【Uma Musume: Pretty Derby】Omotesando Hills (Tokyo) Holy Land Pilgrimage Guide
Relationship Between Uma Musume: Pretty Derby and Omotesando Hills
“Uma Musume: Pretty Derby” is a multimedia project developed by Cygames that depicts a world where racehorses are personified as “Uma Musume” (horse girls) who play active roles. Various contents including anime, games, and music have been released, captivating many fans.
Omotesando Hills is a complex commercial facility located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, and appears as an important location within the Uma Musume work. Particularly in the anime series, it is depicted as the stage where Uma Musume such as Tokaiteio practice winning lives, making it an indispensable spot for fans undertaking holy land pilgrimages.
This article comprehensively explains detailed information regarding holy land pilgrimages at Omotesando Hills, access methods, shooting points, and related nearby spots—everything you need when actually visiting.
Basic Information About Omotesando Hills
Facility Overview
Omotesando Hills is a commercial facility that opened in 2006 with three above-ground floors and three underground floors. Designed by architect Tadao Ando, this facility features a distinctive structure with a low above-ground section to harmonize with the zelkova tree-lined avenue of Omotesando.
Facility Name: Omotesando Hills
Address: 〒150-0001 Shibuya Ward, Miyamaesugadai 4-12-10, Tokyo
Business Hours:
- Shops 11:00 AM–9:00 PM (Sundays until 8:00 PM)
- Restaurants 11:00 AM–11:00 PM (varies by establishment)
Closed Days: Irregular closures (recommended to check official website)
Official Website: https://www.omotesandohills.com/
Appearances in Uma Musume Works
In the anime “Uma Musume: Pretty Derby,” the Omotesando Hills area appears as a place where popular characters such as Tokaiteio, Mejiro Makueen, and Rice Shower practice their winning lives.
Within the work, the characteristic glass exterior of Omotesando Hills and its open space are depicted impressively, showing Uma Musume conducting daily training and practice. This location is a precious scene where one can glimpse the daily lives of Uma Musume outside the racetrack, remaining memorable for many fans.
Access Methods and Routes from Nearest Stations
Access by Train
Omotesando Hills is accessible from multiple railway lines. The most convenient is Omotesando Station on Tokyo Metro lines.
Access from Omotesando Station
- 2 minutes walk from Exit A2 of Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, or Chiyoda Line “Omotesando Station”
- Head to the right (toward Aoyama) from the exit and you’ll soon see the entrance to Omotesando Hills
Access from Meiji Jingu Mae Station
- 3 minutes walk from Exit 5 of Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line or Fukutoshin Line “Meiji Jingu Mae (Harajuku) Station”
- Head toward Aoyama along Omotesando and you can access the facility
Access from Harajuku Station
- 7 minutes walk from JR Yamanote Line “Harajuku Station” Omotesando Exit
- Proceed directly along Omotesando toward Aoyama
Access from Fuchu Area
When accessing Omotesando Hills from the Fuchu area where Tokyo Racecourse is located, a transfer is necessary. Many fans visit the racecourse in the Fuchu area for Uma Musume holy land pilgrimages and then head to Omotesando Hills, so we’ll introduce an efficient route.
Recommended Route 1 (via Keio Line)
- Fuchu Station (Keio Line) → Shinjuku Station (approximately 20 minutes)
- Transfer to Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line at Shinjuku Station
- Get off at Meiji Jingu Mae Station (approximately 9 minutes)
- Arrive at Omotesando Hills in 3 minutes walk
Recommended Route 2 (via JR)
- Fuchu Honcho Station (JR Nanbu Line) → Tachikawa Station (approximately 10 minutes)
- Transfer to JR Chuo Line at Tachikawa Station
- Get off at Shinjuku Station (approximately 30 minutes)
- Transfer to Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line at Shinjuku Station
- Get off at Meiji Jingu Mae Station (approximately 9 minutes)
- Arrive at Omotesando Hills in 3 minutes walk
Plan for a travel time of approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Access by Car and Parking Information
Omotesando Hills has an underground parking garage.
