【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Tokyo Racecourse・Horse Preview (Tokyo Metropolis)

【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Tokyo Racecourse · Horse Preview Complete Guide | Holy Land Pilgrimage Highlights and Photography Spots

For fans of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” Tokyo Racecourse is one of the most important holy sites. In particular, the scenes of the paddock and horse preview that Special Week visits for the first time in Episode 1 of the anime are known as memorable scenes that have left a lasting impression on many fans.

This article comprehensively covers all the information necessary for holy land pilgrimage at Tokyo Racecourse, focusing on the horse preview area. From how to recreate anime scenes to photography spots, access information, and how to actually enjoy the racecourse, we provide detailed guidance so that even first-time visitors can comfortably make their pilgrimage.

What is Uma Musume Pretty Derby?

“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a story about “Uma Musume”—beautiful girls based on real-life famous racehorses—competing to win races called the Twinkle Series. The anime’s first season aired in 2018, the second season in 2021, and the third season in 2023.

The game app has also been a major hit, gaining support not only from racing fans but from a wide audience. A major characteristic of the work is that it faithfully recreates actual racecourses and historical races. Tokyo Racecourse has become the most frequently appearing and important stage.

In the anime, numerous famous races held at Tokyo Racecourse—including the Japan Derby, Arima Kinen, and Japan Cup—are depicted, with the atmosphere and facilities of the actual racecourse recreated in meticulous detail.

Basic Information about Tokyo Racecourse

Facility Overview

Tokyo Racecourse is located in Fuchu, Tokyo, and is one of Japan’s largest racecourses managed by the Japan Racing Association (JRA). It boasts a capacity of approximately 220,000 people and is equipped with modern facilities including the Fujview Stand.

Facility Features:

• Turf course: 2,083m (outer), 1,899m (inner)
• Dirt course: 1,600m
• Fujview Stand: 7-story large-scale stand
• Paddock: Area where horses can be viewed
• Horse Preview: Display area where horses can be observed up close

Race Schedule

Tokyo Racecourse hosts many races throughout the year. Main hosting periods are as follows:

Spring Season (February–May):

• February Stakes (February)
• Takamatsunomiya Kinen (March)
• Oka Sho (April)
• Tenno Sho (Spring) (April–May)
• NHK Mile Cup (May)
• Japan Derby (May)

Autumn Season (October–December):

• Tenno Sho (Autumn) (October–November)
• Japan Cup (November)
• Arima Kinen (December)

For Uma Musume fans’ holy land pilgrimage, these Grade 1 race dates are especially recommended. The entire racecourse is filled with excitement, allowing you to experience the atmosphere depicted in the anime most vividly.

Admission Fees and Operating Hours

Admission:

• General admission: ¥200
• Reserved seats: Additional fees (varies by seat type)
• Under 15: Free

Operating Hours:

• Gates open: Usually 9:00 AM–10:00 AM (varies by race)
• Approximately 30 minutes after the final race ends

On non-racing days, general admission is not usually possible, but entry may be available during facility tours or special events. It is recommended to check the JRA official website beforehand.

What is Horse Preview?

The Role of Horse Preview

Horse Preview is a facility located on the first floor of Tokyo Racecourse’s Fujview Stand, on the paddock side. It is the area where horses bound for a race pass through before heading to the paddock, making it a valuable spot where fans can observe horses up close.

Main Features:

• Glass-enclosed bright space
• Very close distance to horses
• Ability to observe horses’ expressions and condition in detail
• Environment suited for photography

For actual racing fans, this is an important place for assessing a horse’s condition. Observers examine the horse’s coat shine, gait, and level of enthusiasm to help inform betting decisions. The Uma Musume anime faithfully recreates this atmosphere.

Depiction in Uma Musume Anime

In Episode 1 of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” the scene where Special Week visits Tokyo Racecourse for the first time is depicted impressively. The scene of viewing various Uma Musume in the horse preview and paddock area is an important scene symbolizing the work’s worldview.

Main Scenes Appearing in the Anime:

• Special Week viewing other Uma Musume through glass
• The elegant appearance of Silence Suzuka
• Conversations between trainer and Uma Musume
• The tense atmosphere before the race

These scenes faithfully recreate the actual structure and atmosphere of Tokyo Racecourse, and when you visit for holy land pilgrimage, you can experience the emotion of “This is exactly that place from the anime!”

Holy Land Pilgrimage: Horse Preview Highlights

Detailed Photography Spot Guide

1. Horse Preview Front

The composition of viewing horses (or their passage) through the glass window allows you to recreate Special Week’s perspective from Episode 1 of the anime.

