What is Uma Musume Pretty Derby
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a multimedia project developed by Cygames that depicts a world where “Uma Musume” (horse girls) who inherit the names and spirits of real racehorses are active. The project spans anime, games, manga, and more, captivating many fans as a work that brings a sense of familiarity to the world of horse racing.
In the work, distinctive characters modeled after real famous horses such as Tokai Teio, Special Week, and Kitasan Black become protagonists, with their daily lives at Tracen Academy and their passion for running toward their dreams depicted throughout. In a world where humans and Uma Musume coexist, their growth, friendship, and passion for racing form the core of the narrative.
In the anime series, many real locations appear, and in particular, Inokashira Park (Inokashira Onshi Park) in the Kichijoji area of Tokyo is frequently used as the setting for the Uma Musume’s daily life scenes.
Why Inokashira Onshi Park Became a Sacred Site for Uma Musume
Inokashira Onshi Park has consistently appeared as an important setting from Uma Musume Pretty Derby anime Season 1 through Season 3. This park was chosen because it is near the model location of Tracen Academy and possesses a natural, verdant environment suitable for the Uma Musume’s daily walks and conversation scenes.
In fact, specific locations within the park such as the pond, bridges, and benches are carefully depicted in the work, making it a sacred site with special meaning for anime fans as “places where the characters actually walked.” The good accessibility from Kichijoji Station is also one reason why many pilgrims visit.
Basic Information and Access to Inokashira Onshi Park
Park Overview
Inokashira Onshi Park is a historic park that opened in 1917 (Taisho 6) as Japan’s first suburban park. With a total area of approximately 430,000 square meters, it is characterized by a natural environment centered around Inokashira Pond. As a place of respite where seasonal landscapes can be enjoyed, it is beloved by both local residents and many tourists.
The park contains various facilities including Inokashira Pond, a boating area, Inokashira Natural and Cultural Garden, and an outdoor stage, with many visitors on weekends. Known also as a famous cherry blossom spot, it becomes a spectacular viewing site in spring when approximately 500 cherry trees bloom.
Access Methods
By Train
- About 5 minutes walk from JR Chuo/Sobu Line “Kichijoji Station” South Exit (Park Exit)
- About 1 minute walk from Keio Inokashira Line “Inokashira Park Station”
By Bus
- Multiple routes including Odakyu Bus and Keio Bus stop at “Inokashira Park” station
Opening Hours and Admission
- Opening Hours: Open at all times (except certain facilities)
- Admission: Free (Inokashira Natural and Cultural Garden requires admission fee)
With its close proximity to Kichijoji Station and good accessibility from the urban center, it is ideally positioned as a base for sacred site pilgrimage.
Scenes and Filming Locations in Anime Seasons 1 & 2
Scenes Around Nanaizumi Bridge
In anime Season 1 and Season 2, the area around Nanaizumi Bridge serves as the setting for conversation scenes featuring Tokai Teio and other Uma Musume. Nanaizumi Bridge is one of the bridges spanning Inokashira Pond and offers an excellent vantage point with panoramic views of the pond.
Walking along Nanaizumi Bridge Street from Kichijoji Station and entering the park, you arrive at the walking path along the pond. This bridge offers seasonal views of the pond, and in the anime, the beautiful water surface is depicted as a background. Visiting the actual location allows you to realize how faithfully the anime scenes have been reproduced.
Benches Near the Noguchi Ujio Monument
The Noguchi Ujio Monument is located near Nanaizumi Bridge, and benches in the surrounding area serve as the setting for important conversation scenes between Uma Musume. In particular, an impressive conversation scene between Tokai Teio and Mejiro Mcqueen was depicted here, and many fans take commemorative photos on the same bench.
The area around the monument is relatively quiet, allowing visitors to spend time peacefully while gazing at the pond. The bench’s position is on the right side after crossing the bridge, and the key to photographing from the same angle as in the anime is to sit on the bench facing toward the pond.
Benten Bridge and Its Surroundings
Benten Bridge is characterized by its red railings spanning the central part of Inokashira Pond, and in the anime it often appears as a distant scenery. This bridge is a symbolic presence in the pond and is located near the boat rental area.
