Major Racecourses ~ Horse Racing
Categories :
Horse racing (keiba)
Introduction
Visiting Japan on holiday? Horse racing is one of the country’s vibrant cultural spectacles. This guide is crafted especially for international travelers keen on experiencing JRA (Japan Racing Association) racecourses. Whether you’re chasing the adrenaline of big races, soaking up local culture, or simply looking for a fun day out, this article covers everything you need: six major racecourses—including Tokyo, Nakayama, Chukyo, Kyoto, Hanshin, Kokura—with details on location, transport access, characteristics, operating hours, and official websites. Let’s dive in!
1. Tokyo Racecourse (Fuchū, Tokyo)
- Location & Access
- In Fuchū, western Tokyo (approx. 35 minutes from Shinjuku).
- Keio Line to Fuchū-keiba-seimon-mae (~2 min walk) or Higashi-Fuchū (~10 min walk); JR Musashino/Nambu Line to Fuchū-Honmachi (~5 min) (japan-guide.com, japanracing.jp).
- Operating Hours
- Race days: 9:00–17:00 (first race ~10:15, last ~16:25) (tripadvisor.com).
- Non-race days: 10:00–12:00 & 13:00–16:00; closed Mon, Tue, holidays (guidoor.jp).
- Features
- Japan’s largest with 15,000 seats, home to top G1 events like the Japan Cup, Derby, Tenno Sho (gltjp.com).
- Extensive food options (88 eateries), Batō Kannon statue, souvenir shops, family-friendly zones (tabunka.tokyo-tsunagari.or.jp).
- Official Website:
http://jra.go.jp/facilities/race/tokyo/index.html
2. Nakayama Racecourse (Funabashi, Chiba)
- Location & Access
- In Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture; ~1 hour from Tokyo via Keiyo Line to Funabashi-Hōten (follow signs), or via bus from JR Nishi‑Funabashi or Keisei Higashi‑Nakayama (guidoor.jp, japanracing.jp).
- Operating Hours
- Race days: 9:00–17:00.
- Non-race days: weekdays 9:00–17:00; closed holidays & year-end/New Year (japantravel.navitime.com, city.funabashi.lg.jp).
- Features
- Famous for the Nakayama Grand Jump steeplechase (4,250 m) each April (japanswitch.com).
- Connected directly to station, easy access, lively race-day atmosphere (nativeexpat.home.blog).
- Official Website:
https://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/jra_racecourses/j02.html
3. Chukyo Racecourse (Toyoake, Aichi)
- Location & Access
- In Toyoake, near Nagoya (central between Tokyo and Osaka) (japanracing.jp).
- Address: Magomechō Shikita; accessible by local bus/car from Nagoya area (japantravel.navitime.com).
- Operating Hours
- Race days: typically 9:20–17:00; check schedule for exact times .
- Features
- Hosts major races: Takamatsunomiya Kinen, Champions Cup, plus seven G2/G3 events (japanracing.jp).
- Modern facilities and a popular local atmosphere .
- Official Website:
https://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/jra_racecourses/j05.html
4. Kyoto Racecourse (Kyoto)
- Location & Access
- ~5 min from Keihan Dentetsu Yodo Station; also buses from JR Yamazaki or Hankyu Minase during race days (japanracing.jp).
- Operating Hours
- Race days: 9:00–17:00.
- Non-race: varies; generally weekday operations with closure holidays (kanko-takarazuka.jp, city.funabashi.lg.jp).
- Features
- Historic site near Kyoto; elegant flat and jump racing, serene layout.
- Official Website:
https://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/jra_racecourses/j03.html
5. Hanshin Racecourse (Takarazuka, Hyōgo)
- Location & Access
- In Takarazuka; direct train to Hanshin Takarazuka station, or via Hankyu & bus connections (tripadvisor.com).
- Operating Hours
- Race days: 9:00–17:00.
- Non-race: 10:00–12:00 & 13:00–16:00; closed Mon, Tue, holidays & New Year (kanko-takarazuka.jp).
- Features
- Western Japan flagship; hosts G1s like Takarazuka Kinen, Osaka Hai, Oka Sho, Asahi Hai, Hanshin Juvenile (japanracing.jp).
- Spacious grounds include gardens, playground, pony rides—great for families (visithanshin.jp).
- Official Website:
https://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/jra_racecourses/j04.html
6. Kokura Racecourse (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka)
- Location & Access
- In Kokura Minami, Kitakyushu; take JR to Kokura, then Kitakyushu Monorail to Keibajō‑Mae (~10 min walk) (japanracing.jp).
- Operating Hours
- Open only on race days; hours align with typical 9:00–17:00 schedule (exact times vary) .
- Features
- Popular and welcoming; offers reserved seating including women-only rooms; family-friendly, clean, spacious environment (wanderlog.com).
- Official Website:
https://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/jra_racecourses/j08.html
Summary: Comparison Table
| Racecourse | Access from Major City | Race Day Hours | Non‑race Opening | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | ~35 min from Shinjuku via Keio/JR | 9:00–17:00 | 10–12, 13–16 except Mon/Tue/holidays | Largest, G1 events, 88 eateries |
| Nakayama | ~1 hr from Tokyo via Keiyo Line | 9:00–17:00 | Weekdays 9–17, closed holidays | Grand Jump, direct station link |
| Chukyo | Near Nagoya (Aichi) | ~9:20–17:00 | Check JRA | G1 flat/dirt, local vibe |
| Kyoto | 5 min from Yodo Station | 9:00–17:00 | Varies | Historic, elegant |
| Hanshin | Direct Hanshin train | 9:00–17:00 | 10–12,13–16; closed Mon/Tue/holidays | G1s, gardens, family zones |
| Kokura | ~10 min via Monorail from JR Kokura | ~9:00–17:00 (race days only) | Closed non-race days | Reserved seats, women-only room |
Conclusion
These six JRA racecourses offer travellers a dynamic slice of Japanese culture—from Tokyo’s grandeur to Kokura’s welcoming charm. Plan around race calendars, bring about ¥200 for admission (plus betting if you wish!), and enjoy the atmosphere, local food, and live action. Whether you’re here for G1 glory, family fun, or cultural immersion, there’s a track for you.