【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Complete Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide to Tachikawa Station North Exit
What is Uma Musume Pretty Derby
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a multimedia content venture by Cygames. The story follows “Uma Musume” – anthropomorphized versions of real racehorses – as they aim for the top in races called the Twinkle Series. The narrative is a youth story of their growth and dreams.
As an anime series, Season 1 aired in 2018, Season 2 in 2021, and Season 3 in 2023, gaining support from many horse racing fans and anime enthusiasts alike. Famous racehorses that were historically active, such as Special Week, Silence Suzuka, and Kitasan Black, are depicted as attractive characters, which has also sparked increased interest in the actual world of horse racing.
The game version also created a major boom, and the work as a whole has become established as content that can be enjoyed in daily life. The appeal of the work lies in its ability to move audiences by carefully depicting horse racing history and human drama, while conveying emotions through stories of Uma Musume growth, friendship, and rivalry.
Works and Scenes Featuring Tachikawa Station North Exit
Tachikawa Station North Exit is one of the important settings in “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” theatrical film “The Oath of BNW.” In this scene, Daiwa Scarlet searching for Narita Taishin is depicted in an impressive moment.
Tachikawa Station is located in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, and serves as a transportation hub where multiple rail lines converge as the central station of the Tama region. The area surrounding the station is characterized by urban scenery with commercial facilities and office buildings lined up, and it is known as a location frequently used in other anime works as a production setting.
The scene of Tachikawa Station North Exit depicted in “The Oath of BNW” faithfully recreates the actual landscape, making it a relatively easy-to-understand location for pilgrimage fans. The arrangement of buildings and the atmosphere in front of the station are carefully depicted in the work, and the joy of discovering “This is it!” when actually visiting is a major highlight.
Detailed Sacred Site Information for Tachikawa Station North Exit
Basic Information and Access
Location: 2-chome Akebono-cho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
Access:
- JR Chuo Line Tachikawa Station North Exit – immediate area
- JR Ome Line Tachikawa Station North Exit – immediate area
- JR Nambu Line Tachikawa Station North Exit – immediate area
- Tama Monorail Tachikawa-Kita Station – 3-minute walk
Tachikawa Station is approximately 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station on the Chuo Line Express, and approximately 50 minutes from Tokyo Station. As the largest terminal station in the Tama region, it is bustling with crowds on both weekdays and weekends.
Photography Points and Recreation Methods
The main photography point for recreating “Uma Musume” scenes at Tachikawa Station North Exit is the composition viewed from the station front rotary toward the north exit.
Specific Photography Points:
- From the Tachikawa Station North Pedestrian Deck: Exiting the ticket gate and going out to the pedestrian deck at the north exit gives you a composition close to the perspective depicted in the work.
- Near Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank: The building depicted in the work as having a large video screen is modeled after Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank. While there is no actual large video screen, the building’s exterior and arrangement match the work’s depiction.
- Time of Day Selection: If you want to match the work’s scene, a bright daytime hour is recommended. However, Tachikawa Station North Exit at dusk is also beautiful and allows for photography with a different atmosphere.
- Consideration for Crowds: Tachikawa Station North Exit is always a high-traffic location. When taking photos, be mindful not to inconvenience passersby and aim to photograph efficiently in a short time.
Nearby Attractions and Facilities
The area around Tachikawa Station North Exit has plenty of facilities where you can stop by during your sacred site pilgrimage.
Main Facilities:
- Lumina Tachikawa: A shopping mall directly connected to the station. Dining options are abundant, making it ideal for taking a break.
- Isetan Tachikawa Store: An established department store and a landmark in the area.
- Tachikawa Takashimaya: Located on the south side of the station but within walking distance.
- Showa Kinen Park: About 15 minutes walk from Tachikawa Station. A vast national park where you can enjoy flowers in each season.
- IKEA Tachikawa: Located at Tachihiki Station, one monorail stop from Tachikawa Station.
Other Sacred Sites in the Tachikawa Area
There are various locations throughout Tachikawa City that have served as settings for anime works other than “Uma Musume.” It is one of Tachikawa’s charms that you can enjoy pilgrimage to multiple works’ sacred sites in the same area.
The area around Tachikawa Station is undergoing urban development and has a unique landscape where modern buildings coexist with lush parks. In anime works, this contemporary urban scenery is often used, appearing as a setting for genres ranging from daily life anime to youth stories.
How to Enjoy Uma Musume Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Basic Etiquette for Location Scouting
When conducting a sacred site pilgrimage, consideration for local residents and other visitors is essential.
Etiquette to Follow:
- No Trespassing on Private Property: Limit photography to public roads and public facilities.
- Noise Consideration: Keep conversations and commotion quiet in residential areas and commercial facilities.
- Take Garbage Home: To keep sacred sites beautiful, manage trash thoroughly.
- Obey Traffic Rules: Be careful not to obstruct traffic while absorbed in taking photos.