Photography Tips:

• Time: Most lively 1 hour to 30 minutes before the race starts
• Angle: Shooting at a 45-degree angle to the glass reduces reflections
• Settings: Indoor lighting is bright, so avoid excessive ISO sensitivity
• Timing: Aim for the moment horses pass (about 20 minutes before the race)

2. View from Paddock Side

The passage from horse preview heading to the paddock is ideal for recreating scenes where Uma Musume walk.

Photography Tips:

• Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire space
• Use crowd movement to create dynamic photos
• The ceiling structure is also faithfully reproduced in the anime, so upward angles are also recommended

3. Fujview Stand First-Floor Lobby

The lobby area around horse preview is used as the background for scenes where Uma Musume gather.

Photography Tips:

• Pay attention to pillar and ceiling structures
• Bright daylight hours (morning) are beautiful
• On race days, it gets crowded, so earlier times are recommended

Tips for Recreating Anime Scenes

Special Week’s Perspective from Episode 1

1. Position: Front of horse preview glass, center-slightly left
2. Camera Height: Eye level (approximately 150–160 cm)
3. Composition: Viewing the passage through glass
4. Time: During the busy period before the race

Silence Suzuka’s Elegant Scene

1. Position: Near the paddock area
2. Camera Angle: Slightly upward-looking composition
3. Timing: When the horse (Uma Musume) walks quietly
4. Background: Utilize the bright space with natural light

Recommended Visiting Timing by Season

Spring (March–May)

Reasons to Recommend:

• Japan Derby (May) lets you experience iconic anime scenes
• Cherry blossom season allows combined pilgrimage with Fuchu Forest Park
• Pleasant weather makes long stays comfortable

Main Races:

• Oka Sho: Important race depicting Uma Musume growth
• NHK Mile Cup: Miler’s festival
• Japan Derby: Most exciting Grade 1 race

Autumn (October–December)

Reasons to Recommend:

• Arima Kinen (December) is the year-end grand event
• Multiple consecutive Grade 1 races including Tenno Sho (Autumn) and Japan Cup
• Autumn foliage season allows for enjoyable surrounding exploration

Main Races:

• Tenno Sho (Autumn): Middle-distance champion showdown
• Japan Cup: International Grade 1 race
• Arima Kinen: Grand prix race, important positioning in the anime

Benefits of Weekday Racing

While weekend Grade 1 races are extremely crowded, weekday racing offers the following advantages:

• Fewer people, allowing for leisurely photography
• Times when you can have the horse preview to yourself
• Calm, thorough facility viewing
• Enjoyment of an off-the-beaten-path atmosphere

Access Information and Nearby Facilities

Train Access

Keio Line “Fuchu Keiba Seimonguchi Station” (Nearest Station)

Access:

• Approximately 25 minutes from Shinjuku Station on Keio Limited Express
• 2-minute walk from station to Tokyo Racecourse main gate
• Most convenient access method

Features:

• Extra trains stop at this station on race days
• Uma Musume-related advertisements posted in the station
• Restaurants and convenience stores nearby

JR “Fuchu Honcho Station”

Access:

• JR Musashino Line and Nambu Line available
• Approximately 15-minute walk to Tokyo Racecourse
• West gate is the nearest entrance

Features:

• Less crowded than Keio Line
• Shopping arcade on the walking route
• Can visit via Fuchu Forest Park while walking

JR “Higashifuchu Station”

Access:

• JR Musashino Line
• Approximately 20-minute walk to Tokyo Racecourse

Features:

• Most uncrowded route
• Quiet residential area walk
• Recommended when you have extra time

Access by Car

Main Roads:

• About 10 minutes from Fuchu Smart IC on the Chuo Expressway
• About 15 minutes from Chofu IC on the Chuo Expressway

Parking Information:

• Capacity: Approximately 3,000 spaces
• Fee: ¥2,000 (on race days)
• Note: On Grade 1 race days, parking fills up early

Recommendation:
On Grade 1 race days, public transportation is strongly recommended. Surrounding roads become very congested and parking lots fill up early.

Nearby Holy Land Pilgrimage Spots

Fuchu Forest Park

A vast park adjacent to the west side of Tokyo Racecourse. It appears in the anime as the background for scenes of Uma Musume training.

Highlights:

• Spacious grass plaza
• Cherry blossom avenue (spring)
• Jogging course
• Viewpoint overlooking Tokyo Racecourse

Access:

• 5-minute walk from Tokyo Racecourse west gate
• 10-minute walk from JR Fuchu Honcho Station

Ōkunitama Shrine

A historic shrine located in the center of Fuchu City, believed to be the model for the shrine Special Week visits in Episode 1 of the anime.