Parking Overview
- Capacity: Approximately 180 spaces
- Business Hours: 8:30 AM–11:00 PM
- Rate: 350 yen per 30 minutes
- Discount service available with facility use
However, the Omotesando area tends to be congested on weekends and holidays, and parking lots often fill up, so public transportation is recommended.
Shooting Spots and Highlights for Holy Land Pilgrimage
Main Entrance Area
The main entrance of Omotesando Hills is an open space facing the zelkova tree-lined avenue. It is recognized as the stage for scenes where Uma Musume gather and head to practice.
Shooting Points
- Capture the entire facility from the Omotesando side
- Photograph the glass exterior from the plaza in front of the entrance
- Composition that includes both the zelkova trees and the building
When shooting, be considerate of pedestrians and other visitors, and avoid using tripods.
Glass Exterior
The characteristic glass exterior of Omotesando Hills is impressively depicted in the anime. Especially from evening to night when interior lighting is on, you can capture photos closer to the work’s atmosphere.
Recommended Shooting Times
- 4:00 PM–6:00 PM: Time when natural light and artificial lighting are well-balanced
- Evening: Can capture the fantastical atmosphere of being lit up
Spiral Slope
The “Spiral Slope,” a symbolic structure within Omotesando Hills, is a gently spiraling passage continuing from the third basement floor to the third above-ground floor. This space may also appear in the work and offers unique architectural beauty.
When shooting inside, follow the rules of the commercial facility and avoid directly photographing stores or merchandise, focusing only on the architectural space.
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting
Holy Land Pilgrimage Etiquette
Omotesando Hills is a commercial facility used by many general visitors. When conducting holy land pilgrimages, follow this etiquette:
- Don’t obstruct passage: When taking photos or observing, step to the side of the passage and don’t obstruct other visitors
- Keep conversations quiet: Move quietly within the facility and be considerate of noise
- Avoid long-term occupation: At popular shooting spots, consider other pilgrims and quickly yield the space after finishing photos
- Tripod use restrictions: Tripod use may be restricted within commercial facilities. Check with the facility in advance or make hand-held shooting your default
- Follow commercial facility rules: Avoid unauthorized photography inside stores and refrain from photographing merchandise
Peak Times and Best Visiting Times
Omotesando Hills is a popular commercial facility, so congestion varies greatly by time of day.
Relatively Uncrowded Times
- Weekday mornings (right after opening, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM)
- Weekday afternoons around 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
Crowded Times
- Weekends and holidays afternoons (1:00 PM–5:00 PM)
- Friday evenings onward
- During sale periods
For those visiting for holy land pilgrimage purposes, weekday mornings or early afternoons are recommended for leisurely shooting and observation.
Photography Considerations
- Regard for privacy: Be careful that other visitors don’t appear in your shots. If they’re captured, properly edit them before posting
- Respect copyright: Artworks and decorations within the facility are copyrighted. Avoid photographing these as main subjects
- Flash photography restrictions: Flash photography may be prohibited inside stores
- SNS posting considerations: When posting photos on SNS, be careful with location information and avoid causing excessive congestion
Nearby Uma Musume Holy Land Pilgrimage Spots
By visiting related nearby spots when at Omotesando Hills, you can enjoy a more enriching experience.
Harajuku and Omotesando Area
Around Harajuku Station
The area around Harajuku Station within walking distance of Omotesando Hills may appear in the work as an everyday urban scene. With many tourist spots including Takeshita Street and Meiji Shrine, you can enjoy pilgrimage alongside tourism.
Meiji Shrine
Within walking distance of Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo’s leading power spots. It’s the perfect place to pray for the victories of Uma Musume.
Major Racecourses in Tokyo
Racecourses are must-visit spots for Uma Musume holy land pilgrimages.
Tokyo Racecourse (Fuchu Area)
One of the most important settings for the work. The stage where many Uma Musume including Special Week competed in races. You can actually experience places like the paddock and racetrack depicted in the work.
- Location: 1-1 Hiyoshi-cho, Fuchu City, Tokyo
- Access: Immediately off Keio Line Fuchu Racecourse Main Gate Station
- Event Schedule: Check JRA official website
Ohi Racecourse
Appears as a local racing stage. Night racing “Twinkle Race” is also attractive.
