About 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, Tokyo. It is known among fans as an important pilgrimage site because it appears in the background around Tracen Academy in the popular work “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” anime series.
This facility, which opened in 2007 as a hub for cultural and artistic activities in Fuchu City, is cherished not only by “Uma Musume” fans but also by local residents due to its distinctive appearance. In the anime work, when depicting the streetscape of Fuchu City where Tracen Academy is located, real buildings are faithfully recreated, making it an important element that enhances the realism of the work.
Basic Information about KURURU
Official Name: Fuchu City Citizen Activity Center Platz (KURURU)
Address: 100 Miyamachi 1-chome, Fuchu City, Tokyo
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (varies by facility)
Closed Days: Third Tuesday of the month (next day if it falls on a holiday), year-end and New Year’s holidays
Main Facilities:
- Lumière Fuchu (multipurpose hall)
- Citizen Activity Center Platz
- Fuchu City Central Library
- Lifelong Learning Center
- Fuchu City Art Museum (separate building)
KURURU’s Appearances in Uma Musume Pretty Derby
Anime Appearance Scenes
In the “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” anime series, since Tracen Academy is set in Fuchu City, Tokyo, many real buildings and landscapes within Fuchu City appear. KURURU can be confirmed in multiple scenes as background art, particularly due to its distinctive appearance.
In the first and second seasons of the anime, KURURU’s building is depicted in scenes where Uma Musume characters walk through the streets of Fuchu and in overhead shots of areas around Tracen Academy. The “Tracen Academy,” which is the setting for the work, is based on the existing Tokyo Racecourse and its surrounding facilities, with Fuchu City’s streetscape faithfully recreated.
Positioning in the Work’s World
In the world of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” Tracen Academy holds the official name “Japan Uma Musume Training Center Academy” and is depicted as an educational institution boasting the most cutting-edge and largest-scale among 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 background of the Uma Musume characters’ daily lives.
In the anime’s story, Uma Musume characters work hard on their training at Tracen Academy, and sometimes venture out into Fuchu’s streets. Through such everyday scenes featuring KURURU and other real buildings, viewers are given a sense of familiarity and realism.
How to Access KURURU
Access by Train
KURURU is most conveniently accessed via the Keio Line.
From Keio Line “Fuchu Station”:
- Approximately 7 minutes walk from the North Exit
- Proceed straight along Keyaki Namiki-dori toward Ōkunitama Shrine
- Located next to Fuchu City Hall
From JR Musashino Line and Nanbu Line “Fuchu Honmachi Station”:
- Approximately 15 minutes walk
- Head north along Fuchu Kaido toward Fuchu Station
Access by Bus
If using a bus from Fuchu Station:
- From Fuchu Station North Exit Bus Rotary, get off at “Fuchu City Hall” bus stop
- Chuu 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 Lot (paid)
- Capacity: approximately 100 vehicles
- Rate: First 30 minutes free, then 100 yen per 30 minutes
- Facility user discounts available
Holy Land Pilgrimage Spots Around KURURU
When conducting a “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” holy land pilgrimage, there are numerous spots worth visiting around KURURU.
Tokyo Racecourse
The facility that served as the model for Tracen Academy and is the most important holy site for “Uma Musume” fans.
Distance: Approximately 20 minutes walk from KURURU, or accessible by bus
Points of Interest:
- Fuji View Stand: Real-world model of the stand appearing in the anime
- Paddock: Model of the place where Uma Musume characters appear before races
- Main Gate Passage: Appears in anime opening sequences and more
- Uma Musume-related exhibits and collaboration events (depending on the period)
Access: From Fuchu Station, take the Keio Line and get off at “Fuchu Racecourse Main Gate Station”
Ōkunitama Shrine
A historic shrine in Fuchu City that also appears in the anime backgrounds.
Distance: Approximately 5 minutes walk from KURURU
Characteristics:
- A Shinto shrine with over 1,900 years of history, serving as the chief shrine of Musashi Province
- Beautiful keyaki-lined approach
- Appears in anime scenes such as New Year’s Day visits
Fuchu no Mori Park
A vast park that appears in the background of training scenes.
Distance: Approximately 15 minutes walk from KURURU
Points of Interest:
- Spacious grassy plaza
- Running course
- Fuchu City Art Museum is adjacent
Keyaki Namiki-dori
A beautiful tree-lined street along the path from Fuchu Station to KURURU that appears in anime streetscape scenes.
