【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Complete Guide to the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch (Tokyo)
Introduction: The Relationship Between Uma Musume and the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a hugely popular content featuring beautiful girl characters who are personifications of racehorses. In the anime and games, many real horse racing-related facilities and buildings appear, and among fans, “sacred site pilgrimages” are thriving.
Among them, the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch, which actually exists in Fuchu City, Tokyo, holds a special meaning as one of the sacred sites for Uma Musume fans. This building is sometimes depicted in the work as an important element that constitutes the landscape around the Fuchu Racecourse.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch, including its historical background, access methods, sacred site pilgrimage points, and surrounding tourist attractions.
What is the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch?
Building Overview and History
The Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch was a branch building of a securities company located in Fuchu City, Tokyo. Fuchu City is known for being home to the Tokyo Racecourse (Fuchu Racecourse), and the area is deeply connected to horse racing culture.
Nomura Securities is one of Japan’s leading securities companies and once had a branch in Fuchu City. This building was located along the road from Fuchu Station toward the Tokyo Racecourse and was one of the familiar landmarks for those visiting the racecourse.
The exterior of the building has the typical style of a securities company branch from the Showa to Heisei periods, and has become a valuable presence that tells the story of the cityscape of that era to the present day.
The Relationship Between Fuchu City and Horse Racing
Fuchu City is one of the centers of horse racing culture as the location of the Tokyo Racecourse operated by the Japan Racing Association (JRA). The Tokyo Racecourse hosts major horse racing events that represent Japanese racing, including the Japanese Derby (Tokyo Yushun) and the Japan Cup.
Against this background, within Fuchu City there are many horse racing-related facilities, restaurants and accommodation facilities that attract racing fans. The Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch, as part of this horse racing cultural sphere, has shaped the cityscape of Fuchu for many years.
Appearances in Uma Musume Works
Depictions in the Work
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” faithfully reproduces real racecourses and related facilities. The Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch building sometimes appears as part of the background when depicting the scenery around the Fuchu Racecourse.
In the work, real buildings and landscapes are intricately drawn in scenes such as when Uma Musume head toward the Tokyo Racecourse for races, or when they walk around the racecourse area. This attention to detail creates the joy of “sacred site pilgrimages” for fans.
Meaning for Fans
For Uma Musume fans, visiting real locations that appear in the work is a special opportunity to experience the work’s world more deeply. By actually seeing buildings like the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch, fans can feel that the landscapes they saw in anime and games actually exist in reality, deepening their affection for the work.
In particular, the area around the Fuchu Racecourse forms the core of Uma Musume’s worldview, and the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch, as one of the elements that constitutes that landscape, has become a sacred site visited by many fans.
Access Methods and Location Information
Basic Information
Location: Fuchu City, Tokyo (We recommend confirming the detailed address on-site)
Nearest Stations:
- Keio Line “Fuchu Keiba Seimon-mae Station”
- Keio Line “Fuchu Station”
- JR Musashino Line / Nanbu Line “Fuchu-Honmachi Station”
Access by Train
From Shinjuku Area
- From Shinjuku Station on the Keio Line, take an express or semi-express train for approximately 25 minutes to “Fuchu Station”
- Or get off at “Fuchu Keiba Seimon-mae Station” (some trains only stop here on racing days)
- Walk from the station toward the Fuchu Racecourse area
From Tokyo Station Area
- Take the JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa Station (approximately 40 minutes)
- Transfer to the Nanbu Line and get off at “Fuchu-Honmachi Station” (approximately 10 minutes)
- Or go to Shinjuku Station on the Chuo Line and transfer to the Keio Line
Access on Foot
It is located along the road heading from Fuchu Station toward the Tokyo Racecourse area. The road to the racecourse is well signposted, so you are unlikely to get lost.
From Fuchu Station: Approximately 15-20 minutes on foot
From Fuchu Keiba Seimon-mae Station: Approximately 10-15 minutes on foot
Access by Car
It is approximately 10 minutes from the Chuo Expressway “Chofu IC.” However, on racing days, surrounding roads are extremely congested, so we strongly recommend using public transportation.