- Consideration for Operating Businesses: If photographing in front of shops, be mindful not to interfere with business operations.
Organizing an Efficient Pilgrimage Route
A proposed route for efficiently visiting “Uma Musume” sacred sites in the Tama area, including Tachikawa Station North Exit.
Full Day Course Example:
- Morning: Visit Fuchu area (Tokyo Race Course, etc.)
- Lunch: Rest around Fuchu Station
- Afternoon: Move to Tachikawa Station North Exit (about 10 minutes from Fuchu on the Chuo Line)
- Evening: Photography and exploration around Tachikawa Station
- Optional: Move to Kichijoji area (about 20 minutes from Tachikawa on the Chuo Line)
Half Day Course Example:
- Photography at Tachikawa Station North Exit (30 minutes to 1 hour)
- Showa Kinen Park exploration (1 to 2 hours)
- Shopping and dining around Tachikawa Station
Photography Equipment and Preparation
Explaining equipment and preparation to enrich photography during sacred site pilgrimages.
Recommended Equipment:
- Smartphone: The latest smartphone cameras can produce sufficiently high-quality photos.
- Mirrorless Camera/DSLR: When seeking higher quality photos. A wide-angle lens is convenient.
- Mobile Battery: Essential due to battery consumption from photography and map app usage.
- Tripod: May be difficult to use at the busy Tachikawa Station North Exit, but effective during early morning or quiet times.
Prior Preparation:
- Save screenshots of the relevant work scenes
- Verify the location on Google Maps
- Check the weather forecast (rainy weather may differ from the work’s atmosphere)
- Confirm sunrise and sunset times for the visit period
Other Sacred Site Areas Accessible from Tachikawa
Fuchu Area
Fuchu, approximately 10 minutes from Tachikawa on the Chuo Line, is one of the most important areas for “Uma Musume” sacred site pilgrimage.
Main Spots:
- Tokyo Race Course: Frequently appears as a setting in the work. You can also enjoy actual race viewing.
- Fuchu Station Area: Setting for daily scenes appearing in the anime.
- Ōkunitama Shrine: A historic shrine where many people visit for prayers for racing success.
Tokyo Race Course is one of the major race courses operated by the Japan Racing Association (JRA), hosting important races including the Japan Derby. For “Uma Musume” fans, it is popular as the place where the work’s world can be felt most strongly. By actually visiting the paddock, stands, and other locations depicted in the anime, understanding of the work deepens.
Kichijoji Area
Kichijoji, about 20 minutes from Tachikawa on the Chuo Line, is also an area with scenes that appear in “Uma Musume.”
Kichijoji is a popular area that consistently ranks highly in “neighborhoods you want to live in” surveys, with abundant commercial facilities and dining options. Inokashira Park is known as a naturally enriched place of respite and is frequently used as a setting for anime works.
The move from Tachikawa to Kichijoji is direct on the Chuo Line, making it quite possible to tour both areas in one day. Kichijoji also offers enjoyment of shopping street exploration and café visits, allowing for fulfilling time combining sacred site pilgrimage with tourism.
Other Areas in Tokyo
The settings for “Uma Musume” are scattered throughout various locations across Tokyo.
Main Areas:
- Ohi Race Course (Shinagawa Ward): Appears in the work as a setting for local horse racing. The model for the Twinkle Race.
- Shibuya/Shinjuku: Appear in daily life scenes. Direct access from Tachikawa on the Chuo Line.
- Odaiba: Waterfront scenery is used in the work.
Ohi Race Course is operated by Tokyo and is famous for night racing “Twinkle Race.” The Twinkle Series, an important element of the “Uma Musume” world, is named after this, making it a place of special significance for fans.
Chiba Prefecture Area
The Chiba Prefecture area near Tokyo also has “Uma Musume”-related sacred sites.
Nakayama Race Course (Funabashi City): One of the JRA’s major race courses. Important races such as the Grand Prix (Arima Kinen) are held and serve as the setting for important scenes in the work.
From Tachikawa to Nakayama Race Course, the typical route uses the Sobu Line via Shinjuku. Travel time including transfers is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. On race days, you can immerse yourself in the “Uma Musume” world while actually watching races.
Trivia for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage More
Points for Visiting Race Courses
Race course visits are indispensable for “Uma Musume” sacred site pilgrimage. Here are points to keep in mind when visiting a race course.
Regarding Admission:
- Tokyo Race Course and Nakayama Race Course admission: 200 yen (on race days)
- Ohi Race Course: Free admission
- Entry for minors is possible (parental accompaniment is advisable)
Ways to Enjoy:
- Paddock viewing: See horses up close before races
- Grandstand viewing: Experience the thrill of races in person
- Turf Vision: Watch races on large screens
- Gourmet: Race course-exclusive dining options are abundant
Race courses are the place where you can most realistically feel the “Uma Musume” world. By experiencing the power and beauty of actual racehorses and the excitement of racing, your understanding of the work deepens further.
