【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station (Tokyo) Complete Guide – Complete Sacred Site Pilgrimage Information
What is Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station
Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station is the terminal station of the Keio Electric Railway Racecourse Line located in Yawata-cho, Fuchu City, Tokyo. It functions as the nearest station to Tokyo Racecourse and has become an important sacred site in the anime “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” attracting many fans.
Basic Station Information
The Keio Racecourse Line is a short route of just 0.9 km connecting Higashi-Fuchu Station to Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station. This line opened in 1955 as a dedicated access route to Tokyo Racecourse and is crowded with horse racing fans on racing days.
The daily average passenger count in fiscal year 2021 was 693 people, making it the least-used station on all Keio Electric Railway lines. However, on days when large-scale horse racing events like G1 races are held at Tokyo Racecourse, the station sees tens of thousands of users. It is also famous for being used frequently for location filming for advertisements, television commercials, and dramas on non-racing days and weekdays when it is quiet.
The production staff of the anime “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” also carefully researched this station and faithfully recreated it in the series.
Appearance Scenes in the Anime “Uma Musume Pretty Derby”
Appearance in Episode 1 of Season 1: “Dream Gate!”
Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station makes its most memorable appearance in Episode 1 of Season 1 of the anime. The protagonist Special Week arrives from the countryside and, after getting off at Higashi-Fuchu Station, runs toward Tokyo Racecourse.
Special Week gets off one station too early at Higashi-Fuchu Station instead of Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station. This is because she had just arrived from the countryside and was unfamiliar with the area, but through this setting, viewers can re-experience the journey from Higashi-Fuchu Station through Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station to Tokyo Racecourse.
Depiction Inside the Station
The anime faithfully recreates the characteristic structure of Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station. There is a covered exclusive passageway leading directly to Tokyo Racecourse just outside the ticket gate, allowing visitors to reach the racecourse without getting wet on rainy days.
This passageway actually exists at the real Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station, and on racing days, many horse racing fans use it to head to the racecourse. The anime features this passageway as an important flow line where the Uma Musume head to the racecourse.
The Golden Horse Statue
Right outside Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station, a golden horse statue is displayed. This is a symbolic landmark of Tokyo Racecourse and a popular spot where many horse racing fans take commemorative photos.
In the anime “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” this statue appears as a rearranged “Golden Uma Musume Statue.” Comparing the real horse statue with the anime Uma Musume statue is one of the pleasures of sacred site pilgrimage.
Appearance Scenes and Photography Points by Episode
Appearance in Season 1 Opening & Episode 2
The opening animation features the scenery around Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station multiple times. Particularly striking is the shot with Tokyo Racecourse’s Fuji View Stand in the background, showing Uma Musume in a dynamic pose.
From Episode 2 onward, the route to and from Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station or Tokyo Racecourse may be depicted before and after race scenes. It is particularly effective as a staging device to build anticipation before important races are held.
Appearance in Season 1 Episodes 3-10
From Episode 3 onward, the focus is mainly on scenes inside Tokyo Racecourse, but the station area frequently appears as a background when arriving characters reach the racecourse.
Particularly in episodes featuring important G1 races, the congestion of the passageway from Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station to the racecourse is depicted effectively to heighten anticipation for the races.
When major races held at Tokyo Racecourse such as the Japan Derby, Japan Cup, and Tenno Sho (Autumn) are featured in the anime, descriptions of the area around Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station are almost always included.
Detailed Access Information for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Access by Train
To reach Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station, use the Keio Electric Railway Racecourse Line. Board at Higashi-Fuchu Station and get off at the terminal station, Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station. The journey takes only about 2 minutes.
Higashi-Fuchu Station is served by all Keio Line trains including limited express, semi-express, express, zone express, rapid, and local services. From Shinjuku Station to Higashi-Fuchu Station takes approximately 25 minutes by limited express or about 35 minutes by local train.
The Racecourse Line is a short route connecting Higashi-Fuchu Station and Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station, so there is no risk of boarding the wrong train. However, the number of trains is significantly reduced on non-racing days, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
Differences Between Racing Days and Non-Racing Days
The atmosphere of Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station differs greatly between racing days and non-racing days.
On racing days, the station is crowded with horse racing fans from morning. On days when G1 races are held, the passageway from the ticket gate to the racecourse may be completely filled with people. Visiting on a racing day is recommended if you want to experience a lively atmosphere, but it is unsuitable if you want to shoot photographs leisurely.
On non-racing days, the area around the station becomes very quiet with almost no people. For sacred site pilgrimage photography, non-racing days are better for calm shooting. However, the Racecourse Line operates extremely few trains, so attention is needed to the departure time of return trains.
