【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】KURURU (Tokyo) Complete Guide|Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Spots and Access Information
What is KURURU
KURURU (くるる) is the nickname for “Fuchu City Citizen Activity Center Platz,” a multipurpose cultural facility located at 1-chome Miyamachi, Fuchu City, Tokyo. In the anime series of the popular work “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” it is known among fans as an important sacred ground pilgrimage spot because it appears in the background around Tracen Academy.
This facility, which opened in 2007 as a hub for cultural and artistic activities in Fuchu City, is beloved not only by “Uma Musume” fans but also by local residents due to its distinctive appearance. In the anime work, when depicting the townscape of Fuchu City where Tracen Academy is located, it is faithfully reproduced as an actual building, serving as an important element that enhances the realism of the work.
KURURU Basic Information
Official Name: Fuchu City Citizen Activity Center Platz (KURURU)
Address: 1-100 Miyamachi, Fuchu City, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–10:00 PM (varies by facility)
Closed Days: Third Tuesday of each month (following day if it falls on a holiday), year-end and new year holidays
Main Facilities:
- Lumière Fuchu (multipurpose hall)
- Citizen Activity Center Platz
- Fuchu Municipal Central Library
- Lifelong Learning Center
- Fuchu City Art Museum (separate building)
KURURU’s Appearance in Uma Musume Pretty Derby
Appearance Scenes in the Anime
In the anime series “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” since Tracen Academy is set in Fuchu City, Tokyo, many actual buildings and landscapes within Fuchu City make appearances. KURURU can be confirmed in multiple scenes as background art, particularly due to its distinctive appearance.
In both Anime Season 1 and Season 2, the building of KURURU can be seen in scenes where the uma musume walk through the streets of Fuchu and in overhead shots around Tracen Academy. The “Tracen Academy,” which serves as the setting of the work, is modeled after the actual Tokyo Racecourse and surrounding facilities, and is characterized by a faithful reproduction of Fuchu’s townscape.
Positioning in the Work’s World
In the world of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” Tracen Academy bears the official name “Japan Uma Musume Training Center Academy” and is depicted as the most advanced and largest-scale educational institution among all uma musume training facilities throughout the country. KURURU, positioned as a building in the Fuchu urban area surrounding the academy, serves as an important element forming the backdrop of the uma musume’s daily lives.
In the anime’s story, the uma musume train hard at Tracen Academy, and sometimes venture out into the streets of Fuchu. Within such daily life scenes, the appearance of actual buildings like KURURU provides viewers with familiarity and realism.
Access to KURURU
Access by Train
Access to KURURU is most convenient via the Keio Line.
From Keio Line “Fuchu Station”:
- Approximately 7 minutes walk from the north exit
- Proceed straight along Keyaki-namiki Street toward Ōkunitama Shrine
- Located next to Fuchu City Hall
From JR Musashino Line and Namboku Line “Fuchu Honmachi Station”:
- Approximately 15 minutes walk
- Head north on Fuchu-kaido toward Fuchu Station
Access by Bus
When using the bus from Fuchu Station:
- Get off at “Fuchu City Hall” bus stop from the north exit bus rotary
- Chu-bus (Fuchu City community bus) is also available
Access by Car
From Major Roads:
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Kunitachi-Fuchu IC” on the Chuo Expressway
- Accessible from Fuchu-kaido and Koshu-kaido
Parking Information:
- KURURU Underground Parking (paid)
- Capacity: Approximately 100 vehicles
- Fees: First 30 minutes free; 100 yen per 30 minutes thereafter
- Facility user discounts available
Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Spots Around KURURU
When conducting sacred ground pilgrimage for “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” there are numerous spots to visit in the area around KURURU.
Tokyo Racecourse
The facility that served as the model for Tracen Academy and is the most important sacred ground for “Uma Musume” fans.
Distance: Approximately 20 minutes walk from KURURU, or accessible by bus
Highlights:
- Fuji View Stand: The actual model of the stand appearing in the anime
- Paddock: Model of the place where uma musume appear before races
- Front Gate Passage: Appears in anime opening videos and elsewhere
- Uma Musume-related exhibits and collaboration events (depending on the period)
Access: From Fuchu Station via Keio Line to “Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station,” get off immediately
Ōkunitama Shrine
A historically significant shrine in Fuchu City that also appears in the anime background.
Distance: Approximately 5 minutes walk from KURURU
Characteristics:
- Shōkokusha (General Shrine) of Musashi Province with over 1,900 years of history
- Approach with beautiful zelkova tree-lined avenue
- Appears in anime scenes such as New Year’s visit scenes
Fuchu no Mori Park
A vast park that appears in the background of training scenes.
