【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Harajuku Karaoke Kan 2nd Branch (Tokyo) Complete Guide: All Information for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a media mix content that captivates many fans with the story of youth and racing featuring “Uma Musume”—characters that are personifications of racehorses. Among the numerous real locations that appear in the anime and games, the Harajuku Karaoke Kan 2nd Branch (currently: Karaoke Kan Harajuku 2nd Store) is known as an important sacred site where impressive scenes unfold within the work.
This article provides comprehensive information that Uma Musume fans want to know, including detailed information about the Harajuku Karaoke Kan 2nd Branch, scenes from the anime, key points for actual sacred site pilgrimage, access methods, and neighboring sacred sites.
What is Uma Musume Pretty Derby?
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a media mix project centered on a smartphone game app and PC game handled by Cygames. Since its release in February 2021, it has become explosively popular as a training simulation game in which “Uma Musume”—personifications of real racehorses—aim to become “Japan’s Number One Uma Musume” while training with their teammates at Tracen Academy.
The World of the Work
In this world, racehorses are born as “Uma Musume,” beings that take the form of human girls. While coexisting with humans, they aim for victory in races and pursue daily training to become top Uma Musume. As the player becomes the trainer protagonist, you nurture individually unique Uma Musume and support them in achieving their dreams.
Anime Series Development
The anime has been produced in three seasons: Season 1 (2018), Season 2 (2021), and Season 3 (2023), each featuring different Uma Musume as protagonists. In each season, various real racetracks and locations throughout Tokyo serve as settings and become subjects of sacred site pilgrimage.
Basic Information About Harajuku Karaoke Kan 2nd Branch
Store Overview
Official Name: Karaoke Kan Harajuku 2nd Store
Address: 1-9-18 Jingumae, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Nearest Stations: Approximately 3 minutes walk from the Takeshita Exit of JR Yamanote Line “Harajuku Station”; approximately 2 minutes walk from Exit 5 of Tokyo Metro Chiyoda/Fukutoshin Line “Meiji-Jingumae (Harajuku) Station”
Business Hours: 11:00 AM to 5:00 AM the next day (varies by season)
Facilities: All non-smoking rooms, drink bar, food menu, latest karaoke equipment
Characteristics of the Location
Karaoke Kan Harajuku 2nd Store is located on Takeshita-dori in Harajuku, known as a hub of youth culture. It features excellent access being just moments from the Takeshita Exit of JR Harajuku Station. The surrounding area is lined with numerous fashion brand stores, cafes, and miscellaneous goods shops, allowing visitors to enjoy Harajuku sightseeing in conjunction with sacred site pilgrimage.
Detailed Scenes from the Anime
Important Scenes in Season 1
Karaoke Kan Harajuku 2nd Store appears in “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” Season 1 as an important location where Special Week, Silence Suzuka, Tokai Teio, and others gather. In the work, it is simply called a “karaoke shop,” but from its exterior and interior features, it can be confirmed that the actual Karaoke Kan Harajuku 2nd Store is the model.
Dance Lesson Scene
Particularly memorable is the scene where Tokai Teio gives dance lessons to Special Week and others. This scene depicts a heartwarming moment in the Uma Musume’s daily lives, expressing the bonds and individuality of the characters—an important scene that remains vivid in many fans’ memories.
Depicted Building Features
The anime faithfully recreates the distinctive exterior of the karaoke shop, the design of the signage, and the building’s color scheme. The lively atmosphere of Harajuku and the appearance of Takeshita-dori are also depicted as backgrounds, and many fans express surprise at the high accuracy of reproduction when visiting the actual location.
Points for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Photography Spots
When visiting for sacred site pilgrimage, the following points are recommended for photography:
- Building Facade: Photographing the karaoke shop’s signage and entire building in an angle that captures the anime’s composition. Photographing from the Takeshita-dori side is the best position.
- Approach from Takeshita-dori: The journey from Harajuku Station’s Takeshita Exit to the karaoke shop can be enjoyed while comparing the depicted anime backgrounds with the actual surroundings.
- Surrounding Streetscape: The unique atmosphere of Harajuku and the landscape reflecting youth culture in the surrounding area are important elements in feeling the work’s world.
Precautions When Visiting
- Be mindful it’s an operating store: Since the karaoke shop is actively operating, be considerate of other customers and passersby.
- Photography manners: While photographing the exterior is fine, photographing inside requires permission from staff. Check with staff before taking photos.
- Avoid crowded times: Takeshita-dori is extremely crowded on weekends and holidays. Early mornings or weekdays allow for more relaxed pilgrimage.
- Consideration for residents: Avoid loud conversations and prolonged stays, remembering to be considerate of neighborhood residents.