Car Access and Parking Information
Tokyo Racecourse is equipped with large parking facilities. It can be reached in about 10 minutes from the Fuchu Smart IC on the Chuo Expressway or about 15 minutes from Chofu IC.
Multiple parking areas are located within Tokyo Racecourse, with a total capacity of approximately 13,000 vehicles. However, parking lots may become full on large-scale racing days like G1 races, so early arrival is recommended.
On non-racing days, parking lots may be closed, so please check the Tokyo Racecourse official website in advance.
Photography Spots and Pilgrimage Points
Photography at the Station Platform
The platform at Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station is an important spot where you can recreate the scene of Special Week arriving in Episode 1 of Season 1.
The platform has a very simple structure with one platform and one track, giving it the atmosphere of a terminal station. On weekday non-racing days, you can photograph at a leisurely pace in an almost empty space.
However, photography inside the station requires consideration so as not to inconvenience other users. Avoid using tripods and refrain from flash photography.
Passageway from Ticket Gate to Racecourse
The greatest feature of Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station is the covered exclusive passageway that leads directly to Tokyo Racecourse right outside the ticket gate. This passageway appears as an important location in the anime.
The passageway is wide with a high ceiling, giving it a sense of openness. The walls display posters and advertisements related to horse racing, heightening anticipation for the racecourse.
As a photography tip, shooting from the passageway entrance toward the racecourse yields a composition similar to the anime. However, on racing days there are too many people to photograph comfortably, so visiting on non-racing days is recommended.
The Golden Horse Statue
The golden horse statue near the station exit is a symbolic landmark of Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station. While arranged as a “Golden Uma Musume Statue” in the anime, the actual statue is also impressive and worth seeing.
The area around the statue is popular for commemorative photography, and on racing days many people take photos here. A commemorative photo with this statue is a must when visiting for sacred site pilgrimage.
Photographing from angles other than the front, such as from the side or back, allows you to enjoy the statue from various perspectives. On sunny days the golden luster shines more beautifully, so visiting on a day with clear weather is recommended.
Near Tokyo Racecourse Entrance
After passing through the passageway, you reach the entrance of Tokyo Racecourse. This is also an important spot that appears multiple times in the anime.
Signboards and informational displays are set up near the entrance, and on racing days it is crowded with people. The anime depicts scenes of Uma Musume entering the racecourse through this entrance.
Even on non-racing days, you can freely access the area near the entrance, so exterior photography is possible. However, entry into the racecourse interior is only allowed on racing days, so caution is needed.
Tokyo Racecourse Highlights
Fuji View Stand
The Fuji View Stand, symbolic of Tokyo Racecourse, is a massive spectator seating area accommodating approximately 13,750 people. It appears frequently in the anime and plays an important role as the background in Uma Musume race scenes.
The six-story building is designed so that the course can be viewed from any floor, allowing for immersive race viewing. The top floor also has an observation deck from which you can see the entire racecourse.
When visiting for sacred site pilgrimage, it is nice to gaze at the course from the stands while recalling anime race scenes.
Paddock
The paddock is where horses walk before a race. The anime depicts scenes of Uma Musume circling the paddock before races.
The actual paddock at Tokyo Racecourse is characterized by lush, beautiful scenery. The sight of horses walking the grass path is one of the joys of horse racing.
For anime fans, experiencing the place where Uma Musume walk through the paddock is a precious opportunity.
Winner’s Circle
The Winner’s Circle, where victorious horses and jockeys receive awards after a race, also appears as an important location in the anime.
The anime frequently depicts emotional scenes where Uma Musume celebrate their victories in the Winner’s Circle.
In actual horse racing, after G1 race victories and similar occasions, many fans gather around the Winner’s Circle to witness the moment of victory.
Precautions and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Consideration During Photography
Photography at Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station and Tokyo Racecourse requires consideration so as not to inconvenience other users or horse racing fans.
Particularly on racing days when the area is crowded, avoid photographing in ways that block passageways. The use of tripods also needs to be judged based on surrounding circumstances.
If warned by station staff or racecourse personnel, comply obediently.
Rules Inside the Racecourse
Tokyo Racecourse has various rules established by JRA. Do not enter restricted areas under any circumstances, take trash with you, do not speak loudly, and follow other basic etiquette.
Additionally, since the racecourse is a place for enjoying horse racing, take care not to interfere with horse racing fans’ viewing. Watch races quietly and consider taking photographs after race completion.
About Cosplay
Some people may want to visit in cosplay for sacred site pilgrimage, but Tokyo Racecourse basically does not allow entry in cosplay.