Characteristics:
- Approximately 200 keyaki trees line the street
- Displays different appearances by season
- Spring foliage and autumn colors are particularly beautiful
Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch
A distinctive building that appears in anime backgrounds as a real architectural structure.
Distance: Approximately 3 minutes walk from KURURU
Characteristics: A building notable for its retro exterior
Holy Land Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (Approximately 4 hours)
Morning:
- Start at Fuchu Station North Exit (9:00)
- Stroll along Keyaki Namiki-dori (9:10)
- KURURU exterior photography (9:20)
- Visit Ōkunitama Shrine (9:30)
- Explore the area around Fuchu City Hall (10:00)
Afternoon:
- Move to Fuchu Racecourse Main Gate Station (10:30)
- Tokyo Racecourse viewing (11:00-13:00)
- Paddock, Fuji View Stand, main gate, etc.
- Fuchu no Mori Park (13:30)
- Return to Fuchu Station (14:30)
Full-Day Course (Approximately 8 hours)
Morning:
- Start at Fuchu Honmachi Station (9:00)
- Fuchu no Mori Park (9:15)
- Fuchu City Art Museum (10:00)
- Visit KURURU and Fuchu City Central Library (11:00)
- Stroll along Keyaki Namiki-dori (11:30)
Afternoon:
- Visit Ōkunitama Shrine and lunch (12:00)
- Explore Fuchu Station area shopping streets (13:30)
- Move to Tokyo Racecourse (14:00)
- Detailed Tokyo Racecourse viewing (14:30-16:30)
- On-site tour, museum, paddock, stands, etc.
- Return to Fuchu Station (17:00)
KURURU as a Photography Spot
Recommended Photography Points
Main Entrance:
- Best spot to photograph KURURU’s distinctive exterior
- Morning light hitting the building is recommended
- A wide-angle lens can capture the entire building
From the plaza in front of Fuchu City Hall:
- Possible to photograph KURURU and surrounding streetscape together
- Obtain an angle close to aerial shots in the anime
From Keyaki Namiki-dori:
- Composition combining tree-lined avenue with KURURU
- Can capture photos with seasonal feeling
Photography Precautions
- As KURURU is a public facility, care must be taken not to inconvenience users
- Interior photography of the building may require permission
- Use tripods in locations that don’t obstruct pedestrian traffic
- Early morning and evening have less foot traffic and are recommended
- Confirm facility operating hours and closed days in advance
Points of Interest Inside KURURU Facilities
Fuchu City Central Library
A library within KURURU that has abundant “Uma Musume” related materials and horse racing reference books.
Characteristics:
- Collection of approximately 400,000 volumes
- Abundant seating areas
- Free Wi-Fi available
- Horse racing specialty book section
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday and holidays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Lumière Fuchu
A multipurpose hall hosting concerts, theatrical performances, lectures, and more.
Facility Overview:
- Seating capacity: approximately 2,000
- “Uma Musume” related events are sometimes held
Citizen Activity Center Platz
Utilized as a venue for citizens’ cultural activities and exchanges.
Available Facilities:
- Conference rooms
- Music practice rooms
- Japanese-style rooms
- Gallery
The Relationship Between Fuchu City and Uma Musume Pretty Derby
Why Fuchu City Was Chosen as the Setting
The choice of Fuchu City as the setting for “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is largely related to the existence of Tokyo Racecourse. Tokyo Racecourse is the largest-scale racecourse operated by the Japan Racing Association (JRA) and is a holy site where numerous major races, including the Japan Derby, are held.
In the work, this real holy site of horse racing is replaced with a fictional educational institution called “Tracen Academy,” realizing an appropriate setting for the stage where Uma Musume characters grow. By faithfully recreating the real streetscape and facilities of Fuchu City, the work constructs an approachable world view while incorporating fantasy elements.
Fuchu City’s Cooperation and Regional Revitalization
Due to the popularity of “Uma Musume,” many fans have visited Fuchu City for holy land pilgrimages. Fuchu City has undertaken various initiatives to capitalize on this opportunity for regional revitalization.