- Location: 2-1-2 Katsushima, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo
- Access: 2 minutes walk from Tokyo Monorail Ohi Racecourse Station
Tachikawa Area
The area around Tachikawa Station may appear in the work as everyday scenery and is conveniently located on the access route from Fuchu to Omotesando, making it easy to stop by.
Kichijoji Area
Inokashira Park and other areas that may appear in the work as everyday Tokyo scenery. From Omotesando, it’s easily accessible at approximately 30 minutes by Chuo Line.
Shopping and Dining Information at Omotesando Hills
Enjoy shopping and dining at Omotesando Hills between pilgrimage activities.
Recommended Restaurants
Omotesando Hills houses approximately 30 restaurants and cafes.
Main Building 3F Restaurant Floor
A diverse range of restaurants including Japanese, Western, Italian, and French cuisine. Enjoying an elegant lunch or dinner while thinking of the Uma Musume world is recommended.
Cafes and Sweets
Excellent cafes perfect for pilgrimage breaks. Relax at a sophisticated Omotesando-style cafe and plan your next destination.
Shopping
About 100 shops including domestic and foreign famous brands, select shops, and miscellaneous goods stores. While there are no stores carrying Uma Musume merchandise, you can enjoy fashion and lifestyle goods.
Enjoying the Uma Musume Pretty Derby World More Deeply
Background Knowledge of the Work
“Uma Musume: Pretty Derby” depicts a world where characters modeled after real racehorses play active roles. By recreating the stories of glory of real legendary horses in the form of Uma Musume, the work conveys the appeal of horse racing not only to racing fans but also to those unfamiliar with racing.
Main Characters
- Special Week: 1998 Japanese Derby winner
- Tokaiteio: Legendary undefeated Triple Crown winner
- Mejiro Makueen: Noted horse known for back-to-back wins in the Emperor’s Prize (Spring)
- Rice Shower: A memorable horse that pulled off an upset
The scenes of these Uma Musume practicing winning lives at Omotesando Hills are important moments depicting their daily lives and growth beyond their “main job” of winning at the racetrack.
Watching Anime Series
It’s recommended to watch the anime series in advance to enjoy holy land pilgrimages more.
Anime Series
- Season 1 (April–June 2018): Story featuring Special Week as the protagonist
- Season 2 (January–June 2021): Story featuring Tokaiteio as the protagonist
- Season 3 (October–December 2023): Story featuring Kitasan Black as the protagonist
Different Uma Musume stories are depicted in each season, and scenes with Omotesando Hills are included.
Experience via Game App
The smartphone game “Uma Musume: Pretty Derby” allows you to enjoy a breeding simulation game where you raise Uma Musume and aim for race victories. The winning live scene is also included in the game, and playing while imagining practice scenes at Omotesando Hills allows for deeper immersion in the work.
Recording and Sharing Holy Land Pilgrimage
Photography Tips
Photography techniques for beautifully preserving memories of holy land pilgrimages:
Composition Points
- Recreate scenes from the work: Prepare screenshots of relevant scenes from the anime beforehand and find the same angle for shooting
- Utilize architectural beauty: Be conscious of composition that makes use of Omotesando Hills’ distinctive architectural design
- Changes by time of day: Shooting at different times—morning, noon, evening, and night—allows you to record diverse expressions
Smartphone Photography Techniques
- Display grid lines to maintain level horizon
- Use HDR mode to adjust brightness and darkness contrast
- Use portrait mode to blur background and emphasize subject
Sharing on SNS
When sharing photos on SNS, you can connect with fans sharing the same interests using these hashtags:
- #ウマ娘
- #ウマ娘聖地巡礼
- #表参道ヒルズ
- #聖地巡礼
- #ウマ娘プリティーダービー
However, refrain from sharing detailed location information that could cause excessive congestion, and maintain an attitude of promoting pilgrimage etiquette.