Wearing anime character merchandise is generally acceptable, but avoid visiting in full costume.
Nearby Sacred Sites
Higashi-Fuchu Station
Higashi-Fuchu Station, one station before Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station, also appears as an important location in Episode 1 of Season 1. It is the station where Special Week first arrives, and the scene of her running to Tokyo Racecourse from here is memorable.
Higashi-Fuchu Station is a major Keio Line station served by limited express and semi-express trains. There are many commercial facilities and restaurants around the station, making it convenient to visit before or after sacred site pilgrimage.
You can visit various locations that appeared in the anime, including the station platform, ticket gate, and the station plaza.
The Route from Higashi-Fuchu Station to Tokyo Racecourse
The route that Special Week took running from Higashi-Fuchu Station to Tokyo Racecourse is also a target for sacred site pilgrimage.
Actually walking it, the distance is about 1.5 km, taking about 15-20 minutes on foot. Along the way are residential areas and shopping streets where you can confirm the scenery depicted in the anime.
If you have time to spare, instead of using Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station, you might deliberately walk from Higashi-Fuchu Station, which is interesting as an experience retracing the anime.
Best Timing for Your Visit
When Visiting on a Racing Day
The greatest benefit of visiting on a racing day is being able to experience sacred site pilgrimage while watching actual horse racing. You can enjoy overlaying the anime’s depicted races with real horse racing.
Visiting on days when G1 races are held, such as the Japan Derby, Japan Cup, and Tenno Sho (Autumn)—races featured in the anime—allows you to experience the excitement depicted in the anime. Particularly on these days, you can experience the atmosphere crowded with horse racing fans as shown in the anime.
However, the large number of people makes photography difficult. Also, admission is required (200 yen).
When Visiting on a Non-Racing Day
The greatest advantage of visiting on a non-racing day is that the station area is quiet, allowing for relaxed photography. With fewer people, you can carefully photograph the same angles as the anime scenes.
However, you cannot enter the racecourse interior, so photography is limited to the exterior. Additionally, few trains operate on the Racecourse Line on non-racing days, so you must be very careful about return train times.
Weekday mornings are particularly quiet and ideal for photography.
Seasonal Attractions
The area around Tokyo Racecourse has different charms in each season.
In spring, cherry blossoms within the racecourse bloom beautifully. When the Japan Derby is held from late May to early June, the new green foliage is also beautiful.
In summer, you can enjoy the lush, green scenery of the racecourse. However, heat precautions are essential.
Autumn is when important races featured in the anime like the Tenno Sho (Autumn) and Japan Cup are held. The weather is also pleasant, making this the optimal season for sacred site pilgrimage.
In winter, the clear air is ideal for photography, but cold-weather precautions are necessary.
How to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Comparative Photography with Anime Scenes
The essence of sacred site pilgrimage is comparing anime scenes with actual locations. Save anime images to your smartphone or tablet and try photographing from the same angle at the actual location.
Comparing the anime with real-world scenery allows you to appreciate the careful research and detailed attention to background art by the production staff.
Combining with Horse Racing Viewing
If you are both an anime fan and interested in horse racing, combining horse racing viewing with sacred site pilgrimage is recommended.
While watching actual horse racing, recalling the anime’s race scenes allows you to enjoy the anime’s world more deeply.
Even if you are visiting a racecourse for the first time, anime knowledge makes it easier to understand how to enjoy horse racing.
Merchandise Collection
Inside Tokyo Racecourse, there is a JRA official merchandise shop. In addition to horse racing-related goods, “Uma Musume” collaboration goods may be sold.
When collaboration events are held, limited goods are sometimes available, so checking information in advance is beneficial.
Summary
Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station is an important location where many fans visit for sacred site pilgrimage related to the anime “Uma Musume Pretty Derby.” As a dedicated station to Tokyo Racecourse, it frequently appears in the anime and plays an important role as the setting for the story.
When visiting for sacred site pilgrimage, it is important to understand that the atmosphere differs greatly between racing days and non-racing days, and choose your visit date according to your purpose. Non-racing days are recommended if photography is your focus, while racing days are better if you also want to enjoy horse racing viewing.
Many locations depicted in the anime exist around the station and at Tokyo Racecourse. While visiting major spots such as the golden horse statue, the covered passageway, and Fuji View Stand, experience the anime’s world in person.
When visiting, do not forget to show consideration for other users and horse racing fans, and enjoy the sacred site pilgrimage while following proper etiquette. Visiting with love for the anime and respect for the location will provide a more fulfilling sacred site pilgrimage experience.
Fully experience the world of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” at Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station and Tokyo Racecourse.
