【Uma Musume】 Kasamatsu Town, Hashima District, Gifu Prefecture
“Uma Musume: Cinderella Grey,” a spinoff of “Uma Musume: Pretty Derby,” is a 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 the 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 Kasamatsu Racecourse
The protagonist Oguri Cap in Cinderella Grey (character name: Oguri Cap) is modeled after the real racehorse Oguri Cap. The actual Oguri Cap debuted at Kasamatsu Racecourse in Gifu Prefecture in 1985 and is known as the “gray monster” who rose from local racing to central racing.
In the work, Oguri Cap is depicted as belonging to Kasamatsu Training Center, aiming to advance from local racing to central racing, making Gifu Prefecture an important stage of the story.
Descriptions of Gifu Prefecture in the Work
In Cinderella Grey, the landscapes around Kasamatsu Racecourse and geographical features of Gifu Prefecture are depicted in detail. Through the careful background drawings by illustrator Taiyo Kuzumi, real locations are faithfully recreated, making it a work where fans can enjoy pilgrimage to sacred sites.
Kasamatsu Racecourse: The Center of Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Basic Information about Kasamatsu Racecourse
Location: 12 Wakaba-cho, Kasamatsu Town, Hashima District, Gifu Prefecture
Access:
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from “Kasamatsu Station” on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line
- Get off at “Kasamatsu Racecourse Mae” on the Gifu Bus from JR Gifu Station
- Approximately 10 minutes by car from “Gifu Hashima IC” on the Meishin Expressway
Racing Days: Normally horse racing is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (check the official website for the annual schedule)
Admission: Free (special viewing seats are paid)
Points to See at Kasamatsu Racecourse
Paddock
The paddock where Oguri Cap is depicted walking before races in the story also exists at the actual Kasamatsu Racecourse. On racing days, you can see horses up close before races and experience the world of Cinderella Grey.
Grandstand
From the main grandstand of Kasamatsu Racecourse, you can overlook the entire 1,400-meter dirt course. It is recommended to watch actual races while recalling the exciting racing scenes from the work.
Oguri Cap Memorial Hall and Exhibition Corner
Inside Kasamatsu Racecourse, there is an exhibition corner displaying materials and photographs related to the real Oguri Cap. This is a valuable spot where you can learn about the history of the legendary horse that was the model for Cinderella Grey.
Stables Area
On general open days or during special events, the stables area may be available for viewing. 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 Kasamatsu Racecourse
- Visit on racing days: Watching actual races allows you to immerse yourself deeper in the world of the work
- Arrive early: Shortly after opening, the racecourse is relatively quiet, allowing for leisurely photography
- Check official events: Special events may be held on certain days such as the Oguri Cap Memorial Race
- Follow etiquette: The racecourse is a business facility that attracts many racing fans. Be considerate not to inconvenience other visitors when taking photos or sightseeing
Sacred Sites around Kasamatsu Town
Kasamatsu Station (Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line)
Kasamatsu Station, thought to be the model of 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 that overlaps with the background of the work.
Kasamatsu Town Streetscape
Kasamatsu Town is a quiet town spreading along the Kiso River. There are numerous locations that served as models for the rural landscapes and residential areas depicted in the work.
Recommended Walking Route:
- Depart from Kasamatsu Station
- Pass through the shopping street to Kasamatsu Racecourse
- Explore the residential areas around the racecourse
- Walk along the Kiso River levee
Kiso River Riverbed
The Kiso River flows on the east side of Kasamatsu Town. Rivers and levees appear in backgrounds of scenes where Oguri Cap trains in the work.
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Kasamatsu 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 Kasamatsu Racecourse and is mentioned in the work as the center of Gifu.
Usage for Sacred Site Pilgrimage:
- Bus terminal for Kasamatsu Racecourse
- Abundant accommodations and restaurants
- Tourist information about Gifu Prefecture available
Kinkazan and Gifu Castle
Kinkazan and Gifu Castle, symbols of Gifu City. Gifu landscapes may be depicted in the work’s backgrounds.
Location: Gifu Castle, 18 Tenshu-kaku, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
Access: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Gifu Station, get off at Gifu Park, then take the ropeway to the summit
Points of Interest: From the castle tower, you can overlook Gifu cityscape and the Nobi Plain, where Oguri Cap galloped across Gifu’s land.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Day Trip Course (Departing from Nagoya)
Duration: Approximately 6-8 hours
Schedule:
- 9:00 Depart from Meitetsu Nagoya Station
- 9:40 Arrive at Kasamatsu Station, walk to Kasamatsu Racecourse
- 10:00-14:00 View Kasamatsu Racecourse and watch races
- 14:30-15:30 Explore the area around Kasamatsu Town
- 16:00 Depart from Kasamatsu Station
- 16:30 Arrive at Gifu Station, explore the area around the station
- 18:00 Depart from Gifu Station, return to Nagoya
One Night Two Days Course
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive at Gifu Station, check in to hotel
- Afternoon: View Kasamatsu Racecourse and watch races
- Evening: Explore the area around Kasamatsu Town
- Night: Stay in Gifu City
Day 2:
- Morning: Sightseeing at Kinkazan and Gifu Castle
- Afternoon: Explore Gifu City (Nagara River, Kawara Town, etc.)
- Evening: Depart for return
Course Using Car Access
Using a car allows you to efficiently visit a wider range of sacred sites.