The area around Benten Bridge is one of the most popular areas in the park, bustling with many people on weekends and during cherry blossom season. In the anime, this bridge is depicted in scenes that provide a bird’s-eye view of the entire pond, functioning as an important location to express the overall atmosphere of the park.
New Appearance Scenes and Photography Points in Anime Season 3
Bench Scene with Kitasan Black and Tokai Teio
In anime Season 3, Kitasan Black becomes the protagonist and engaging scenes of interaction with her senior Tokai Teio are depicted. The bench where the two sit talking has been identified as a specific location to the right after crossing Nanaizumi Bridge.
To visit this filming location, walk along Nanaizumi Bridge Street from Kichijoji Station, enter the park, and cross Nanaizumi Bridge. After crossing the bridge, proceed in the right direction (along the walking path beside the pond), and you will find multiple benches set up near the Noguchi Ujio Monument. The bench depicted in the anime is positioned with a view of the pond in front.
At the actual location, the beautiful reflection of trees and sky on the water’s surface creates a peaceful atmosphere similar to the anime scenes. Early morning hours or weekday mornings have relatively fewer visitors, allowing for a leisurely sacred site pilgrimage.
Walking Path Along the Pond
In Season 3, many scenes of Uma Musume walking along the pond’s walking path are depicted. The area surrounding Inokashira Pond is enclosed by a walking path of approximately 1.5 km in circumference, offering beautiful scenery regardless of the season of visit.
Various trees are planted along the walking path, displaying different faces with each season—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn leaves in fall. The anime carefully depicts seasonal changes in its backgrounds, so visiting at different times will reveal different charms.
Detailed Map and Route Guide for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Recommended Pilgrimage Route (Time Required: Approximately 60-90 minutes)
Start: Kichijoji Station South Exit (Park Exit)
- Kichijoji Station → Nanaizumi Bridge Street (5 minutes walk)
- Head straight from the station’s south exit toward Inokashira Park
- After passing through the shopping arcade, you’ll reach Nanaizumi Bridge Street
- Nanaizumi Bridge Street → Inokashira Park Entrance (3 minutes walk)
- Continue along the street and the park entrance will come into view
- Many cafes and miscellaneous shops line the street
- Park Entrance → Nanaizumi Bridge (5 minutes walk)
- Enter the park and proceed along the path beside the pond
- When you see the bridge, that’s Nanaizumi Bridge
- Nanaizumi Bridge → Noguchi Ujio Monument/Bench Area (2 minutes walk)
- Turn right after crossing the bridge
- The monument and benches will soon appear
- Important Photography Point: Scene with Kitasan Black and Tokai Teio
- Bench Area → Circumnavigating the Pond Walking Path (30-40 minutes walk)
- If time permits, circumnavigating the pond is recommended
- Enjoy pond scenery from various angles
- Walking Path → Benten Bridge (Along the way)
- Red bridge in the central part of the pond
- Ideal for distant photography
- Benten Bridge → Return to Inokashira Park Station or Kichijoji Station (5-10 minutes walk)
Detailed Location Information for Photography Points
Area Around Nanaizumi Bridge
- Coordinates: Approximately 35.7011° North, 139.5742° East
- Characteristics: Bridge overlooking the pond, trees in background
- Best angle: From the middle of the bridge looking toward the pond
Noguchi Ujio Monument/Bench
- Coordinates: Approximately 50m east of Nanaizumi Bridge
- Characteristics: Bench facing the pond, monument serves as landmark
- Best angle: Sit on the bench and face toward the pond
Benten Bridge
- Coordinates: Central part of the pond
- Characteristics: Red railings, near boat rental area
- Best angle: Photograph the entire bridge from in front of it
Best Timing and Precautions for Photography
Characteristics by Time of Day
Early Morning (6:00-8:00)
- Advantages: Few people, quiet for photography
- Lighting: Beautiful sunrise, water surface shimmers
- Precautions: Winter sunrise is late, may be dim
Morning (9:00-12:00)
- Advantages: Moderate brightness, easy to photograph