Highlights:

• Solemn main hall
• Shaded approach path
• Benefits for winning luck

Access:

• 5-minute walk from Keio Fuchu Station
• Approximately 20-minute walk from Tokyo Racecourse

Higashifuchu Station

The model for the station where Special Week arrives in Episode 1 of the anime.

Highlights:

• Station building exterior
• View from the platform
• Station area atmosphere

Photography Points:

• Photography of the station building outside the ticket gate
• Platform atmosphere (be considerate of other passengers when photographing)

How to Enjoy Actual Horse Racing

Beginner’s Horse Racing Guide

Among Uma Musume fans are those with no horse racing experience who visit the racecourse for the first time due to holy land pilgrimage. Here we explain the basics of horse racing that beginners can enjoy.

How to Buy Betting Tickets

Basic Betting Ticket Types:

• Win: Pick the horse that finishes first (simplest)
• Place: Pick a horse that finishes in the top three (easier to win)
• Quinella: Pick the first and second-place horses (either order)
• Exacta: Pick the first and second-place horses (in order)
• Trio: Pick the top three horses (any order)

Purchase Method:

1. Fill out the mark sheet
2. Purchase at automatic ticket machine
3. Purchase at window (recommended for beginners)

Beginner Tips:

• Start with ¥100–500 small amounts
• Get a feel for the game with win or place tickets
• You can also pick based on horse names or numbers you like

Race Viewing Tips

Paddock Viewing (15 minutes before race):

• Check the horse’s gait
• Observe coat shine and physique
• Watch the jockey’s expression

Horse Preview (20 minutes before race):

• Confirm the horse’s level of composure
• Observe how spirited the horse is
• Appreciate the beauty of the horse’s body

Race Watching:

• Grandstand viewing: Easy to grasp the overall flow
• Pre-finish line viewing: Thrilling
• Monitor viewing: Detailed developments are clear

Ways to Enjoy Unique to Uma Musume Fans

Finding the Model Horses

Uma Musume characters are based on real-life famous racehorses. Occasionally, current racehorses or descendants of retired famous horses may compete.

How to Find:

• Check pedigrees in the race entry list
• Note information like “foal of ○○” or “grandfoal of ○○”
• Horse names sometimes include references to model horses

Experience Anime Races Firsthand

Watching in person at races depicted in the anime, such as the Japan Derby or Arima Kinen, deepens appreciation of the work.

Recommended Races:

• Japan Derby: Core of Special Week’s story
• Arima Kinen: The grand prize target for many Uma Musume
• Tenno Sho (Autumn): Battle for middle-distance supremacy
• Japan Cup: International grand stage

Racecourse Dining

Tokyo Racecourse has diverse dining options, and gourmet food is another enjoyment.

Popular Menus:

• Racecourse Curry: Standard fare
• Turfee Café: Stylish café options
• Various Boxed Lunches: Best enjoyed in the stands
• Craft Beer: Perfect for after the races

Photography Manners and Precautions

Basic Photography Manners

When photographing during holy land pilgrimage, observe the following etiquette.

Basic Rules:

• Be considerate of other visitors
• Don’t block passageways
• Judge tripod use based on surrounding conditions
• Don’t use flash photography aimed at horses (they may be startled)
• Avoid occupying the same spot for extended periods

Prohibited:

• Entering restricted areas
• Loud voices toward horses or jockeys
• Photography in dangerous locations
• Commercial photography (prior permission required)

Rules at the Racecourse

Attire:

• No specific dress code, but comfortable clothing recommended
• Sun protection in summer, warm clothing in winter
• Comfortable, well-worn shoes for walking around

What to Bring:

• Camera/smartphone
• Mobile battery (for long stays)
• Sunscreen, hat (summer)
• Warm clothing (winter)
• Leisure sheet (for use in grass areas)

Prohibited:

• Entering the race track
• Bringing pets (except service dogs)
• Bringing dangerous items
• Large luggage (use coin lockers)

Other Highlights at Fujview Stand

Paddock

Located next to the horse preview, the paddock is where horses bound for races walk around. It appears frequently in the anime as an important area.

Features:

• View horses up close as they actually walk
• Witness jockeys mounting
• One paddock lap takes approximately 2 minutes
• Bleacher seating provides good views

Photography Points:

• Front of the paddock circuit
• Near the mounting area
• Overhead view from upper bleachers

Winner’s Circle

Where winning horses and related personnel take commemorative photos after races.

Highlights:

• The excitement of victory
• Interviews with horse owners and trainers
• Commemorative photos

Access:

• Located beyond the paddock
• Move quickly after the race ends for a better vantage point

Observation Deck

The observation deck on the top floor of Fujview Stand offers views of the entire racecourse.