Regarding parking, it is likely that the parking lot of the building itself cannot be used, so you would need to use a nearby coin parking.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Points
Photography Spots
Here are the photography spots when visiting the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch.
Building Exterior
Photographing from the front of the building is the basic approach. An angle that captures the entire building from the opposite side of the road is recommended. However, if it is a road with heavy traffic, please be extra careful for safety.
Combination with Surrounding Scenery
When photographing as a landscape on the way to the Fuchu Racecourse, shooting in a composition that includes surrounding buildings and street trees will allow you to take photos that are closer to the atmosphere in the work.
Notes When Visiting
Observance of Manners
- No Entry to Private Property: The building and its grounds are private property. Absolutely avoid entering the grounds without permission.
- Consideration for Noise: The surrounding area is a residential or commercial district. Please refrain from loud conversations and noise.
- Take Trash Home: Always take trash home and maintain the beauty of the area.
- Observance of Traffic Rules: Be careful not to rush into the road while absorbed in photography, and be mindful not to obstruct traffic.
Considerations During Photography
- Be considerate of the privacy of building residents or users, and be careful not to include people in photos
- Avoid prolonged stays and be considerate of other visitors
- Use of tripods should be limited to places that do not obstruct pedestrians and should be kept brief
Recommended Visit Times
Horse Racing Days
On days when horse racing is held at the Tokyo Racecourse, the entire town of Fuchu is enveloped in a racing mood, allowing you to feel the worldview of Uma Musume more strongly. However, it becomes extremely crowded, so if you want to photograph and observe leisurely, it might be better to avoid these days.
Weekdays
Weekdays have relatively fewer people, allowing for calm photography and observation. However, some nearby restaurants and shops may be closed.
Season
Spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn (autumn foliage season) are beautiful times for Fuchu’s cityscape and good times for photography. Particularly during the Japanese Derby in spring, the area is bustling with racing fans and Uma Musume fans.
Surrounding Sacred Sites and Tourist Attractions
Tokyo Racecourse
When you visit the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch, you absolutely must stop by the Tokyo Racecourse.
Facility Overview
The Tokyo Racecourse is one of Japan’s largest racecourses, hosting numerous races throughout the year. For Uma Musume fans, it is the very stage of the work itself and the most important sacred site.
Uma Musume-Related Exhibitions
The racecourse sometimes holds collaboration events with Uma Musume depending on the season. These include goods sales, life-size panel displays, and voice actor talk shows—projects that delight fans.
How to Enter
- On Racing Days: Admission fee is required (approximately 200 yen for general admission)
- On Non-Racing Days: Generally not open to the public (except during special events)
Fuchu Municipal Fuchu-Furusato no Mori Museum
A museum where you can learn about the history and culture of Fuchu. Exhibits include information about the origins of Fuchu City and its relationship with the racecourse, allowing you to deepen your understanding of the region.
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by bus from Fuchu Station
Ōkunitama Shrine
An ancient shrine located 5 minutes on foot from Fuchu Station with a history of over 1,900 years. As the chief shrine of Musashi Province, it is highly prestigious and is crowded during New Year’s visits and the annual “Kurayami Festival.”
Horse racing fans also visit to pray for racing success, and it is popular among Uma Musume fans as a spot to pray for “winning luck.”
Shopping Streets Around Fuchu Station
Around Fuchu Station are well-developed shopping streets with restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and more. Perfect for resting and eating during sacred site pilgrimages.
Some shops offer special menus for racing fans on racing days, allowing you to experience horse racing culture firsthand.
