【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Harumi-cho Shopping Street (Tokyo) Complete Guide | All About Holy Land Pilgrimage
What is Harumi-cho Shopping Street?
Harumi-cho Shopping Street is a historic shopping street in Fuchu City, Tokyo that has continued since 1960. It is characterized by an L-shaped street running parallel to Kokubunji Street and connecting to Fuchu Street, and is known as the model for the shopping street around Tracen Academy in the anime and game works of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby.”
With stores specializing in fresh products such as butcher shops, vegetable shops, and fish markets, along with popular bakeries, long-established restaurants, soba noodle shops, and a modern version of a candy store, it retains a strong old-fashioned shopping street atmosphere. This nostalgic streetscape was adopted as an important stage for expressing the world of Uma Musume.
Basic Information
- Location: Harumi-cho, Fuchu City, Tokyo
- Access: About 12 minutes on foot from Fuchu Station on the Keio Line
- Business Hours: Varies by store (mostly around 10:00 to 19:00)
- Closed Days: Varies by store
- Parking: Coin parking available in the vicinity
Appearances of Harumi-cho Shopping Street in Uma Musume
Appearances in the Anime
Harumi-cho Shopping Street appears repeatedly in Uma Musume anime Season 1, Season 2, and “BNW no Chikai,” among others. Set near Tracen Academy, it is depicted as the background for scenes where Uma Musume go shopping and live their daily lives.
Particularly in Season 3, multiple cuts of the shopping street appear, with compositions photographed from the Keimushio East Corner Intersection creating a memorable impression. The casual daily scenes of characters walking through the shopping street give the work warmth and realism.
Appearances in the Game Version
In the game version of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” the shopping street appears as an important stage in event stories such as those of Nice Nature and Haruharula. Particularly impressive are the event scenes where characters visit the shopping street, with backgrounds meticulously detailed down to the finest points.
In the game version, the characteristic street lamp design and building arrangements of Harumi-cho Shopping Street are faithfully reproduced, becoming a topic of discussion among holy land pilgrimage fans.
Holy Land Pilgrimage Points
Distinctive Street Lamp Design
The greatest feature of Harumi-cho Shopping Street is its unique umbrella-shaped street lamp design. This rare street lamp design was also adopted in the game version’s background illustrations, making it the most important point of correspondence for holy land pilgrimages.
Street lamps are installed throughout the shopping street, and their distinctive silhouettes can be confirmed even during the daytime. The sight of them lighting up from evening to night evokes the atmosphere of the anime, creating a beautiful scene.
Photography Spots
Keimushio East Corner Intersection
Known as the filming location for the cut that appeared in Season 3 of the anime. If you photograph the shopping street from this intersection, you can recreate a composition similar to that in the work. Since this is a location with traffic, please pay careful attention to safety around you when photographing.
Near the Shopping Street Entrance
The entrance area of the L-shaped shopping street is an ideal spot for capturing the overall atmosphere. It’s good to cover both the angle from the Kokubunji Street side and the angle from the Fuchu Street side.
The Street with Connected Street Lamps
The street lined with distinctive umbrella-shaped lamps is the place where you can best feel the world of Uma Musume. Photographing in the soft afternoon light allows you to capture warm, anime-like photos.
Photography Precautions
Harumi-cho Shopping Street is an operating shopping street. When enjoying holy land pilgrimage, please keep the following points in mind:
- Be considerate so as not to disturb stores and pedestrians
- Refrain from photographing inside stores without permission
- Avoid loud conversations and noise
- Always take trash with you
- Never enter private land without permission
- Obey traffic rules
Holy land pilgrimage is possible thanks to the understanding and cooperation of the local community. Enjoy while following proper etiquette.
Access Method from Fuchu Station
Access on Foot
From Keio Line Fuchu Station to Harumi-cho Shopping Street is about 12 minutes on foot.
- Exit from the north gate of Fuchu Station
- Head left around the station rotary
- Continue straight down Keyaki Boulevard
- Turn right when you reach Kokubunji Street
- After proceeding about 200m, you’ll arrive at the entrance to Harumi-cho Shopping Street
The route is flat and easy to walk, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the keyaki tree-lined avenue along the way.