When Actually Using the Store
Using Karaoke Kan to sing Uma Musume songs is one of the highlights of sacred site pilgrimage. The shop features the latest karaoke machines with many Uma Musume songs available. Singing iconic songs like “Umapyoi Densetsu” or “Make debut!” in the place that served as an anime setting creates a special memory for fans.
Karaoke Kan and Uma Musume Collaboration
Past Collaboration Campaigns
Karaoke Kan has held multiple collaboration campaigns with Uma Musume. In November 2022, a collaboration campaign was held using newly illustrated visuals of Silence Suzuka, Tokai Teio, and Special Week.
Collaboration Details
These collaboration campaigns featured the following initiatives:
- Singing Campaign: Rewards for singing designated songs
- Collaboration Drinks: Original drinks featuring character themes
- Photo Spots: Character panels set up in-store for commemorative photos
- Original Merchandise: Limited-design clear files and coasters distributed or sold
- Room Decoration: Special rooms decorated with Uma Musume visuals
Latest Collaboration Information
In 2025, a collaboration with “Uma Musume Cinderella Grey” was held, with campaigns rolling out across Karaoke Kan nationwide stores. The ongoing partnership between the Uma Musume Project and Karaoke Kan indicates that fans can look forward to future exciting collaborations.
Enjoyable Elements Outside Campaign Periods
Even outside collaboration campaign periods, Karaoke Kan continuously streams Uma Musume songs. With latest machines like LIVE DAM WAO!, songs can be enjoyed with in-game footage, offering an immersive karaoke experience.
Access Methods and Surrounding Information
Access by Train
When Using JR Yamanote Line:
- Exit at Harajuku Station, approximately 3 minutes walk from the Takeshita Exit
- From the Takeshita Exit, enter Takeshita-dori and continue straight; it will appear on your left
When Using Tokyo Metro:
- Exit at “Meiji-Jingumae (Harajuku) Station” on the Chiyoda/Fukutoshin Line, approximately 2 minutes walk from Exit 5
- From Exit 5, go above ground and head toward Takeshita-dori
Access by Car
The Harajuku area has limited parking with high rates. Additionally, surrounding roads often experience congestion on weekends, so public transportation is strongly recommended. If you must drive, it’s advisable to research nearby coin parking in advance.
Nearby Restaurants and Cafes
Numerous dining options are available before and after pilgrimage:
- Crepe Shops on Takeshita-dori: Multiple stores serving Harajuku’s famous crepes
- Cafes on Omotesando: Venture slightly further for numerous stylish cafes
- Fast Food Near Harajuku Station: Well-stocked with convenient dining options
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Neighboring spots worth visiting alongside sacred site pilgrimage:
- Meiji Shrine: 5 minutes walk from Harajuku Station, a popular urban oasis
- Yoyogi Park: A vast park perfect for relaxation
- Omotesando: A shopping area lined with luxury brand stores
- Cat Street: An upscale street known as back Harajuku
Other Uma Musume Sacred Sites (Within Tokyo)
When visiting the Harajuku Karaoke Kan 2nd Branch, it’s recommended to combine it with pilgrimages to other Uma Musume sacred sites throughout the city.
Fuchu Area
The Tokyo Racecourse is one of the most important sacred sites for Uma Musume. Many racing scenes depicted in the work are set here, and visiting on actual race days allows deeper experience of the work’s world.
- Access: Direct connection to Keio Line “Fuchu Racecourse Formal Gate Station,” or walking distance from JR Musashino/Nanbu Line “Fuchu Honcho Station”
- Highlights: Fuji View Stand, paddock, winner’s circle, and many other places depicted in the anime
- Distance: Approximately 40 minutes by train from Harajuku
Higashi-Fuchu Station area is also known as a location appearing in Uma Musume’s daily scenes. The station area and shopping streets capture the work’s atmosphere.
Tachikawa Area
The area around Tachikawa Station and Showa Kinen Park have also been used as anime backgrounds. Impressive training scenes in the vast park stand out.
Kichijoji Area
The commercial district around Kichijoji Station and Inokashira Park also appear in Uma Musume’s daily scenes. Located approximately 20 minutes from Harajuku via the Chuo Line with good accessibility.
Other Tokyo Sacred Sites
- Shibuya: Scramble Crossing area appears in the anime
- Shinjuku: High-rise buildings depicted as backgrounds
- Akihabara: Game shops appear in certain scenes
Nationwide Uma Musume Sacred Site Network
Chiba Prefecture Sacred Sites
Nakayama Racecourse (Funabashi) is an important racecourse appearing in the work alongside Tokyo Racecourse. Accessible from JR Sobu Line “Funabashi Station” or Keisei Line “Keisei Nakayama Station,” day trips from Tokyo are feasible.
Osaka Prefecture Sacred Sites
Hanshin Racecourse (Takarazuka) is a major sacred site in the Kansai region. Accessible by foot from Hankyu Kobe Line “Nigawa Station.” Additionally, the Umeda area’s urban landscape appears in the anime, making the area around Hankyu Umeda Station another pilgrimage destination.
