Introduction: The Deep Relationship Between Uma Musume Pretty Derby and Hanshin Racecourse
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a multimedia content project that features real racehorses transformed into beautiful girls competing in races. The project spans anime, games, manga, and other media, earning support not only from horse racing fans but from a wide audience.
The racecourse serving as the setting for the work is modeled after real facilities, and among them, Hanshin Racecourse is one of the important sacred sites. Located in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Racecourse is one of the major central racecourses operated by the JRA (Japan Racing Association), hosting numerous Grade I races such as the Takarazuka Kinen and the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, making it a prestigious racecourse.
In the anime series and in-game of Uma Musume Pretty Derby, this Hanshin Racecourse appears in numerous scenes. Particularly, the area around the Winner’s Circle serves as the stage where victorious Uma Musume are awarded, holding special significance for fans.
This article comprehensively explains all information necessary for sacred site pilgrimage centered around the Winner’s Circle area of Hanshin Racecourse. From appearance scenes in anime and games to actual visiting methods, photography spots, surrounding facilities, and visiting precautions, we provide information useful for those planning a sacred site pilgrimage.
Uma Musume Pretty Derby: The Work’s Appeal and the Role of Racecourses
Basic Information About the Work
Uma Musume Pretty Derby is a multimedia project developed and operated by Cygames. The TV anime first season aired in 2018, with the second season in 2021 and the third season in 2023. A smartphone game app was released in 2021 and became a major hit.
In the work’s world setting, real famous horses are reborn as “Uma Musume,” personified beings who compete in races called the “Twinkle Series.” Famous horses that left their names in racing history appear as beautiful girl characters—Special Week, Silence Suzuka, Tokai Teio, Daiwa Scarlet, and Rice Shower among them—each spinning their own drama.
The Role Racecourses Play in the Work
In Uma Musume Pretty Derby, racecourses serve not merely as background but as important stages for the story. All ten central racecourse locations in Japan (Sapporo, Hakodate, Fukushima, Niigata, Tokyo, Nakayama, Chukyo, Kyoto, Hanshin, and Kokura) are implemented in-game, with each racecourse’s distinctive features and course formations faithfully reproduced.
In the anime series, the characteristic buildings and landscapes of each racecourse are depicted with care, achieving such high fidelity that those who have visited real racecourses can recognize them instantly. This high reproduction quality is a major factor driving fans toward sacred site pilgrimage.
Hanshin Racecourse serves as the stage for numerous important races within the work, particularly Grade I races like the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies and Takarazuka Kinen, which are recreated in-game. The drama that unfolds on this stage with the Uma Musume has captured many fans’ hearts.
Basic Information and Facility Overview of Hanshin Racecourse
History and Characteristics of Hanshin Racecourse
Hanshin Racecourse was opened in 1907 (Meiji 40), boasting over 100 years of tradition. A major renovation project completed in 2006 transformed it into a modern and comfortable facility.
Main facility characteristics:
- Location: 1-1 Komanomachi, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Course: Right-handed, turf course 1,689m per lap, dirt course 1,518m
- Grandstand capacity: Approximately 56,000
- Characteristics: Has inner and outer course loops with tight corners providing good maneuverability
The greatest characteristic of Hanshin Racecourse lies in its course formation. The inner course is a relatively compact 1,689m per lap, and with sharp corners, front runners are said to have an advantage. This characteristic is also reproduced in-game, with skills like “Hanshin Racecourse ◯” existing.
Main Facilities and Area Configuration
Hanshin Racecourse is divided into multiple areas, each with distinct characteristics.
1. Central Entrance Area
The main entrance features a large clock tower that serves as the symbol of Hanshin Racecourse. Within Uma Musume works, this clock tower sometimes appears as background.
2. Paddock Area
The paddock where horses can be viewed before racing features a three-story structure, allowing observation from different angles on each floor. In Uma Musume anime, the paddock is depicted in tense pre-race scenes.
3. Grandstand Area
From the main grandstand, the entire course can be viewed, allowing one to experience the intensity of racing. In Uma Musume works, scenes of cheering from the audience seats feature the grandstand.