Distance: Approximately 15 minutes walk from KURURU
Highlights:
- Spacious lawn plaza
- Running course
- Adjacent to Fuchu City Art Museum
Keyaki-namiki Street
A beautiful tree-lined avenue along the route from Fuchu Station to KURURU that appears in anime townscape scenes.
Characteristics:
- Approximately 200 zelkova trees line the street
- Shows a different appearance with each season
- Spring new leaves and autumn foliage are particularly beautiful
Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch
An actual building with a distinctive appearance that appears in the anime background.
Distance: Approximately 3 minutes walk from KURURU
Characteristics: Building featuring retro exterior
Recommended Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Routes
Half-Day Course (Duration: Approximately 4 hours)
Morning:
- Start at Fuchu Station North Exit (9:00 AM)
- Stroll along Keyaki-namiki Street (9:10 AM)
- KURURU exterior photography (9:20 AM)
- Visit Ōkunitama Shrine (9:30 AM)
- Explore Fuchu City Hall area (10:00 AM)
Afternoon:
- Move to Fuchu Racecourse Front Gate Station (10:30 AM)
- Tokyo Racecourse visit (11:00 AM–1:00 PM)
- Paddock, Fuji View Stand, front gate, etc.
- Fuchu no Mori Park (1:30 PM)
- Return to Fuchu Station (2:30 PM)
Full-Day Course (Duration: Approximately 8 hours)
Morning:
- Start at Fuchu Honmachi Station (9:00 AM)
- Fuchu no Mori Park (9:15 AM)
- Fuchu City Art Museum (10:00 AM)
- KURURU and Fuchu Municipal Central Library visit (11:00 AM)
- Keyaki-namiki Street stroll (11:30 AM)
Afternoon:
- Ōkunitama Shrine visit and lunch (12:00 PM)
- Explore Fuchu Station shopping district (1:30 PM)
- Move to Tokyo Racecourse (2:00 PM)
- Detailed Tokyo Racecourse visit (2:30 PM–4:30 PM)
- Facility tours, museum, paddock, stands, etc.
- Return to Fuchu Station (5:00 PM)
KURURU as a Photography Spot
Recommended Photography Points
Main Entrance:
- Best spot to photograph KURURU’s distinctive appearance
- Morning light hitting the building is recommended
- Wide-angle lens recommended to capture the entire building
From Fuchu City Hall Plaza:
- Possible to photograph KURURU together with surrounding townscape
- Angles close to the overhead scenes in anime can be obtained
From Keyaki-namiki Street:
- Composition combining tree-lined avenue with KURURU
- Seasonal photographs can be captured
Photography Notes
- KURURU is a public facility, so consideration for users is necessary
- Interior photography may require permission
- Use tripods in places that don’t obstruct pedestrian traffic
- Early morning and evening have fewer people, making them recommended times
- Confirm facility hours and closed days in advance
Highlights Within KURURU Facilities
Fuchu Municipal Central Library
A library within KURURU where “Uma Musume”-related materials and horse racing books are well-stocked.
Characteristics:
- Collection of approximately 400,000 volumes
- Abundant seating
- Free Wi-Fi available
- Horse racing specialty book section
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday/Holidays 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Lumière Fuchu
A multipurpose hall hosting concerts, theatrical performances, lectures, and other events.
Facility Overview:
- Seating capacity: Approximately 2,000 seats
- Uma Musume-related events may be held
Citizen Activity Center Platz
Used as a place for citizens’ cultural activities and exchange.
Available Facilities:
- Conference rooms
- Music practice rooms
- Japanese rooms
- Gallery
Fuchu City and Uma Musume Pretty Derby Connection
Why Fuchu City as the Setting
The reason “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” chose Fuchu City as its setting is closely related to the existence of the Tokyo Racecourse. The Tokyo Racecourse, operated by the Japan Racing Association (JRA), is the largest-scale racecourse among those managed by the organization and hosts numerous major races including the Japan Derby—a sacred site for horse racing.
In the work, by replacing this real-world horse racing sacred site with a fictional educational institution called “Tracen Academy,” it realizes a setting fitting as the stage where uma musume grow. By faithfully reproducing Fuchu’s actual townscape and facilities, it constructs an accessible world while incorporating fantasy elements.
Fuchu City Cooperation and Regional Revitalization
With the popularity of “Uma Musume,” many fans have visited Fuchu City for sacred ground pilgrimage. Fuchu City is taking various measures to leverage this opportunity for regional revitalization.
