【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Fuchu Forest Park (Tokyo) Complete Guide – All About Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Introduction
For fans of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” Fuchu City in Tokyo is a special place. The Fuchu area, which is said to be the model for Tracen Academy, is dotted with numerous sacred sites that appear in the anime and games. Among them, “Fuchu Forest Park” has become a sacred pilgrimage spot visited by many fans as an important location used in impressive scenes within the work.
In this article, we thoroughly explain how Fuchu Forest Park appears in the Uma Musume work, important points for actual pilgrimage, access methods, and information about nearby sacred sites.
What is Uma Musume Pretty Derby?
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a breeding simulation game and multimedia work that transforms actual racehorses into beautiful girl characters. The first season of the anime aired in 2018, the second season “Season 2” in 2021, and the third season “Season 3” in 2023.
The setting of the work is “Training Center Academy” (aka Tracen Academy), a school attended by “Uma Musume” – racehorses in human form. This academy is set in Fuchu City, Tokyo, and actual landscapes of the Fuchu area are depicted numerous times within the work.
The game version was released in 2021 and became a huge hit. In both the anime and game, real locations, starting with the Fuchu area, are faithfully reproduced, and active sacred site pilgrimage by fans is conducted.
Fuchu Forest Park Basic Information
Park Overview
Fuchu Forest Park is a metropolitan park located in Asama-cho, Fuchu City, Tokyo. With a vast site of approximately 14 hectares, visitors can enjoy various recreational activities in a lush environment.
Within the park, in addition to sports facilities such as baseball fields, tennis courts, and soccer fields, play equipment areas for children, grassy plazas, and water play areas are equipped. In particular, the distinctive play equipment area with two side-by-side slides is a familiar landscape for Uma Musume fans.
Basic Data
- Location: 1-3-1 Asama-cho, Fuchu City, Tokyo
- Operating Hours: Always open (some facilities have time restrictions)
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Available (paid)
- Nearest Station: About 10 minutes on foot from “Higashi-Fuchu Station” on the Keio Line
- Management: Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association
Fuchu Forest Park’s Appearance in Uma Musume Works
Appearance in Anime Season 2
Fuchu Forest Park is most impressively featured in the anime second season “Uma Musume Pretty Derby Season 2.” The scene where Chairman Simboli Rudolf rows a swan boat at an astonishing speed remains in the memories of many fans.
The pond depicted in this scene is said to be modeled after the scenic pond within Fuchu Forest Park. While there are no swan boats in the actual park, the shape of the pond and the arrangement of surrounding trees match the anime’s background with high precision.
Additionally, scenes where Tokai Teio and Mejiro Mcqueen take walks are set against the background of Fuchu Forest Park’s spacious grassy plaza and walking trails. The park’s beautiful natural scenery through the four seasons is depicted, and visiting in person allows you to experience the work’s world view.
Appearance in Game Version
In the game version of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” locations modeled after Fuchu Forest Park also appear. In particular, within each Uma Musume’s story events, training scenes and daily scenes in a park-like setting are depicted.
Multiple Uma Musume, including Mister C.B., have backgrounds using the characteristic park with two side-by-side slides in their stories, which is presumed to be modeled after Fuchu Forest Park’s play equipment area.
However, backgrounds in the game version are sometimes intentionally drawn slightly differently from actual locations, so they don’t perfectly match. Nevertheless, the overall atmosphere and distinctive elements are faithfully reproduced.
Appearances in Other Media
In serialized manga works, official illustrations, and promotional videos, locations modeled after Fuchu Forest Park frequently appear. Particularly in works depicting the daily lives of Uma Musume, scenes of relaxation in parks are often seen.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Points
Must-See Spot: Scenic Pond Area
Among Fuchu Forest Park, the most notable area is the scenic pond. This is said to be modeled after the pond where Chairman Rudolf rowed a swan boat in anime season 2, and is a popular spot for fans to take commemorative photos.
A walking trail is equipped around the pond, allowing photography from various angles. In particular, to recreate the angle depicted in the anime, it’s recommended to photograph from the north side of the pond looking southward.
Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer brings lush greenery, autumn brings fall foliage, and winter brings serene scenery – all beautiful in their respective seasons. Visiting during the same season as the anime’s scene will allow you to feel the work’s world view even more deeply.
Play Equipment Area
The distinctive play equipment area with two side-by-side slides that appeared in the game’s story is also a must-see. This play equipment is located on the north side of the park, adjacent to the grassy plaza.
Weekday mornings and evenings are relatively quiet times for photography. However, when children are playing, be mindful of safety and avoid getting in the way.
Trees are arranged around the play equipment, allowing for photography with compositions very similar to those depicted in anime and games.
Grassy Plaza
The spacious grassy plaza was a model for scenes where Uma Musume take walks and train. It’s an open space where you can spend time leisurely.
Many fans are seen spreading picnic sheets to rest or read works. On sunny days, you can spend relaxed time immersed in the work’s world view.
Best Photography Timing
Photography at Fuchu Forest Park changes greatly in atmosphere depending on the time of day and season.
Recommendations by Time of Day
- Early Morning (6:00-8:00): Few people around, allowing for quiet photography. The morning sun is beautiful during this time.
- Morning (9:00-11:00): Light conditions are good and ideal for photography. Especially quiet on weekdays.
- Evening (16:00-18:00): Sunset creates dramatic photos. Perfect for recreating afternoon scenes from the anime.
Recommendations by Season
- Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms and new greenery are beautiful, perfect for recreating spring scenes from the anime.
- Summer (June-August): Deep green foliage and vibrant scenery can be enjoyed.
- Autumn (September-November): Beautiful fall foliage and calm-atmosphere photos can be taken.
- Winter (December-February): Clear air and serene scenery can be enjoyed.
Pilgrimage Etiquette
Fuchu Forest Park is not only a sacred site for Uma Musume fans but also a place of leisure for local residents. When conducting sacred site pilgrimage, follow this etiquette:
- Be mindful of noise: Keep conversations and photography moderate
- Take trash with you: Keep the park clean
- Consideration for other users: Especially be mindful of safety when children are playing
- Confirm photography-prohibited areas: Some facilities may have photography restrictions
- No trespassing on private property: Do not enter private land outside the park
- Avoid prolonged occupation: Share popular spots with others
Access Methods
Access by Train
Train access is most convenient for reaching Fuchu Forest Park.
Using the Keio Line
- About 10 minutes on foot from “Higashi-Fuchu Station”
- From the station’s north exit, proceed north on Fuchu Boulevard
- After about 800 meters, turn left at the traffic light and the park’s entrance will come into view
Using JR
- About 15 minutes on foot from “Kita-Fuchu Station”
- From the station, proceed south to reach Fuchu Boulevard
- Proceed south on Fuchu Boulevard, and the park is about 1.2 kilometers ahead
Access by Bus
Keio Bus and Fuchu City Community Bus “Chu Bus” are also available.
- From Keio Line “Fuchu Station” on Keio Bus, get off at “Asama-cho 1-chome,” 3 minutes on foot
- “Chu Bus” available from Keio Line “Higashi-Fuchu Station”
Access by Car
When visiting by car, it’s about 10 minutes from “Kunitachi-Fuchu IC” on the Chuo Expressway. Paid parking is available in the park, but weekends can get congested, so public transportation is recommended.
Parking Information
- Capacity: About 100 spaces
- Fee: 300 yen for 1 hour (100 yen per 30 minutes thereafter)
- Operating Hours: 8:30-19:00 (varies by season)
Other Sacred Sites in the Fuchu Area
After visiting Fuchu Forest Park, try exploring other Uma Musume sacred sites in the surrounding area. Multiple sacred sites are scattered within walking distance in the Fuchu area.
Tokyo Racecourse
Distance: About 20 minutes on foot from Fuchu Forest Park, or 1 station by Keio Line
A central location in the Uma Musume work, with numerous racing scenes depicted in anime and games. Visiting on actual racing days allows you to feel the work’s realism even more.