4. Winner’s Circle Area
The Winner’s Circle, the main subject of this article, is a special area where victorious horses are awarded. Here victory joy is shared and commemorative photos are taken.
Detailed Explanation of the Winner’s Circle Area
What is the Winner’s Circle?
The Winner’s Circle is where the victorious horse and related parties in a race gather and an awards ceremony is held. Written in English as “Winner’s Circle,” it literally means “circle of winners.”
The Winner’s Circle at Hanshin Racecourse is positioned between the grandstand and paddock, where the awards ceremony takes place before many spectators. The victorious jockey is interviewed and commemorative photos are taken, making it one of the most glamorous places at the racecourse.
Appearance Scenes in Uma Musume Works
In the Uma Musume Pretty Derby anime series, the Winner’s Circle holds important meaning as a symbol of victory. Scenes where victorious Uma Musume share joy with trainers and friends, scenes where they receive bouquets at award ceremonies, and scenes where they give victory interviews all take place on this stage and serve as deeply moving moments.
Particularly in the first anime season, the scene at the Winner’s Circle when Special Week wins her first Grade I race is memorable. In the second season, the awards ceremony scene when Tokai Teio achieves her comeback moved many fans to tears.
In the game version, upon winning a race, an awards ceremony cutscene is inserted showing the scene at the Winner’s Circle. Since it is depicted based on actual landscape of Hanshin Racecourse, visitors on pilgrimage can feel “This is that scene’s location!” when visiting in person—this is a major attraction.
Structure and Highlights of the Winner’s Circle Area
The Winner’s Circle area at Hanshin Racecourse has the following structure.
Awards Area
A circular awards stand exists at the center, surrounded by a fence structure. Immediately after racing, the victorious horse is guided here, where horse owners, trainers, jockeys, and other related parties gather.
Viewing Area
Spectator viewing spaces exist around the Winner’s Circle where visitors can watch the awards ceremony up close. However, it becomes crowded immediately after racing, so securing a good spot requires early positioning.
Photography Spots
From a sacred site pilgrimage perspective, positions allowing photography of the Winner’s Circle from the front are popular. You can recreate photos with the same composition as depicted in anime or screenshots from games.
Surrounding Facilities
Near the Winner’s Circle are the paddock, return route, and paddock entrance, which also appear in Uma Musume works. Comprehensively visiting these areas leads to deeper work comprehension.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage: Visiting Guide to Hanshin Racecourse Winner’s Circle
Access Methods
By Train (Recommended)
- From Hankyū Imazu Line “Nikawa Station”: About 2 minutes on foot (nearest station)
- From Osaka Umeda: About 15 minutes on Hankyū Kobe Line to Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station, then about 5 minutes on Imazu Line to Nikawa Station
- From Kobe Sannomiya: About 10 minutes on Hankyū Kobe Line to Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station, then about 5 minutes on Imazu Line to Nikawa Station
- From JR Takarazuka Station: Transfer to Hankyū Takarazuka Line, then via Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station to Nikawa Station
Nikawa Station is right in front of Hanshin Racecourse, and the racecourse building is visible immediately upon exiting the station. On racing days, many racing fans walk from the station to the racecourse, and following the crowd prevents getting lost.
By Car
- From Hanshin Expressway “Nishi-Nomiya IC”: About 10 minutes
- From Meishin Expressway “Nishi-Nomiya IC”: About 15 minutes
The parking lot accommodates approximately 2,000 vehicles, but may fill on Grade I racing days and busy times. Use of public transportation is strongly recommended on racing days.
Free Shuttle Buses
Free shuttle buses operate from JR Takarazuka Station and Hankyū Takarazuka Station (racing days only). However, wait times can be long during crowded times, requiring time flexibility.
Admission Fees and Schedule
Admission Fees (As of 2024)
- General admission: 200 yen
- Reserved seating: 1,000 yen~ (varies by seat type)
- Special viewing seats: 5,000 yen~
For sacred site pilgrimage purposes, general admission suffices. If you wish to take your time photographing and viewing, weekday racing days are recommended due to lower crowds.