Scenery:

• Panoramic view of the entire course
• View toward Fuchu Forest Park
• Mount Fuji visible on clear days

Photography Points:

• Overhead photography of the entire race
• Expressing the vastness of the racecourse
• Atmosphere photography at twilight

Event Information

Uma Musume-Related Events

Tokyo Racecourse occasionally hosts Uma Musume collaboration events.

Past Examples:

• Panel displays
• Life-size panel installation
• Collaborative goods sales
• Voice actor talk shows
• Stamp rallies

Information Sources:

• JRA official website
• Uma Musume official Twitter
• Racecourse official social media

Regular Events

Family-Friendly Events:

• Pony riding experience
• Petting zoo
• Kids area

For Racing Fans:

• Stable tours
• Jockey talk shows
• Backyard tours

Other Attractions in the Fuchu Area

Around Fuchu Station

The area around Keio Fuchu Station serves as the gateway to Tokyo Racecourse and has abundant commercial facilities.

Main Facilities:

• Isetan Fuchu Department Store
• Foris (Shopping Mall)
• Cururu (Commercial Facility)

Dining:

• Long-established local restaurants
• Plenty of chain restaurants
• Easy to stop by on the way back from the racecourse

Fuchu City Kyodo-no-Mori Museum

A museum where you can learn about Fuchu’s history and culture. A planetarium is also included.

Highlights:

• Restored traditional houses
• Seasonal flowers (plum blossoms, hydrangeas)
• Planetarium

Access:

• Bus from Keio Bunbaigawara Station
• Approximately 15 minutes by car from Tokyo Racecourse

Seasonal Ways to Enjoy

Spring (March–May)

Highlights:

• Cherry blossom blooming (Fuchu Forest Park)
• Beautiful fresh greenery
• Japan Derby excitement

Recommended Activities:

• Morning cherry viewing at Fuchu Forest Park
• Afternoon race viewing at the racecourse
• Evening visit to Ōkunitama Shrine

Summer (June–August)

Highlights:

• Lush green scenery
• Summer racing (July–August)

Precautions:

• Strong sun requires thorough sun protection
• Frequent hydration
• Possibility to cool off in indoor areas

Autumn (September–November)

Highlights:

• Beautiful autumn foliage
• Consecutive Grade 1 race hosting
• Tenno Sho (Autumn), Japan Cup

Recommended Activities:

• Morning horse preview photography
• Afternoon Grade 1 race viewing
• Evening autumn foliage exploration

Winter (December–February)

Highlights:

• Arima Kinen (December)
• Clear winter air
• February Stakes (February)

Precautions:

• Thorough cold protection
• Indoors are heated despite outdoor cold
• Note time allocation due to early sunset

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Can beginners enjoy it even without racing experience?

Yes, absolutely. Many Uma Musume fans start without racing experience. You can enjoy yourself without betting, simply watching races or viewing facilities. Just seeing horses up close in the paddock or horse preview is worthwhile.

Is it easy to go alone?

Very much so. Many people visit the racecourse alone and can enjoy at their own pace. Many Uma Musume fans also visit, and you may meet like-minded people.

How much time should I allocate?

For holy land pilgrimage alone, 2–3 hours; including race viewing, 4–6 hours is a rough estimate. On Grade 1 race days, many people stay from morning to evening.

Can you enjoy it on rainy days?

Fujview Stand has a roof, and horse preview and paddock can be viewed from covered areas. Race viewing is also possible on indoor monitors, so you can fully enjoy rainy days.

Are goods sold there?

JRA official merchandise is available at shops within the racecourse. Uma Musume collaboration goods are typically only available during events. It’s recommended to check the official website beforehand.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Ultimate Holy Land Pilgrimage at Tokyo Racecourse

The horse preview at Tokyo Racecourse is a special place for Uma Musume fans. Not only can you recreate iconic anime scenes, but you can also experience the thrills of actual horse racing and the beauty of horses.

Keys to Successful Holy Land Pilgrimage:

1. Check race schedule beforehand
2. Arrive early on Grade 1 race days
3. 20 minutes before the race is prime time for horse preview
4. Combine with nearby holy sites
5. Enjoy respectfully while following etiquette
6. Try horse racing viewing

Experience the Uma Musume world in reality at Tokyo Racecourse. Relive that anime emotion at horse preview and experience the thrill of actual horse racing. Your appreciation of the work will definitely deepen, and you’ll love the Uma Musume world even more.

Create your own special memories in Fuchu. As a trainer and as a fan, we hope for the best day ever.