The Tokyo Racecourse occasionally hosts collaboration events with Uma Musume, with limited merchandise sales and panel exhibitions. The “Horse Museum” within the racecourse allows you to learn about actual racehorse history and gain deeper knowledge about horses that became models for Uma Musume.
Okuunitama Shrine
Distance: About 25 minutes on foot from Fuchu Forest Park, or 5 minutes on foot from Keio Line “Fuchu Station”
A historic shrine that appears in anime season 2 and season 3. It’s depicted in New Year’s visit scenes and scenes where Uma Musume worship.
The grounds are spacious, and it’s fun to explore while searching for locations depicted in the anime. Particularly, the atmosphere of the approach is very similar to the anime’s depiction, with many fans taking commemorative photos.
Around Fuchu Station
Distance: About 5 minutes by Keio Line from Fuchu Forest Park
“Higashi-Fuchu Station,” where Special Week arrived in anime season 1, and “Fuchu Station,” which appeared in season 3, and their surrounding areas are also sacred pilgrimage spots.
The shopping street in front of the station and the Keyaki tree-lined avenue, which is beautiful, allow you to enjoy everyday scenery depicted in the work. Fuchu Station has many dining options and is ideal for taking a pilgrimage break.
Tamagawa River Basin
Distance: About 30 minutes on foot from Fuchu Forest Park
A river basin that frequently appears in training scenes. Scenes depicting Uma Musume running in this spacious area are common.
Actually visiting allows you to experience the openness depicted in the work. Cycling roads and jogging courses are also equipped, and you might enjoy running like Uma Musume.
Efficient Pilgrimage Route
Here are recommended routes for efficiently exploring sacred sites in the Fuchu area in one day.
Half-Day Course (About 4-5 hours)
- Higashi-Fuchu Station (9:00) – The station where Special Week arrived
- Fuchu Forest Park (9:15-11:00) – Explore the scenic pond, play equipment area, and grassy plaza
- Tokyo Racecourse (11:30-13:30) – View the racecourse, lunch
- Fuchu Station (14:00) – Explore the area around the station
Full-Day Course (About 8-9 hours)
- Higashi-Fuchu Station (9:00) – Photograph around the station
- Fuchu Forest Park (9:30-11:30) – Thoroughly explore each spot
- Tokyo Racecourse (12:00-15:00) – Detailed visit of the racecourse, lunch
- Okuunitama Shrine (15:30-16:30) – Worship and grounds exploration
- Around Fuchu Station (17:00-18:00) – Shopping street exploration, dinner
- Tamagawa River Basin (18:30-19:00) – Explore the river basin at dusk
Two-Day Course
Explore the Fuchu area on the first day, and visit other sacred sites in Tokyo such as Kichijoji and Harajuku/Omotesando on the second day.
Nearby Dining and Rest Spots
Within Fuchu Forest Park
Vending machines are installed within the park, but there are no restaurants. Bring a bento box or use nearby dining establishments.
Around Higashi-Fuchu Station
- Cafes: Chain cafes in front of the station for convenient breaks
- Convenience stores: Multiple convenience stores around the station
- Family restaurants: Multiple options within walking distance
Around Fuchu Station
The area in front of Fuchu Station is rich in dining options with Japanese, Western, and Chinese restaurants among many choices. The Isetan Fuchu department store also has a restaurant floor with a wide variety of options.
Accommodation Information
When visiting from afar or wanting to thoroughly enjoy sacred site pilgrimage, consider staying in the Fuchu area.
Hotels in Fuchu City
- Business Hotels: Multiple business hotels around Fuchu Station
- City Hotels: Hotels near Tokyo Racecourse
Hotels in Nearby Areas
- Chofu: About 10 minutes by Keio Line with abundant hotel options
- Tachikawa: About 15 minutes by JR Chuo Line with many large hotels
- Shinjuku: About 20 minutes by Keio Line Limited Express, convenient for staying at downtown hotels
Convenient Items for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
To comfortably enjoy sacred site pilgrimage at Fuchu Forest Park and elsewhere, prepare the following items:
Essential Items
- Smartphone: Essential for maps and photography
- Mobile battery: Battery consumption occurs from photography and map checking
- Drinks: Especially important for heatstroke prevention in summer
- Hat/Sunscreen: Some park areas have limited shade
Convenient Items to Have
- Work image materials: Prepare anime screenshots, etc., for easier composition recreation
- Camera: For higher quality photos than smartphone
- Picnic sheet: Convenient for resting on the grassy plaza
- Binoculars: Helpful for viewing distant scenery
- Rain gear: Folding umbrella recommended for uncertain weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Fuchu Forest Park open 24 hours?