The Relationship Between History and Uma Musume
One of the major charms of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is that it carefully depicts the history of real racehorses.
The Uma Musume appearing in the work are modeled after real racehorses that have been active in the horse racing world. Special Week is modeled after the 1998 Japan Derby winner, Silence Suzuka is a famous horse that created “Silent Sunday” with overwhelming wire-to-wire victories, and Kitasan Black is a horse representative of the 2010s, winning 7 Group I titles.
By learning the history, the work’s story can be understood more deeply. Each Uma Musume’s race style and personality reflect the characteristics of actual racehorses, serving as a nostalgic opportunity for racing fans and a chance for newcomers to learn horse racing history.
Seasonal Attractions
The area around Tachikawa Station North Exit has different charms depending on the season.
Spring (March–May):
- Cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers are in full bloom at Showa Kinen Park
- Good weather makes it ideal for long walks
- Golden Week brings crowds; weekday visits are recommended
Summer (June–August):
- The sunflower field at Showa Kinen Park is spectacular
- Heat countermeasures (hat, hydration) are essential
- Early morning or evening visits are more comfortable
Autumn (September–November):
- Autumn foliage at Showa Kinen Park is beautiful
- Stable weather is ideal for photography
- Coincides with fall Group I season, perfect for combined Fuchu visits
Winter (December–February):
- Clear air is suitable for photography
- Illumination events may be held
- Warm clothing is necessary
Accommodation and Dining for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Accommodation Facilities Around Tachikawa
There are various types of accommodation facilities around Tachikawa Station.
Major Hotels:
- Tachikawa Grand Hotel: An established hotel within walking distance of the station
- Palace Hotel Tachikawa: Directly connected to the station for excellent convenience
- Business Hotel Chains: Multiple options around the station, reasonably priced
- Capsule Hotels: For budget-conscious visitors
By using Tachikawa as a base when visiting multiple Tama area sacred sites over several days, you can tour efficiently. Tachikawa is a hub on the Chuo Line with excellent access to Fuchu, Kichijoji, and Shinjuku areas.
Recommended Food Spots
The area around Tachikawa Station has diverse dining options.
Genre-Based Recommendations:
- Ramen: Tachikawa is known as a competitive battleground with many famous shops
- Cafés: Many diverse options in Lumina Tachikawa and Ecute Tachikawa
- Izakaya: Numerous options around the station, perfect for post-pilgrimage celebrations
- Fast Food: Various chain restaurants available in the station building
Tachikawa is the largest commercial area in the Tama region with extremely abundant food choices. You can enjoy various cuisines according to budget and preference.
Uma Musume Community Exchange
Information Sharing on Social Media
Sharing sacred site pilgrimage records on social media creates exchanges with other fans.
Main Platforms:
- Twitter (X): Search and post using hashtags “#ウマ娘聖地巡礼” “#ウマ娘舞台探訪”
- Instagram: Ideal for recording mainly through photos
- YouTube: Video pilgrimage records are also popular
- Blogs: For those wishing to keep detailed visit records
When posting, be careful with location information and respect privacy. Also, by referencing other fans’ posts, you can gain information about new discoveries and photography points.
Event Information
“Uma Musume”-related events are held regularly.
Main Events:
- Anime Screening Events: During theatrical releases, etc.
- Collaboration Cafés: Limited-time openings at various locations in Tokyo
- Race Course Collaboration Events: Collaborations with JRA and local racing
- Merchandise Events: Official goods sales meetings
By checking the official portal site and official SNS accounts for the latest information, you can have an enriched experience combining sacred site pilgrimage with event participation.
Conclusion: The Charm of Tachikawa Station North Exit Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Tachikawa Station North Exit is a sacred site for “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” serving as the setting for an important scene in the work. The combination of urban convenience and the atmosphere where you can feel the work’s world makes it an optimal spot even for first-time sacred site pilgrims.
Using Tachikawa as a starting point, you can efficiently visit multiple sacred sites: Tokyo Race Course in Fuchu, Kichijoji, and even Nakayama Race Course in Chiba. The excellence of transportation access is a major attraction for fans wanting to visit many locations in limited time.
“Uma Musume” sacred site pilgrimage goes beyond mere location visits, offering a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of the work, experience horse racing history and culture, and pay respects to the achievements of historical racehorses by visiting actual race courses. By experiencing the power of the stage where Uma Musume ran, you can reflect on the exploits of historical horses.
Without forgetting to follow etiquette and show consideration to communities, fully enjoy the world of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby.” May the sacred site pilgrimage journey beginning at Tachikawa Station North Exit become a special memory for you.
As a fan of the work and as a visitor to sacred sites, the experience at Tachikawa Station North Exit will serve as an opportunity to deepen your love for “Uma Musume.” The joy of standing in that place where Daiwa Scarlet searched for Narita Taishin and re-experiencing a scene from the work is something special to sacred site pilgrimage alone.