Main Initiatives:
- Inclusion of holy site information on tourism maps
- Collaboration event hosting at Tokyo Racecourse
- Tie-up projects at local shopping streets
- Related information provided at the Fuchu City Tourism Information Center
Coexistence with the Community
By becoming the setting for an anime work, Fuchu City has gained a new tourism resource. However, harmony with the daily lives of community residents is also important. Fans enjoying holy land pilgrimages are expected to observe the following etiquette.
Holy Land Pilgrimage Etiquette:
- Avoid loud voices and noise in residential areas
- No unauthorized entry to private property
- Always take trash with you
- Follow traffic rules
- Do not forget consideration for residents
- Confirm safety around you when taking photographs
Uma Musume Pretty Derby Work Overview
The Work’s World View
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is set in a world where “Uma Musume” possessing brilliant names and racing abilities inherited from another world coexist with humanity. Uma Musume characters bearing the names of real racehorses are depicted honing their skills at Tracen Academy while challenging races to become “Japan’s Number One Uma Musume.”
Multimedia Expansion
Anime:
- Season 1 (2018)
- Season 2 (2021)
- Season 3 (2023)
- Feature Film “Door to a New Era” (2024)
Games:
- Smartphone app (released 2021)
- Breeding simulation game
- PC version (Steam) also available
Manga:
- “Uma Musume Cinderella Grey” (serialized in Cygames Comic)
- “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 characters modeled after real famous horses. Representative characters include Special Week, Silence Suzuka, Tokai Teio, and Oguri Cap—names familiar to horse racing fans.
Other Points of Interest in Fuchu City
Gourmet Spots
Around Fuchu Station:
- Isetan Fuchu Restaurant Street
- Dining establishments (inside Forêt)
- Cafés along Keyaki Namiki-dori
Around the Racecourse:
- Restaurants inside Tokyo Racecourse
- Dining establishments around Fuchu Honmachi Station
Souvenir and Goods Purchasing
Uma Musume Related:
- Shops inside Tokyo Racecourse (during collaboration periods)
- Animate Tachikawa store (approximately 15 minutes by train from Fuchu)
- Online store (Cygames WebStore)
Fuchu City Specialty Products:
- Fuchu specialty sweets
- Items from Ōkunitama Shrine
- Local agricultural products (Fuchu vegetables)
Event Information
Regularly Held Events
Tokyo Racecourse:
- Spring and autumn horse racing (weekends)
- Japan Derby (May)
- Japan Cup (November)
- Arima Kinen (December)
Uma Musume Related Events:
- On-site campaigns coordinated with in-game events
- Talk events featuring voice actors
- Collaboration cafés (irregular)
- Live events (various locations in Tokyo)
Fuchu City Events
Kurayami Matsuri (April 30 – May 6):
- Grand Festival of Ōkunitama Shrine
- Fuchu City’s largest festival
Keyaki Festa (November):
- Autumn festival held along Keyaki Namiki-dori
Lodging Information
Hotels in Fuchu City
Around Fuchu Station:
- Hotel Continental Fuchu
- Fuchu Urban Hotel Main Building
- Various business hotels
Areas with Convenient Access:
- 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 Lodging Areas for Holy Land Pilgrimage
Staying around Fuchu Station is convenient, as KURURU and Ōkunitama Shrine are within walking distance. Additionally, the area around Tachikawa Station has abundant lodging facilities and good access to Fuchu.
Conclusion
KURURU (Fuchu City Citizen Activity Center Platz) is an important spot for “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” holy land pilgrimages where you can experience the streetscape around Tracen Academy. Located conveniently within walking distance from Fuchu Station, it can be efficiently combined with other holy sites such as Tokyo Racecourse and Ōkunitama Shrine.
Its distinctive exterior photographs well and serves as a place where fans can feel the anime’s world view. As it is a public facility, it is important to observe etiquette and consideration for users while enjoying the holy land pilgrimage.
Fuchu City, as the setting for “Uma Musume,” is a charming town centered on Tokyo Racecourse, the holy site of horse racing, with rich history and culture. Starting from KURURU, fully savor both the work’s world view and the appeal of the real city. The beauty of holy land pilgrimages for “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” lies in the ability to enjoy it from multiple angles—anime, games, and actual horse racing.
Through holy land pilgrimages, not only will your understanding of the work deepen, but you will also discover new charms of Fuchu as a city. The scenery of all four seasons, the history of the region, and the stage where Uma Musume characters gallop—please visit and experience them yourself on foot.