Racing Schedule
Hanshin Racecourse hosts multiple racing periods throughout the year. Main racing seasons are:
- Spring racing: Around March to June
- Autumn racing: Around September to December
Detailed racing schedules can be confirmed on the JRA official website. Entry is not permitted on non-racing days, making advance confirmation essential.
Visiting Precautions and Etiquette
Photography-Related Precautions
- Personal record photography is permitted, but commercial use and large-scale camera equipment are prohibited
- Tripod use is generally prohibited. Hand-held photography should be the norm
- Avoid photography that disturbs other visitors: Do not block passages or occupy the same location for extended periods
- Flash photography during races is strictly prohibited as it may startle horses
- Restricted entry areas during awards ceremony: The Winner’s Circle is off-limits to non-staff during the post-race awards ceremony
Clothing and Belongings
- Comfortable walking shoes: Sneakers or similar comfortable shoes are recommended as the racecourse is extensive
- Season-appropriate clothing: Many outdoor areas require sun protection in summer and warm clothing in winter
- Camera/smartphone: For recording your sacred site pilgrimage
- Racing newspapers or racing programs: Essential if enjoying racing as well
- Drinks: Especially necessary in summer to prevent heat stroke
Racecourse Etiquette
- Dispose of trash at designated locations or take it with you: Racecourses maintain cleanliness
- Respect no-smoking areas: Smoking only in designated smoking areas
- Keep conversations at appropriate volumes: Avoid disturbing other spectators during racing
- Show respect for horses and jockeys: Remember this is a place where actual racing occurs
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots Besides the Winner’s Circle at Hanshin Racecourse
Paddock Area
The paddock is where horses before racing can be viewed, and frequently appears in Uma Musume works during tense pre-race scenes.
Paddock Third Floor
A vantage point overlooking the entire horse, this angle frequently appears in anime depictions. You can view while imagining scenes where Uma Musume gather before racing.
Paddock First Floor
A position to view horses up close and experience the actual horse’s presence. In Uma Musume’s world, this is where trainers and Uma Musume make final preparations before racing.
Grandstand Area
The main grandstand provides a panoramic view of the entire course and allows experiencing racing’s intensity.
Top Grandstand Floor
A bird’s-eye view of the entire course, clearly showing Hanshin Racecourse’s distinctive right-handed course formation. Comparing with in-game course overhead diagrams will amaze you with the reproduction accuracy.
Pre-Goal Grandstand
A premium seat allowing close viewing of the race goal scene. You can imagine Uma Musume dashing past the finish line.
Near Central Entrance
The main entrance of Hanshin Racecourse features a large clock tower, popular as a meeting spot. It appears as background in anime and games, and is a standard commemorative photography spot.
Entrance Plaza
Bustling with many fans on racing days, this allows experiencing the racecourse atmosphere. Many fans wearing Uma Musume goods are visible, offering opportunities to meet people with similar interests.
Racetrack and Course
The racetrack where actual racing occurs is the very stage where Uma Musume run. The contrast between green turf and brown dirt is beautiful, and racing days allow viewing a well-maintained beautiful track.
Course Characteristics
Hanshin Racecourse has a right-handed configuration with inner and outer courses. In-game courses like “Hanshin Turf 1600m (Outer)” and “Hanshin Turf 2000m (Inner)” faithfully recreate actual course settings.
Major Races Held at Hanshin Racecourse and Uma Musume Connections
Grade I Races
Multiple Grade I races held at Hanshin Racecourse are implemented in Uma Musume games.
Takarazuka Kinen (June)
Known as the spring grand prix, the Takarazuka Kinen is one of the most prestigious Grade I races held at Hanshin Racecourse. In-game it is positioned as an important race many Uma Musume target.
Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (December)
A Grade I race determining the champion among 2-year-old fillies where future star candidates gather. In Uma Musume development, it is set as an important target race for 2-year-olds.
Oka Sho (April)
*Held at Hanshin Racecourse in some years*
The first leg of the three-year-old filly classic and important stepping stone toward the filly triple crown. Anime depicts the drama of Uma Musume targeting this race.