Main Initiatives:
- Inclusion of sacred ground information in tourism maps
- Collaboration event hosting at Tokyo Racecourse
- Tie-up projects with neighborhood shopping streets
- Related information provision at Fuchu City Tourist Information Center
Coexistence with the Community
By becoming the sacred ground of an anime work, Fuchu City has gained a new tourism resource. However, harmony with the lives of local residents is also important. Fans enjoying sacred ground pilgrimage are expected to follow the following etiquette:
Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Etiquette:
- Avoid loud voices and noise in residential areas
- No unauthorized entry onto private property
- Take all trash with you
- Obey traffic rules
- Don’t forget consideration for local residents
- Confirm surrounding safety when photographing
Uma Musume Pretty Derby Work Overview
World View of the Work
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is set in a world where “uma musume” (female horse characters), possessing brilliant names and racing abilities inherited from another world, coexist with humanity. The work depicts uma musume with names of actual racehorses training hard at Tracen Academy while striving to become “Japan’s number one uma musume” by competing in races.
Multimedia Expansion
Anime:
- Season 1 (2018)
- Season 2 (2021)
- Season 3 (2023)
- Film “New Era’s Door” (2024)
Games:
- Smartphone application (released 2021)
- Breeding simulation game
- PC version (Steam) also distributed
Manga:
- “Uma Musume Cinderella Grey” (Cy Comics serialization)
- “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” (multiple works)
Music:
- Numerous character song CDs released
- WINNING LIVE series
- Regular live events
Main Characters
The work features numerous uma musume modeled after actual famous horses. Representative characters include Special Week, Silence Suzuka, Tokai Teio, and Oguri Cap—names familiar to horse racing fans.
Other Highlights in Fuchu City
Gourmet Spots
Around Fuchu Station:
- Isetan Fuchu Store Restaurant Arcade
- Restaurants in Kururu (Fulis interior dining)
- Cafes along Keyaki-namiki Street
Around the Racecourse:
- Restaurants within Tokyo Racecourse
- Dining options around Fuchu Honmachi Station
Souvenir and Merchandise Purchase
Uma Musume-Related:
- Shops within Tokyo Racecourse (during collaboration periods)
- Animate Tachikawa Store (approximately 15 minutes from Fuchu by train)
- Online store (Cygames WebStore)
Fuchu City Specialties:
- Fuchu specialty confections
- Ōkunitama Shrine talismans
- Local agricultural products (Fuchu vegetables)
Event Information
Regular Events
Tokyo Racecourse:
- Spring and autumn racing meets (weekends)
- Japan Derby (May)
- Japan Cup (November)
- Arima Kinen (December)
Uma Musume-Related Events:
- On-site campaigns synchronized with in-game events
- Voice actor talk events
- Collaboration cafes (irregular)
- Live events (various locations in Tokyo)
Fuchu City Events
Kurayami Matsuri (April 30–May 6):
- Ōkunitama Shrine’s annual grand festival
- Fuchu City’s largest festival
Keyaki Festa (November):
- Autumn festival held on Keyaki-namiki Street
Accommodation Information
Hotels in Fuchu City
Around Fuchu Station:
- Hotel Continental Fuchu
- Fuchu Urban Hotel Main Building
- Various business hotels
Conveniently Accessible Areas:
- Around Tachikawa Station (approximately 10 minutes from Fuchu via Keio Line)
- Around Chofu Station (approximately 10 minutes from Fuchu via Keio Line)
- Around Shinjuku Station (approximately 20 minutes from Fuchu via Keio Line express)
Recommended Accommodation Areas for Sacred Ground Pilgrimage
Staying around Fuchu Station allows you to conveniently visit KURURU and Ōkunitama Shrine on foot. Additionally, the area around Tachikawa Station offers abundant accommodation facilities with good access to Fuchu.
Summary
KURURU (Fuchu City Citizen Activity Center Platz) is an important spot in sacred ground pilgrimage for “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” where you can experience the townscape around Tracen Academy. With its convenient location within walking distance from Fuchu Station, it can be efficiently visited in combination with other sacred grounds such as Tokyo Racecourse and Ōkunitama Shrine.
Its distinctive appearance is also photogenic, making it a popular destination for fans seeking to experience the anime’s world view. As a public facility, it is important to follow etiquette considerate of other users while enjoying the sacred ground pilgrimage.
Fuchu City, as the setting for “Uma Musume,” is a charming town with the Tokyo Racecourse as the center—the sacred site of horse racing—and possesses a wealth of history and culture. Starting from KURURU, fully savor both the anime’s world view and the charm of the real city. The appeal of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” sacred ground pilgrimage lies in the ability to enjoy it from multiple angles: anime, gaming, and actual horse racing.
Through sacred ground pilgrimage, not only does understanding of the work deepen, but you will also discover new charms in the city of Fuchu. The scenery that changes with the seasons, the region’s history, and the stage where uma musume race past—please visit and experience them all with your own feet.