Access by Bus
If using the bus from Fuchu Station, board the bus heading to “Harumi-cho” from the north gate bus stop of Fuchu Station and get off at the “Harumi-cho” bus stop for convenience. Travel time is about 5 minutes.
Access by Car
About 15 minutes from the Ino IC or Fuchu Smart IC on the Chuo Expressway. Since there is no dedicated parking lot around the shopping street, please use nearby coin parking. There are also several parking lots around Fuchu Station.
Nearby Holy Land Pilgrimage Spots
When you visit Harumi-cho Shopping Street, be sure to visit other Uma Musume holy sites in the surrounding area.
Tokyo Racecourse
Located about 2km from Harumi-cho Shopping Street, about 25 minutes on foot, Tokyo Racecourse is the most important holy site for Uma Musume. Many race scenes, including those from Season 1 of the anime, are modeled after Tokyo Racecourse.
On days when races are held, you can watch actual races and experience the world of Uma Musume in a realistic way. Within the vast facility, there are many locations that appeared in the anime.
Access: On foot from Fuchu Station, or get off immediately at Keio Line “Fuchu Keiba Seimonguchi Station”
Around Fuchu Station
Fuchu Station and its surroundings are also known as Uma Musume holy sites. Model locations for scenes that appear in the work are scattered throughout, including the ticket gates and station rotary, and Keyaki Boulevard.
In particular, the scenery in the area north of Fuchu Station is believed to have been referenced when expressing the atmosphere around Tracen Academy.
Tamagawa River Riverbed
The riverbed of the Tamagawa River flowing through Fuchu City is used as a model for scenes where Uma Musume train. The spacious riverbed is bustling with people who actually enjoy running and cycling, allowing you to feel the atmosphere from the work.
Access: About 20 minutes on foot from Fuchu Station, or about 15 minutes on foot from Keio Line “Fuchu Honmachi Station”
History and Charm of Harumi-cho Shopping Street
History of the Shopping Street
Harumi-cho Shopping Street is a historic shopping street established in 1960. It grew together with the development of Fuchu City during the period of high economic growth and has played an important role in supporting the lives of local residents.
Over more than 60 years of history, while adapting to changes in the times, it has continued to cherish the warmth of an old-fashioned shopping street. This history and tradition create a unique atmosphere that matches the world of Uma Musume.
A Shopping Street Loved by the Community
Harumi-cho Shopping Street functions not merely as a place to shop, but as the center of the local community. It is characterized by close relationships between shop owners and customers, with relationships of familiarity being built.
Seasonal events and festivals are also held, with the shopping street becoming a gathering place for local people. This attitude of valuing human connections enhances the charm of the shopping street.
Distinctive Stores
The shopping street is lined with stores that each have their own personality. From long-established shops founded decades ago to stores with a new sense of style, the coexistence of diverse stores is the charm of Harumi-cho Shopping Street.
Particularly popular bakeries are bustling with customers seeking freshly baked bread from early in the morning. Also, at old-fashioned soba shops and set meal restaurants, you can enjoy authentic flavors at reasonable prices.
How to Enjoy Holy Land Pilgrimage
How to Enjoy by Time of Day
Morning (9:00–12:00)
This is when the shopping street begins to come alive. You can feel the daily appearance of the shopping street with stores preparing to open and morning shoppers bustling about. At the bakery, fresh bread is lined up, and a pleasant aroma wafts through the air.
Afternoon (12:00–17:00)
This is the busiest time of day and when you can feel the liveliness typical of a shopping street. There is bright light suitable for photography, and the design of the street lamps can be clearly confirmed. Since restaurants get crowded during lunch time, it’s recommended to visit slightly outside peak hours if you want to enjoy dining.
Evening to Night (17:00–20:00)
As street lamps begin to light up, an anime-like atmosphere pervades the area. The “magic hour” when soft evening light and street lamp illumination blend is a particularly great chance to capture beautiful photos. However, some stores begin to close, so if you want to enjoy shopping, earlier times are recommended.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
The Keyaki avenue on the way from Fuchu Station is beautiful with fresh greenery, and the season is refreshing. The shopping street also displays products using spring ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal feel.