Other Important Races
Grade II and Grade III Races
Hanshin Racecourse hosts numerous important races including Hanshin Daishō, Tulip Shō, and Mainichi Cup. These are also recreated in-game and encountered during development.
Open and Condition Races
Open special and condition races are important developmental steps for Uma Musume. Similar to actual racing, progressing through stages provides enjoyment.
How Uma Musume Fans Can Enjoy Hanshin Racecourse
Combining Race Viewing with Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Visiting Hanshin Racecourse is recommended to enjoy not just pilgrimage but actual racing as well. Many who developed interest in racing through Uma Musume exist, and observing actual races deepens work understanding.
Beginner-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Racing
- Purchase racing programs: Detailed horse information is available (100 yen)
- View horses at the paddock: Confirm actual horse condition
- Purchase betting tickets starting small: Available from 100 yen. Buying tickets on horses you support makes races more enjoyable
- Watch races: View races on grandstands or turf vision
- Collect winnings: Receive payouts if you win
Photography Spot Tours
The essence of sacred site pilgrimage is photographing from angles matching anime scenes or game screenshots. Preparing anime scenes or game screenshots beforehand and locating matching angles works well.
Recommended Photography Times
- Early morning (right after opening): Few people, allowing unhurried photography
- Between races: Paddock and Winner’s Circle areas relatively empty
- Weekday racing: Less crowded than weekends
Dining and Shopping
Multiple dining establishments and shops within Hanshin Racecourse allow enjoying racecourse gourmet.
Recommended Dining
- Racecourse curry: A racecourse staple
- Turfie sweets: Baked treats modeled after “Turfie,” the Hanshin Racecourse mascot
- Various lunch boxes: Can be eaten while watching races
Gift Shops
JRA official merchandise and racing-related goods are available. Uma Musume collaboration goods may be sold, so check when visiting.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Plans Including Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Takarazuka Area
Hanshin Racecourse is located in Takarazuka City with numerous nearby tourist attractions.
Takarazuka Grand Theater
Home of Takarazuka Revue, within walking distance of Hankyū Takarazuka Station. Watching Takarazuka Revue before or after pilgrimage is a popular plan.
Osamu Tezuka Memorial Library
Memorial library for Osamu Tezuka, the god of manga. Takarazuka was Tezuka’s birthplace.
Nishi-Nomiya Area
Nishinomiya Shrine
Known as “Ebisu-no-miya headquarters shrine,” famous for Toka Ebisu.
Nishi-Nomiya Gardens
Large shopping mall convenient for shopping after racecourse visits.
All-Day Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Plan
Morning
- 9:00 Depart from Hankyū Umeda Station
- 9:30 Arrive at Nikawa Station, head to Hanshin Racecourse
- 10:00 Gates open, commemorative photo at central entrance
- 10:30 Visit paddock, grandstands, Winner’s Circle and other locations
Afternoon
- 12:00 Lunch at racecourse
- 13:00 Begin race viewing
- 15:00 Watch main race, view awards ceremony at Winner’s Circle
- 16:30 Watch final race
- 17:00 Leave racecourse
- 17:30 Dinner or sightseeing in Takarazuka/Nishi-Nomiya area
This plan allows enjoying both sacred site pilgrimage and racing.
Uma Musume and Actual Racing: Experiencing the Work’s Appeal at Hanshin Racecourse
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Deepens Work Understanding
Uma Musume Pretty Derby, based on real racehorses and racecourses, dramatically deepens work understanding when visiting actual racecourses.
Where exactly does the awards ceremony scene at the Winner’s Circle depicted in anime take place? What is the actual formation of Hanshin Racecourse’s course you’ve run countless times in-game? Confirming these yourself greatly deepens attachment to the work.
Discovering Racing’s Appeal
For those developing interest in racing through Uma Musume, actual racecourse visits open doors to new worlds.
The intensity of actual racehorses, jockey technique, race tension—these cannot be fully conveyed through video and are only understood through on-site experience. Many are moved by the beauty and strength of horses seen in the paddock.