- Lighting: Front lighting makes subjects bright
- Precautions: More people start to arrive on weekends
Afternoon (13:00-16:00)
- Advantages: Most illuminated time if weather is good
- Lighting: Beautiful pond reflections
- Precautions: Most crowded time, especially weekends and holidays
Evening (16:00-18:00)
- Advantages: Sunset reflected on pond creates fantastical scenery
- Lighting: Beautiful colors of magic hour
- Precautions: Some locations have backlighting requiring exposure adjustment
Highlights by Season
Spring (late March-April)
- Cherry blossoms in full bloom, most beautiful season
- Extremely crowded with flower viewers; weekday early mornings recommended
- Cherry petals floating on the pond are a must-see
Summer (June-August)
- Deep green foliage, vibrant landscape
- Early morning and evening hours are comfortable
- Lotus flowers also bloom during this period
Autumn (October-November)
- Beautiful autumn leaves with calm atmosphere
- Relatively less crowded, easier for photography
- Morning and evening are cool; bring a jacket
Winter (December-February)
- Few people, quiet pilgrimage possible
- Clear air allows sharp photography of distant views
- Warm clothing essential; note early sunset
Photography Precautions
- Consideration for Other Park Visitors
- Do not occupy benches for extended periods
- Avoid loud conversations and noise
- Choose photography locations that don’t obstruct foot traffic
- Regarding Tripod Use
- Avoid tripod use during crowded times
- If using, choose locations that don’t impede traffic
- Some areas may have restrictions on tripod use
- Protection of Natural Environment
- Do not damage plants
- Always take trash with you
- Do not feed pond animals or wildlife
- Cosplay Photography
- Prior confirmation recommended for cosplay photography in the park
- Change clothes outside the park
- Be considerate of other visitors
Other Uma Musume Sacred Sites in the Kichijoji Area
When visiting Inokashira Onshi Park, consider exploring other Uma Musume-related spots in the nearby Kichijoji area.
Around Kichijoji Station
In the anime, Kichijoji Station and its surrounding shopping arcade also appear as backgrounds. Real locations such as the station plaza, Sunroad Shopping Street, and Harmonica Alley are depicted and used as settings for daily life scenes.
In particular, Sunroad Shopping Street appears in scenes where Uma Musume enjoy shopping, and the actual location is a bustling area lined with many restaurants and miscellaneous shops. Reminiscing about anime scenes while walking through the shopping street is part of the fun.
Inokashira Natural and Cultural Garden
A zoo within Inokashira Onshi Park that sometimes appears as a distant view in the anime. Visiting in person allows you to enjoy interactions with animals while also having an enriching day combined with your sacred site pilgrimage.
Combination Plans with Other Uma Musume Sacred Sites in Tokyo
Fuchu Area: Tokyo Racecourse
One of the most important locations in the Uma Musume world is Tokyo Racecourse. Operating as an actual racecourse, it appears in the anime as the setting for race scenes. You can view locations such as the paddock and stands that were depicted in the work.
From Inokashira Onshi Park to Tokyo Racecourse, access via the Chuo Line from Kichijoji Station takes about 30 minutes, with further access from Fuchu Honcho or Fuchu Station by foot or bus. On racing days, you can also watch actual races, deepening your experience of the Uma Musume world.
Tachikawa Area
The Tachikawa area also has locations that appear in the anime and can be combined with your pilgrimage to Inokashira Park. Located about 20 minutes from Kichijoji on the Chuo Line, it’s conveniently positioned to include in a day-trip pilgrimage route.
One-Day Pilgrimage Model Course
Morning: Inokashira Onshi Park
- 9:00 Arrive at Kichijoji Station
- 9:15-11:00 Sacred site pilgrimage within Inokashira Park
- 11:00-12:00 Lunch around Kichijoji Station
Afternoon: Tokyo Racecourse or Tachikawa Area
- 12:30 Depart from Kichijoji Station
- 13:00-16:00 Pilgrimage to Tokyo Racecourse or Tachikawa area
- 16:30 Begin return journey
With this plan, you can efficiently visit multiple sacred sites and experience the Uma Musume world more deeply.