Creating Pilgrimage Records
Points for creating pilgrimage records on blogs or SNS:
- Visit date and weather: The same location’s impression changes with weather and season
- Access information: Record the route actually used and time required
- Shooting point details: Provide specific location information helpful as reference for other pilgrims
- Observations: Share discrepancies with the work and new discoveries
- Etiquette information: Include precautions for subsequent pilgrims
Holy Land Spots in Tokyo Other Than Omotesando Hills
Uma Musume holy sites are scattered throughout Tokyo. We’ll introduce spots you should visit alongside Omotesando Hills.
Nakayama Racecourse (Chiba Prefecture)
Nakayama Racecourse, easily accessible from central Tokyo, is also one of the important stages in the work.
- Location: 1-1-1 Kosaku, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture
- Access: From JR Sobu Line Funabashi Station by bus, or on foot from Keisei Line Nakayama Station
- Features: Stage for important races including the Arima Memorial
Holy Sites in the Kansai Region
Osaka Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture
The Kansai region also has Uma Musume holy sites including Hanshin Racecourse (Hyogo Prefecture) and Kyoto Racecourse (Kyoto Prefecture). While far from Tokyo, many fans visit these alongside trips.
Event Information and Collaborations
Past Collaboration Events
The Uma Musume Project has conducted various collaborations with facilities and events. No official events at Omotesando Hills have been confirmed as of now, but future developments are anticipated.
How to Obtain Latest Information
Official event and collaboration information can be checked at:
- Uma Musume Official Portal Site: https://umamusume.jp/
- Official Twitter: Latest information provided in real-time
- In-app Notifications: Announcements within the game
With releases such as the movie “Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Movie ~The Door to a New Era~” (released May 2024), limited-time events may be held coinciding with new releases, so regularly check official information.
Advice When Planning Holy Land Pilgrimages
Organizing Efficient Pilgrimage Routes
Since Uma Musume holy sites are dispersed throughout Tokyo, efficient route planning is important.
Example 1-Day Course
- Morning: Tokyo Racecourse (Fuchu) *race days only
- Lunch: Around Fuchu Station
- Afternoon: Omotesando Hills (Harajuku and Omotesando)
- Late afternoon: Explore Harajuku and Omotesando area
- Evening: Shibuya area
Example 2-Day Course
- Day 1: Tokyo Racecourse, Ohi Racecourse, other racing-related spots in Tokyo
- Day 2: Omotesando Hills, Harajuku and Omotesando area, other Tokyo spots
Budget Estimate
Transportation
- 1-day unlimited train pass: approximately 800–1,000 yen
- Fuchu↔Omotesando round trip: approximately 600–800 yen
Meals
- Lunch at Omotesando Hills: 1,500–3,000 yen
- Cafe breaks: 500–1,000 yen
Miscellaneous
- Merchandise purchases: varies
- Racecourse admission: 200 yen (JRA racecourse)
Plan for approximately 5,000–10,000 yen per day.
Packing Checklist
- Smartphone (camera/map app)
- Mobile battery
- Screenshots of relevant work scenes
- Transportation IC card
- Beverages (heat stroke prevention)
- Rain gear (folding umbrella)
- Notebook and pen (for notes)
- Comfortable walking shoes
Conclusion: Experiencing the Uma Musume World at Omotesando Hills
Omotesando Hills is a precious holy site where you can experience the world of Uma Musume: Pretty Derby. As the place where Tokaiteio and others worked hard practicing their winning lives, it’s visited by many fans.
When conducting holy land pilgrimages, remember to follow etiquette as a commercial facility and show consideration for other visitors while immersing yourself in the work’s world. It will be a special experience to feel the daily lives of Uma Musume in the refined Omotesando area.
With good access from Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, it’s possible to visit both the racecourse’s “main job” scenes and Omotesando Hills’ “everyday” scenes in one day. Including the surrounding Harajuku and Omotesando area, plan a fulfilling holy land pilgrimage.
The Uma Musume world is appealing for its moving stories depicting character growth, friendship, and effort based on real horse racing. Through holy land pilgrimages at Omotesando Hills, your understanding and affection for the work will deepen further.
With latest event information and new anime and movie releases, there may be new discoveries at Omotesando Hills. While checking official information, fully enjoy your Uma Musume experience at Omotesando Hills, a holy site you’ll want to visit again and again.