Summer
The summer festival of the shopping street may be held, and you can feel the vitality of the community. Since it’s hot, don’t forget to stay hydrated while on pilgrimage.
Autumn
The pleasant weather makes this the best season for holy land pilgrimage. The autumn foliage of the Keyaki avenue is also beautiful, and stores handling autumn flavors increase.
Winter
While foot traffic decreases, there is the benefit of being able to photograph quietly. Illuminations may also be installed, allowing you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of winter.
Utilizing Holy Land Pilgrimage Maps
To enjoy holy land pilgrimage efficiently, it’s recommended to prepare maps in advance. Maps that cover Harumi-cho Shopping Street and other Uma Musume holy sites in Fuchu City are published on multiple fan websites.
If you install a map app on your smartphone, navigation from your current location to each spot is also simple. Searching for “Harumi-cho Shopping Street” on Google Maps will display accurate location information and route guidance.
Combinations with Other Kanto Holy Sites
Nakayama Racecourse (Chiba Prefecture)
Nakayama Racecourse in Funabashi City, Chiba, about an hour away by train from Harumi-cho Shopping Street, is also an important holy site for Uma Musume. It’s accessible on foot from Funahashi Hoten Station, and you can visit both in one day.
Kichijoji and Omotesando Area
Kichijoji and the Omotesando area in Harajuku, which appear in event scenes of the game version and in the anime, are also within reach to visit on the same day as Harumi-cho Shopping Street. If you combine spots in Musashino City and Shibuya Ward, you’ll have an enriching holy land pilgrimage tour.
Methods for Recording Holy Land Pilgrimage
Photography Tips
Photography is essential for preserving memories of holy land pilgrimage. Keeping the following points in mind will help you take better photos:
- Comparison photos: Comparison photos juxtaposing anime or game screenshots with actual locations are also popular on SNS
- Study composition: Finding the same angles as scenes in the work and photographing them adds a sense of presence
- Consider weather: Sunny days allow for bright photos, but cloudy days produce atmospheric photos with soft light
- Include people: If you’re visiting with friends, don’t forget to take commemorative photos
Sharing on SNS
When sharing holy land pilgrimage records on SNS such as Twitter and Instagram, make use of hashtags. Using tags such as “#ウマ娘聖地巡礼,” “#晴見町商店街,” “#ウマ娘” will allow you to connect with people who share the same interests.
However, care must be taken when sharing location information. Share your enjoyable pilgrimage while being considerate of privacy.
Consideration for the Community and Etiquette
Holy land pilgrimage is an activity that thrives with the understanding and cooperation of the community. Remember that Harumi-cho Shopping Street is not a tourist attraction but a place where local residents live, and observe the following etiquette:
Basic Etiquette
- Keep noise levels down: Refrain from loud conversations and shouting
- Don’t cause inconvenience: Be mindful so as not to disturb store operations or pedestrian traffic
- Maintain cleanliness: Always take trash with you and keep the shopping street clean
- Get permission: Always get permission before photographing inside stores
- Respect privacy: Be careful not to capture residents or passersby
Contribution to the Community
When you visit on a holy land pilgrimage, it’s also important to contribute to the local economy to the extent possible. By shopping at stores and patronizing restaurants on the shopping street, you build good relationships with the community.
Try to act in ways that make people think, “We’re happy that Uma Musume fans came to visit.”
Summary: The Charm of Harumi-cho Shopping Street
Harumi-cho Shopping Street is a valuable holy site where you can experience the world of Uma Musume Pretty Derby. The atmosphere of an old-fashioned shopping street with a history of more than 60 years, the distinctive umbrella-shaped street lamp design, and the warm community rooted in the area enhance the appeal of the work.
Its appeal also includes convenient access within walking distance from Fuchu Station and its proximity to other holy sites including Tokyo Racecourse. By actually visiting the places you’ve seen in the anime and games, your understanding of the work deepens and new discoveries await.
Through holy land pilgrimage, enjoy the world of Uma Musume more deeply while discovering the charm of the community. Following proper etiquette, enjoy a memorable holy land pilgrimage journey.
Why not visit Harumi-cho Shopping Street on your next day off and immerse yourself in the world of Uma Musume?