Kyoto Prefecture Sacred Sites
Kyoto Racecourse (Fushimi Ward, Kyoto) holds an important position as a historic racecourse within the work. Accessible by foot from Keihan Main Line “Yodo Station.”
Shiga Prefecture Sacred Sites
Lake Biwa’s surrounding landscapes are used as backgrounds, with sacred sites scattered throughout Shiga Prefecture.
Uma Musume Karaoke Song Information
Main Song List
At Karaoke Kan and karaoke shops nationwide, numerous Uma Musume songs are available:
- Umapyoi Densetsu: A signature song of the work and most popular among fans
- Make debut!: Special Week’s theme song
- Silent Star: Silence Suzuka’s character song
- Winning the Soul: Tokai Teio’s song
- Growup Shine!: A song themed on growth and challenge
Distribution on Karaoke DAM and JOYSOUND
Karaoke DAM distributes many songs with in-game footage on LIVE DAM WAO!. Regular Uma Musume Pretty Derby karaoke rankings are released, allowing you to check trending songs.
JOYSOUND offers comprehensive songs featuring each character including Oguri Cap, Taiki Shuttle, and Glass Wonder, with lyric search features for easy song discovery.
Singing Tips
Uma Musume songs feature lyrics reflecting each character’s personality and storyline. The vocal performances by voice actors add appeal, and singing while respecting the original atmosphere enhances enjoyment of the work’s world.
Tips for Maximum Enjoyment of Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Prior Preparation
- Rewatch relevant anime scenes: Reviewing anime scenes before visiting enhances emotional impact at the location
- Prepare comparison screenshots: Save images to your smartphone for comparing anime scenes with actual locations
- Plan your pilgrimage route: Pre-plan routes to efficiently visit multiple sacred sites
- Confirm operating hours: Check business hours and holidays of facilities in advance
Pilgrimage Etiquette
- Respect public space manners: Avoid loud voices and blocking pedestrian traffic
- Do not trespass on private property: Confirm whether photography is permitted
- Take all trash with you: Maintain the beauty of sacred sites through environmental care
- Be considerate of other fans: Share photography spots with courtesy
Recording Your Experience
- Share on SNS: Use hashtags like “#UmaMusclemSacredSitePilgrimage” or “#UmaMusume” when sharing
- Create pilgrimage notes: Compile personal records including visit dates, impressions, and photos
- Create comparison photos: Pairing anime scenes with actual photographs is popular on SNS
Recommended Pilgrimage Seasons
- Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather and optimal for sightseeing, though cherry blossom season is crowded
- Autumn (September-November): Comfortable weather allows extended pilgrimage
- Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends for more relaxed experience
- Race days: Visiting racetracks on actual race days is recommended
Connection with Uma Musume Community
Online Communities
Information exchange and experience sharing for sacred site pilgrimage can utilize:
- Twitter (X): Optimal for real-time information sharing
- Sacred site search sites: Sites like “Sacred Site Search” for detailed location information
- Fan sites and blogs: Reference other fans’ pilgrimage records
Offline Events
Uma Musume Project regularly holds fan events. Large-scale events like “WORLD TOUR” bring together fans nationwide to share their love of the work.
Finding Pilgrimage Companions
Experiencing pilgrimage with like-minded individuals makes it more enjoyable. Finding pilgrimage companions through SNS and events is one of the pleasures of Uma Musume fan activities.
Conclusion: Experience Something Special at Harajuku Karaoke Kan 2nd Branch
The Harajuku Karaoke Kan 2nd Branch (Karaoke Kan Harajuku 2nd Store) is a precious sacred site where you can experience the world of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby.” As the setting for impressive scenes depicted in the anime, it has become a popular spot visited by many fans.
Located on Takeshita-dori, the heart of youth culture, with excellent accessibility, this location is perfect for first-time sacred site pilgrims. Actually enjoying karaoke while singing Uma Musume songs in this setting allows deeper connection with the work.
Additionally, the Harajuku area offers diverse tourist attractions and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy Tokyo sightseeing alongside sacred site pilgrimage. Planning a pilgrimage route combining other Uma Musume sacred sites within Tokyo (Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tachikawa, Kichijoji, etc.) allows you to immerse yourself in the Uma Musume world all day.
Sacred site pilgrimage is a special experience allowing deeper understanding of works and connection with other fans. Enjoy the Uma Musume world thoroughly while respecting manners. Trainers, create wonderful memories at the Harajuku Karaoke Kan 2nd Branch!
By developing comprehensive pilgrimage plans including racecourses and nationwide sacred site networks, you’ll appreciate how carefully the “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” work incorporates real locations. Feel the footprints of Uma Musume across each location and enjoy your unique sacred site pilgrimage journey.