A1: The park itself is open 24 hours, but nighttime has limited lighting, so daytime visits are recommended from a safety perspective. Also, sports facilities have set operating hours.
Q2: Do I need permission to photograph at Fuchu Forest Park?
A2: Personal commemorative photography doesn’t require special permission. However, for large-scale photography using tripods or commercial photography, prior confirmation with the management office may be necessary.
Q3: Can sacred site pilgrimage be enjoyed on rainy days?
A3: Since Fuchu Forest Park is an outdoor facility, photography is difficult in rain. On rainy days, it’s recommended to focus on indoor facilities such as Tokyo Racecourse (on racing days) and nearby commercial facilities.
Q4: What is the best season for sacred site pilgrimage in the Fuchu area?
A4: Spring (late March-May) and autumn (October-November) are most comfortable. The climate is mild and you can enjoy cherry blossoms and fall foliage. However, if you want to recreate a specific anime scene, visiting during that scene’s season is ideal.
Q5: Are there opportunities to interact with other Uma Musume fans?
A5: Many fans visit on weekends and holidays, naturally creating opportunities for interaction. Additionally, many fans gather during collaboration event openings at Tokyo Racecourse. However, remember that the park is a public place requiring consideration for other users.
Q6: What are other recommended sacred sites in the Fuchu area besides Fuchu Forest Park?
A6: Tokyo Racecourse, Okuunitama Shrine, area around Fuchu Station, and Tamagawa River Basin are available. These are within walking or train distance and allow multiple sacred sites to be visited in one day.
Q7: Is sacred site pilgrimage possible with children?
A7: Fuchu Forest Park has play equipment and grassy plazas and is enjoyable with children. However, when long-distance walking is required, plan with consideration for the child’s stamina.
Q8: Can I purchase merchandise?
A8: There are no merchandise shops within Fuchu Forest Park. Uma Musume-related merchandise can be purchased at Tokyo Racecourse shops or anime merchandise shops in Akihabara.
Other Sacred Sites in Tokyo
Beyond the Fuchu area, Uma Musume sacred sites are scattered throughout Tokyo.
Kichijoji Area
Inokashira Enshi Park appears in anime and games. Inokashira Pond and walking trails within the park are depicted in everyday scenes of Uma Musume and offer a leisurely atmosphere.
Harajuku/Omotesando Area
Appears as a background for urban scenes. Many real locations including Takeshita Street and Omotesando’s Keyaki-lined avenue are depicted in the work.
Shibuya/Shinjuku Area
Iconic Tokyo locations such as Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Shinjuku Station appear in the work. Everyday scenes set in urban hustle and bustle are impressive.
Conclusion
Fuchu Forest Park is one of the must-visit sacred sites for Uma Musume fans. Seeing the beautiful scenery depicted in anime and games in person will deepen your affection for the work.
By visiting locations memorable in the work in person – the scenic pond’s swan boat scene, the distinctive play equipment, and the expansive grassy plaza – you can feel Uma Musume’s daily life more intimately.
The Fuchu area has many sacred sites within walking distance besides Fuchu Forest Park, including Tokyo Racecourse, Okuunitama Shrine, and Tamagawa River Basin. Thoroughly exploring these over a full day allows you to deeply immerse yourself in the work’s world view.
When conducting sacred site pilgrimage, remember to follow etiquette and show consideration to other users and local residents. Enjoy the Uma Musume world fully while being mindful that it’s a public place.
We hope that sacred site pilgrimage at Fuchu Forest Park enriches your Uma Musume life. Now, Trainers, let’s race to Fuchu Forest Park!