Model Course for Sacred Site Pilgrimage in the Fuchu Area
Half-Day Course (Approximately 4 Hours)
9:00 Arrival at Fuchu Station
↓ 5 minutes on foot
9:05-9:30 Visit Ōkunitama Shrine
Pray for winning luck
↓ 15 minutes on foot
9:45-10:15 Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch
Exterior photography and area exploration
↓ 10 minutes on foot
10:25-12:30 Tokyo Racecourse
(If racing is held) Watch races, explore the grounds, purchase goods
↓ 15 minutes on foot
12:45-13:30 Lunch Around Fuchu Station
Eat at a restaurant in the shopping street
13:30 Depart from Fuchu Station
Full-Day Course (Approximately 8 Hours)
In addition to the half-day course above, add the following:
14:00-15:30 Fuchu Municipal Fuchu-Furusato no Mori Museum
Travel by bus, learn about Fuchu’s history
↓ Travel by bus
16:00-17:00 Cafe Time Around Fuchu Station
Organize goods, check photos
17:00-18:00 Shop for Souvenirs in Shopping Street
18:00 Depart from Fuchu Station
Gourmet Information in the Fuchu Area
Racecourse Gourmet
The Tokyo Racecourse has numerous restaurants where you can enjoy food unique to the racecourse.
- Turfie: Menu items modeled after the racecourse’s official mascot “Turfie”
- Lucky Dishes: Bowls and set meals with auspicious names
- Stand Gourmet: Easy-to-eat light meals
Around Fuchu Station
Traditional Soba Restaurants
Fuchu has several historic soba restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Edo-style soba.
Cafes and Tea Houses
Cafes are scattered around the station, perfect for resting during sacred site pilgrimages.
Izakayas and Restaurants
On racing days, many izakayas are bustling with horse racing discussions, allowing you to experience horse racing culture.
Horse Racing Information for Uma Musume Fans
Event Information at the Racecourse
Information about Uma Musume collaboration events is announced on the official JRA website and the official Twitter of Tokyo Racecourse. Check in advance and plan your visit accordingly.
Goods Purchase Spots
Inside the Racecourse
- UMAJO SPOT: Goods corner for female racing fans
- Turfie Shop: Official racecourse goods
- Special Shop During Collaboration Events: Uma Musume goods may be sold
Around Fuchu Station
- Bookstores: May handle Uma Musume-related products in anime and game sections
Accommodation Information
There are several business hotels in Fuchu City that can be used as a base for sacred site pilgrimages. However, they often become fully booked during Grade 1 race periods, so early reservations are necessary.
Nearby Chofu City, Kokubunji City, and Tachikawa City also have plenty of accommodation facilities with convenient train access.
Current Status of the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch
Current State of the Building
The Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch may have had its building use changed after ceasing operations as a Nomura Securities branch. We recommend confirming the latest information before visiting.
There is a possibility that the building may be demolished or undergo major renovations, so those planning sacred site pilgrimages should gather the latest information through SNS and fan communities beforehand.
Possibility of Urban Redevelopment
Fuchu City is a continuously developing area within Tokyo, and urban redevelopment projects may proceed around the station and racecourse areas.
There is no zero chance that buildings that have become sacred sites could become targets of urban redevelopment, so it is recommended to visit while you can.
Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimages More
Preparation by Reviewing the Work
Rewatch episodes of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” anime or replay game scenes at the Fuchu Racecourse before visiting to make the sacred site pilgrimage more enjoyable.
In particular, checking episodes depicting major races held at the Tokyo Racecourse (Japanese Derby, Japan Cup, Emperor’s Cup Autumn, etc.) will increase the impact when you visit in person.
Basic Knowledge of Horse Racing
Since Uma Musume is a work modeled on horse racing, having basic knowledge of horse racing will deepen your understanding of the work.
- Types of Races: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3 and other grading systems
- Distance: Short distance, mile, middle distance, long distance
- Track Condition: Good, slightly heavy, heavy, poor
- Characteristics of Racecourses: The Tokyo Racecourse is a left-hand turn with a long straight (525.9 meters)
Information Sharing on SNS
Share your sacred site pilgrimage on SNS like Twitter and Instagram to interact with other fans. Use hashtags such as “#UmaMusume,” “#SacredSitePilgrimage,” and “#FuchuRacecourse.”