Recommended Route:
- Exit at “Gifu Hashima IC” on the Meishin Expressway
- Kasamatsu Racecourse (free parking)
- Explore the area around Kasamatsu Town
- Move to Gifu City (approximately 20 minutes)
- Kinkazan and Gifu Castle
- Areas around Nagara River
Preparation and Precautions for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Packing Checklist
- Camera/Smartphone: For photographing sacred sites
- Work Materials: Comics or screenshots make comparisons easier
- Map/Apps: Map apps such as Google Maps or NAVITIME
- Transportation IC Card: Convenient for using Meitetsu trains and buses
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring the racecourse and town
- Sunscreen/Hat: The grandstand at the racecourse can have strong sunlight
- Beverages: Especially in summer, prepare for heat stroke prevention
Etiquette When Visiting
Photography Etiquette
- No trespassing on private property: Be careful not to enter private property outside the racecourse
- Consideration for other visitors: Many racing fans visit the racecourse. Be mindful not to obstruct traffic when photographing
- Quiet behavior in residential areas: Walk quietly in residential neighborhoods
- Tripod usage: Refrain from using tripods during crowded times or in places where they obstruct traffic
Etiquette at the Racecourse
- Consideration for horses and jockeys: Do not shout loudly or startle horses at the paddock
- Respect 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 perfect for exploring
- Many racing days at Kasamatsu Racecourse
- Beautiful scenery during cherry blossom season
Autumn (September-November)
- Comfortable temperatures
- Time of the Oguri Cap Memorial Race (usually held in November)
- Beautiful autumn foliage around Gifu Castle
Summer and Winter Precautions
- Summer (June-August): Heatstroke prevention essential
- Winter (December-February): Prepare for cold; the racecourse grandstand can be windy
Accommodations and Dining Information
Recommended Accommodation Areas
Around Gifu Station
- Advantages: Many hotel options, abundant restaurants, convenient access to Kasamatsu Racecourse
- Price Range: Business hotels from 5,000 yen, city hotels from 8,000 yen
Around Nagoya Station
- Advantages: Abundant accommodation options, convenient for shinkansen users
- Disadvantages: About 1 hour to Kasamatsu Racecourse
Gifu Prefecture Cuisine
Here we introduce Gifu gourmet foods to enjoy during sacred site pilgrimage.
Hida Beef
Gifu’s representative brand beef. There are many restaurants in Gifu City serving dishes made with Hida beef.
Sweetfish Dishes
Sweetfish from the Nagara River is a specialty of Gifu. In summer, you can enjoy salt-grilled and sweet simmered sweetfish at specialized restaurants.
Oak Leaf Miso
A local dish from the Hida region. Miso and ingredients are grilled on an oak leaf.
Kasamatsu Racecourse Gourmet
Light food corners are available inside the racecourse where you can enjoy B-class gourmet like curry rice and udon. Dining amid the racecourse’s unique atmosphere is part of the charm of sacred site pilgrimage.
How to Enjoy Uma Musume Cinderella Grey Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Enjoy Comparing with the Work
It is recommended to bring the comics and compare the actual scenery with the depictions in the work. You will be amazed at how faithfully real locations are recreated through illustrator Taiyo Kuzumi’s careful background drawings.
Watch Actual Horse Racing
Watching actual races at Kasamatsu Racecourse deepens your understanding of the work. You can feel the friendly atmosphere unique to local racing and experience the breath of horses and jockeys up close.
Learn About Oguri Cap’s History
The displays at Kasamatsu Racecourse and actual episodes about Oguri Cap you can learn from racing professionals are valuable sources for deeper enjoyment of Cinderella Grey.
Share Information on SNS
By sharing photos of visited sacred sites on SNS, you can interact with other fans. Make use of hashtags such as “#CinderellGreySacredSitePilgrimage” and “#KasamatsuRacecourse.”
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Here we introduce tourist attractions in Gifu Prefecture worth visiting together with sacred site pilgrimage.
Nagara River and Kawara Town
Along the Nagara River running through Gifu City is Kawara Town, where old townscapes remain. You can stroll through this historic, picturesque streetscape.
Gifu Great Buddha (Shohoji Temple)
The Gifu Great Buddha, considered one of Japan’s three great buddhas. The 13.7-meter dried lacquer Buddha is impressive.
Sekigahara Battlefield
Located in Sekigahara Town, Fuwa District, Gifu Prefecture, the stage of the decisive battle of Sekigahara. An unmissable spot for history enthusiasts.
Shirakawa-go (World Heritage Site)
A gassho-style village in Shirakawa Village in northern Gifu Prefecture. This representative Japanese tourist destination is registered as a World Heritage Site. While far from Kasamatsu, it can be considered as a Day 2 tourist destination.
Preserving Memories of Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Amulets and Commemorative Stamps
Commemorative stamps may be prepared at Kasamatsu Racecourse on special days. Check the official website and SNS for information.
Merchandise Purchases
Related Oguri Cap merchandise may be sold at shops inside Kasamatsu Racecourse. Also, anime shops in the Gifu Station area carry Uma Musume related merchandise.
Photo Organization and Sharing
After your visit, organize your photos and share them on SNS or blogs. This not only helps other fans but also preserves 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. If there is media mix expansion such as anime adaptation, the popularity of sacred site pilgrimage is expected to increase further.
Kasamatsu Racecourse and Gifu Prefecture may implement fan-oriented events and projects in response to Cinderella Grey’s popularity. Check official websites and SNS for the latest information.
Summary: The Appeal of Uma Musume Cinderella Grey Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Sacred site pilgrimage for “Uma Musume: Cinderella Grey” is a precious opportunity to actually experience the world of the work. The sacred sites in Gifu Prefecture centered on Kasamatsu 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 across Gifu’s land where Oguri Cap galloped, your affection for the work will deepen further. Follow proper etiquette and fully enjoy the world of Cinderella Grey.
Using the information provided in this article, why not create your own pilgrimage plan? Your journey tracing Oguri Cap’s footsteps will surely become an unforgettable memory.