Uma Musume Fan Community
Particularly on Grade I race days, many Uma Musume fans gather at Hanshin Racecourse. Interactions between fans wearing Uma Musume goods sometimes lead to new friendships, making it a meeting place.
Posts using hashtags like “#UmaBunMusumeHolyGroundPilgrimage” and “#HanshinRacecourse” on SNS provide pre-visit information gathering and post-visit memory sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can anyone view the Winner’s Circle at Hanshin Racecourse?
Yes, you can by paying admission (200 yen) on racing days. However, it becomes crowded after racing, so for unhurried photography, weekday or early morning racing is recommended. Entry is generally not permitted on non-racing days.
Q2: Are there restrictions on photographing near the Winner’s Circle?
Personal record photography is permitted, but tripod use and photography disturbing other visitors are prohibited. Additionally, restricted entry areas are set around the Winner’s Circle during the post-race awards ceremony. Practice courteous photography.
Q3: What is the best season to visit Hanshin Racecourse for Uma Musume sacred site pilgrimage?
Spring (March-June) and autumn (September-December) racing periods are recommended. Particularly, Grade I race days like Takarazuka Kinen (June) and Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (December) let you experience the atmosphere of races depicted in works. However, these days are crowded, so regular racing days are better for photography.
Q4: Tell me the access method to Hanshin Racecourse
Hankyū Imazu Line “Nikawa Station” to about 2-minute walk is the most accessible route. About 30 minutes from Osaka Umeda, about 20 minutes from Kobe Sannomiya are possible. By car, about 10 minutes from Hanshin Expressway “Nishi-Nomiya IC,” but parking fills on racing days, so public transportation is recommended.
Q5: Are there other Uma Musume sacred site pilgrimage locations besides the Winner’s Circle at Hanshin Racecourse?
Yes, numerous spots exist including paddock, grandstands, and central entrance areas. Particularly, paddock third-floor views and full-course views from grandstands are popular spots conveying anime and game atmosphere. Visiting multiple areas provides deeper pilgrimage experience.
Q6: Can beginners enjoy racing?
Absolutely. Most Uma Musume fans start as racing beginners. Tickets can be purchased from 100 yen, and reading racing programs conveys basic understanding. If confused, racecourse staff will kindly explain.
Q7: Are Uma Musume-related events held?
Collaboration events have been held in the past. Check the latest information on JRA official sites, Uma Musume official sites, and official SNS. Additionally, collaboration events may occur at local racing venues.
Conclusion: Experiencing the Uma Musume World at Hanshin Racecourse
The Winner’s Circle area at Hanshin Racecourse is a special place visited by many fans as an Uma Musume Pretty Derby sacred site. Visiting the actual stage of moving scenes seen in anime and games deepens work understanding and attachment.
Using information provided in this article, please plan your Hanshin Racecourse sacred site pilgrimage. Imagining the awards ceremony scene at the Winner’s Circle while experiencing the actual racecourse atmosphere will make Uma Musume feel even more intimate.
Combined with watching actual races, not just sacred site pilgrimage allows discovering the racing appeal underlying Uma Musume. The intensity of racehorses, jockey skill, race tension, and victory moment emotion—these are special experiences only actual racecourse visitors can taste.
Remember to practice courtesy and consideration for other visitors while creating wonderful sacred site pilgrimage memories. Please experience the emotion of standing at Hanshin Racecourse, the place where Uma Musume dashed across.
Key Points Summary:
- Excellent access from Hankyū Imazu Line “Nikawa Station” 2-minute walk
- 200 yen admission, entry permitted on racing days only
- Winner’s Circle is awards ceremony stage with numerous important anime/game scenes
- Photography is personal record only, tripod use prohibited
- Paddock, grandstands, central entrance also sacred pilgrimage spots
- Spring and autumn racing seasons recommended, especially Grade I race days
- Combining actual race viewing enhances experience
Please fully experience the Uma Musume Pretty Derby world at Hanshin Racecourse. As a trainer and fan, standing at the stage where Uma Musume dashed will surely become an unforgettable memory.