However, be careful about sharing location information, and be mindful of privacy and security.
Contributing to the Community
By using restaurants in the area you visit for your sacred site pilgrimage and purchasing souvenirs, you can contribute to the local economy.
By observing proper manners during visits, a good relationship is built between local residents and fans, maintaining an environment where sacred site pilgrimages are welcomed going forward.
History and Culture of the Fuchu Area
History of Fuchu
Fuchu City is an ancient location where the national government office of Musashi Province was established, flourishing as a political and economic center. The name “Fuchu” derives from “the center of the national government office.”
It developed as a castle town centered on Ōkunitama Shrine, and during the Edo period also thrived as a post town on the Koshu Highway.
History of the Racecourse
The Tokyo Racecourse was opened in 1933 (Showa 8). Initially operated as the Meguro Racecourse, it was relocated to Fuchu in 1907 to become the present-day Tokyo Racecourse.
With the establishment of the Japan Racing Association (JRA) after World War II, it developed as one of Japan’s central racecourses.
Fuchu and Horse Racing Culture
Fuchu City has formed a unique culture through the presence of the racecourse. On racing days, many racing fans visit and the entire town is enveloped in excitement.
Local shopping streets coexist with horse racing culture, with many stores providing services and products for racing fans.
The Relationship Between Uma Musume and Real Horses
Famous Horses That Served as Models
Characters appearing in “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” are modeled after actual racehorses. Many famous horses that were active at the Tokyo Racecourse have been turned into characters.
- Tokai Teio: Winner of the 1991 Japanese Derby
- Mejiro Makueen: Famous horse with consecutive Emperor’s Cup (Spring) victories
- Oguri Cap: A gray “Monster” known for popularity
- Deep Impact: Undefeated Triple Crown horse (appears in game version)
Creating Memories at the Racecourse
When visiting the Tokyo Racecourse, by watching actual races, you can see current racehorses galloping on the same course where real horses that served as models for Uma Musume once ran.
This experience not only deepens understanding of the work but also provides an opportunity to discover the appeal of horse racing itself.
Summary: The Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch and Sacred Site Pilgrimages
The Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch, as one of the sacred sites for “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” is an important element that constitutes the landscape around the Fuchu Racecourse.
Visiting this building has meaning beyond simply “viewing the background of an anime.” It is a journey to experience the town of Fuchu where horse racing culture thrives, to visit the stage where real racehorses galloped, and to more deeply understand the worldview of Uma Musume.
Key Points of Sacred Site Pilgrimage to Reconfirm
- Advance Preparation: Confirm the latest information and make visiting plans
- Observance of Manners: Remember to be considerate of local residents and other visitors
- Utilization of Surrounding Facilities: Visit surrounding sacred sites such as the Tokyo Racecourse and Ōkunitama Shrine
- Contributing to the Community: Use local restaurants and shops to contribute to the local economy
- Recording Memories: Record with photos and videos, and share on SNS (being mindful of privacy)
The Special Experience Offered by Fuchu
The town of Fuchu has a unique charm where horse racing culture and history merge. For Uma Musume fans, visiting this town becomes a special experience of drawing one step closer to the world of the work.
A sacred site pilgrimage that begins with one building, the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch, expands to the emotion at the Tokyo Racecourse, prayers at Ōkunitama Shrine, and encounters in the streets of Fuchu.
In Conclusion
Sacred site pilgrimages for Uma Musume are opportunities for fans who love the work to create unforgettable memories. When visiting the Former Nomura Securities Fuchu Branch, use the information provided in this article as a reference to realize a safe and enjoyable sacred site pilgrimage.
And fully savor the charm of the town of Fuchu, experiencing the worldview of Uma Musume more deeply. We hope your sacred site pilgrimage becomes a wonderful memory.
Run forward, Trainer! The town of Fuchu is waiting for you!
