precautions essential, watch for heat stroke
- Winter (December-February): Prepare for cold, the racecourse grandstand can be windy
Accommodations and Gourmet Information
Recommended Lodging Areas
Around Gifu Station
- Advantages: Wide selection of hotels, abundant restaurants, convenient access to Kasayama Racecourse
- Price range: Business hotels from ¥5,000, city hotels from ¥8,000
Around Nagoya Station
- Advantages: Abundant accommodation options, convenient for shinkansen users
- Disadvantages: About 1 hour to Kasayama Racecourse
Gifu Prefecture Gourmet
Introducing Gifu gourmet dishes to enjoy during sacred site pilgrimage.
Hida Beef
Gifu’s representative brand beef. Many restaurants in Gifu City serve dishes using Hida beef.
Sweetfish Cuisine
Sweetfish from the Nagara River is a specialty of Gifu. In summer, specialized sweetfish restaurants offer salt-grilled and candied varieties.
Magnolia Leaf Miso
Local cuisine from the Hida region. A dish of miso and ingredients grilled on a magnolia leaf.
Kasayama Racecourse Gourmet
The racecourse has a light meal corner where you can enjoy B-class gourmet like curry rice and udon. Dining in the unique atmosphere of the racecourse is part of the charm of sacred site pilgrimage.
Ways to Enjoy Cinderella Grey Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Enjoy Comparing with the Work
It’s recommended to bring the comics along and compare the actual scenery with the depictions in the work. You’ll be amazed by how faithfully artist Taiyo Kuzumi’s careful background artwork reproduces real locations.
Observe Actual Horse Racing
Watching actual races at Kasayama Racecourse deepens your understanding of the work. You can feel the welcoming atmosphere unique to local racing and sense the breathing of horses and jockeys up close.
Learn About Oguri Cap’s History
The displays in Kasayama Racecourse and real episodes about Oguri Cap shared by racing professionals are valuable sources of information for enjoying Cinderella Grey more deeply.
Share Information on Social Media
Sharing photos of visited sacred sites on social media allows you to connect with other fans. Use hashtags like “#シンデレラグレイ聖地巡礼” or “#笠松競馬場”.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Introducing tourist spots in Gifu Prefecture to visit alongside sacred site pilgrimage.
Nagara River and Kawara Town
Along the Nagara River flowing through Gifu City is Kawara Town with preserved old townscape. You can stroll through traditional buildings with nostalgic charm.
Gifu Daibutsu (Shoho-ji Temple)
One of Japan’s three great Buddha statues, Gifu Daibutsu. The 13.7-meter tall dry-lacquered Buddha statue is magnificent.
Sekigahara Battlefield
Located in Sekigahara Town, Fushimi District, Gifu Prefecture, the site of the Battle of Sekigahara. A must-see for history enthusiasts.
Shirakawa Village (World Heritage Site)
A gassho-style thatched-roof village in Shirakawa Village in northern Gifu Prefecture. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a representative tourist destination in Japan. Though distant from Kasayama, it’s worth considering for day 2 sightseeing.
Preserving Memories of Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Temple Stamps and Commemorative Stamps
Special commemorative stamps may be available at Kasayama Racecourse on certain days. Check the official website and social media for information.
Merchandise Purchase
The shop inside Kasayama Racecourse may sell Oguri Cap-related merchandise. Additionally, anime shops around Gifu Station carry “Uma Musume” related goods.
Photo Organization and Sharing
After your visit, organize photos and share them on social media or blogs. This helps other fans while preserving your own memories.
Future Developments and Changes to Sacred Sites
“Uma Musume: Cinderella Grey” is an ongoing serialized work, and new episodes and settings may appear in the future. Additionally, if multimedia expansion like anime adaptation occurs, the popularity of sacred site pilgrimage is expected to increase further.
Kasayama Racecourse and Gifu Prefecture may implement fan-oriented events and projects in response to Cinderella Grey’s popularity. Check official websites and social media for the latest information.
Conclusion: The Charm of Cinderella Grey Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Sacred site pilgrimage for “Uma Musume: Cinderella Grey” is a precious opportunity to experience the world of the work in reality. The sacred sites in Gifu Prefecture centered on Kasayama Racecourse are special places where you can simultaneously feel the appeal of local racing and the history of Oguri Cap.
By watching actual races at the racecourse and walking the lands of Gifu where Oguri Cap raced, your attachment to the work will deepen further. While following proper etiquette, fully enjoy the world of Cinderella Grey.
Using the information provided in this article, why not create your own sacred site pilgrimage plan? A journey tracing Oguri Cap’s footsteps is sure to become an unforgettable memory.