Essential Items and Apps for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Essential Items
- Smartphone/Camera
- Essential for photography
- Extra battery is reassuring
- Anime Screenshots
- Save in advance for comparison photography
- Useful when searching for the same angles
- Maps/Guide Materials
- Download for offline viewing
- Print this article or save to phone
- Beverages/Light Snacks
- Vending machines are available in the park, but bringing your own is convenient
- Enjoy while resting on benches
- Seasonal Equipment
- Summer: Sunscreen, hat, towel
- Winter: Winter clothes, gloves
- Rain: Folding umbrella, raincoat
Useful Apps
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Apps
- Apps that support pilgrimage using location information
- Check-in features to record visits
Google Maps
- Mark photography points in advance
- Navigation feature to arrive without getting lost
Weather Forecast App
- Check weather for visit date
- Check weather by time slot
Camera App
- Apps with comparison photography features are convenient
- Overlay anime scenes with live-action shots for verification
Recommended Dining and Cafes Around Inokashira Park
We introduce gourmet spots in the Kichijoji area worth visiting during your sacred site pilgrimage breaks.
Cafes Near the Park
Kichijoji has many distinctive cafes, perfect for breaks during park exploration. Near the Inokashira Park entrance are cafes with terrace seating where you can gaze at the park’s greenery, ideal for refreshing yourself after pilgrimage fatigue.
Kichijoji Gourmet
Around Kichijoji Station gather diverse restaurants offering ramen, curry, Western cuisine, and more. Harmonica Alley features traditional izakayas and small restaurants, making it recommended to visit after evening pilgrimage activities.
Uma Musume as a Work that Brings Familiarity to the Horse Racing World
Uma Musume Pretty Derby is a work that has made horse racing, seemingly an exclusive sport, accessible through relatable characters and moving storytelling. The real histories and legendary races of actual racehorses form the backdrop of the work, and many people have discovered the charm of horse racing through the anime.
By depicting both everyday settings like Inokashira Onshi Park and racing venues like Tokyo Racecourse and Nakayama Racecourse contrastively within the work, the Uma Musume’s daily lives and their extraordinary moments, their efforts and triumphs, stand out distinctly. Experiencing these depths of the work through sacred site pilgrimage is a major attraction.
Manners During Pilgrimage and Consideration for the Community
Sacred site pilgrimage is an enjoyable experience, but it’s important not to forget consideration for local residents and other park visitors.
Basic Manners
- Do Not Make Noise
- The park is a place of respite for many people
- Refrain from loud conversations and music playback
- Always Take Your Trash Home
- Basic principle for keeping the park beautiful
- Don’t forget to collect photography props as well
- Do Not Trespass on Private Property
- Homes surround the park area
- Photography on private property without permission is strictly prohibited
- Avoid Occupying Locations for Extended Periods
- Others also wish to use benches
- Be quick with photography, practice the spirit of sharing
- Contribute to Local Economy
- Dine and shop at local establishments
- Good community relations help preserve sacred sites
Precautions When Posting on Social Media
When posting photos on social media, be considerate so other park visitors don’t appear in your shots. Also, avoid publishing exact location information to prevent overcrowding.
Conclusion: Experience the Uma Musume World at Inokashira Onshi Park
Inokashira Onshi Park is a precious sacred site where you can experience the world of Uma Musume Pretty Derby. From anime Season 1 through Season 3, it has consistently appeared as an important setting, with many daily life scenes of popular characters such as Kitasan Black, Tokai Teio, and Special Week depicted.
By actually visiting specific locations such as Nanaizumi Bridge, benches near the Noguchi Ujio Monument, and Benten Bridge, anime scenes become more vivid in memory, and affection for the work deepens. Located in the convenient area of Kichijoji, with abundant other sacred sites and appealing gourmet spots nearby.
A sacred site pilgrimage enjoying the beautiful scenery of Inokashira Pond that displays different faces with each season, while tracing the paths walked by the Uma Musume, will become a special experience for fans. Remember to follow etiquette and be considerate of the community, creating wonderful memories of your sacred site pilgrimage.
The familiarity with the horse racing world depicted in games and anime deepens further by actually visiting these locations. By all means visit Inokashira Onshi Park and experience the breath of the Uma Musume world.
