Our star destination for this itinerary is the Tokyo Racecourse (東京競馬場), which opened in 1933 (Showa Year 8) and boasts over 90 years of history. It’s the only racecourse in Tokyo (東京) that hosts Central Horse Racing events, and it’s also Japan’s largest racecourse, with a seating capacity of 15,000. This grand venue is the stage for major international Grade 1 races, such as the Japan Cup (日本盃), and once welcomed a record 190,000 spectators in a single day! In this article, I’ll guide you through a recommended one-day itinerary centered around Tokyo Racecourse, including delicious race day cuisine and recommended accommodation, so you can fully immerse yourself in the thrilling world of horse racing.
Table of Contents
- Just a 2-Minute Walk from the Station to the Racecourse Entrance
- 10:30 Pray for Victory at the Batō Kannon (馬頭觀音) Outside the Racecourse
- 11:00 Get Ready to Enter and Explore Tokyo Racecourse, Home of World Records
- 11:30 Bring on the Good Luck with Delicious Food! Indulge in Tokyo Racecourse’s Abundant Dining Options
- 13:00 Time to Buy Your Betting Tickets! Experience the Thrill of Tokyo Racecourse
- 15:00 Shop for Souvenirs at the “TURFY SHOP”
- 16:00 Dive Deeper into Horse Racing at the JRA Racing Museum
- 17:00 Head to “HOTEL CONTINENTAL FUCHU” for Horse Racing-Themed Cocktails
- Conclusion
Just a 2-Minute Walk from the Station to the Racecourse Entrance
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Tokyo Racecourse is directly connected to Fuchūkeiba-seimon-mae Station.
Stepping out of Keio Line’s Fuchūkeiba-seimon-mae Station (府中競馬正門前站), you’ll immediately spot the grand entrance to Tokyo Racecourse. Just a two-minute stroll along the dedicated pedestrian bridge will lead you right to the main gate. This is Japan’s largest racecourse, the stage for legendary GI races, often called the “festival of horse racing (祭典)”, including the Japan Derby (日本優駿), Japanese Oaks (日本橡樹大賽), Tenno Sho (Autumn) (天皇賞（秋季）), and the Japan Cup (日本盃).
10:30 Pray for Victory at the Batō Kannon (馬頭觀音) Outside the Racecourse
----------------------Before heading into the racecourse, let’s make a quick stop at the Batō Kannon (馬頭觀音) outside the grounds to pray for good luck and successful bets today. Batō Kannon (馬頭觀音), or Horse-Headed Kannon, is one of the Six Kannon (六觀音) in Buddhism, believed to be an incarnation of Kannon Bodhisattva. Since horses are known for their large appetites, it’s thought that this deity can “eat away” your worries and troubles. There are two Batō Kannon statues near Tokyo Racecourse, so before stepping inside, I made sure to offer a prayer for big wins at the races!
The Batō Kannon (馬頭觀音) is located a 2-minute walk from the main gate.
After paying our respects, we continued towards the main gate. To the north of the Paddock (Parade Ring), there’s a beautiful Japanese garden where you can enjoy the natural scenery. You’ll also find another Batō Kannon (馬頭觀音) statue and a “Monument Commemorating the Imperial Visit by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress (天皇皇后兩陛下行幸啟紀念碑)” within the racecourse grounds. Taking a leisurely stroll here before the races begin is a wonderful way to soak in the atmosphere.
Statue of the legendary horse “Tokino Minoru,” said to be born for the Tokyo Yushun (Japan Derby).
There’s also a Batō Kannon (馬頭觀音) statue inside the grounds.
11:00 Get Ready to Enter and Explore Tokyo Racecourse, Home of World Records
-------------------------------It’s almost time to head to the grandstands! The “Fuji Stand (富士看台),” which grandly opened in 2007 (Heisei Year 19), is truly majestic and left me in awe. Inside the racecourse, you’ll find the world’s largest multi-screen TURFVISION display, and plenty of open-air seating for spectators to fully enjoy the exciting races. This is also the very venue where the Japan Cup (日本盃)—ranked first in the “Longines World’s Best Race” global race rankings published by “IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities)” in 2024—takes place. Being able to witness the races here today feels incredibly exciting!
The “Fuji Stand” is truly majestic.
11:30 Bring on the Good Luck with Delicious Food! Indulge in Tokyo Racecourse's Abundant Dining Options
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The signature “Big Hole Donut.”
Before the races, I wanted to grab a bite, and I was amazed to discover there are an astonishing 66 dining establishments inside the venue! From convenience stores and gift shops to full-service restaurants, fast-food joints, and various other eateries, there’s everything you could imagine, making it tough to choose just one. This time, I want to introduce you to some “lucky” dishes that are said to bring good fortune, a concept known as “Engi-katsugi (縁起担ぎ)” in Japan. “Engi-katsugi” refers to actions or behaviors taken with the hope of achieving a good outcome, a belief that has existed in Japan since ancient times. For example, some people keep a 5-yen (5日圓) coin in their wallet, hoping to attract good relationships (because 5-yen, “go-en,” sounds like “good縁” or “good connection”). Similarly, if you want to “win” in a competition, you might eat tonkatsu (炸豬排), because “katsu” (勝つ) sounds like “victory.” It’s almost like a charm! So, for this trip, I specifically chose some lucky foods believed to bring victory to try.
Our first stop was “Tokyo Cafe & Bakery” on the 3rd floor of the “Fuji Stand (富士看台),” for their “Big Hole Donut (大洞甜甜圈).” In Japanese horse racing terminology, “Ōana (大穴)” means “dark horse” or “long shot,” referring to a horse with low chances of winning but high odds.
“Tokyo Cafe & Bakery” offers a rich variety of breads and pastries.
The “Big Hole Donut” with a large hole in the middle.
Next, we headed to “RESTAURANT PLAZA” on the 5th floor of the “Fuji Stand (富士看台)” for our main meal. Recommended dishes here include Tonkatsu Curry from “Tonkatsu Musashi (炸豬排武藏)” and the Premium Unaju (Eel Rice Box) from “Ginza Kanda River (銀座 神田川).”
Tonkatsu Curry from “Tonkatsu Musashi (炸豬排武藏)” on the 5th floor of the “Fuji Stand.”
“Victory” and tonkatsu (炸豬排) have the same pronunciation in Japanese, so tonkatsu is considered a lucky food.
“Ginza Kanda River (銀座 神田川)” on the 5th floor of the “Fuji Stand” only operates on race days at Tokyo Racecourse.
Eel is said to bring good fortune, making it a lucky food.
13:00 Time to Buy Your Betting Tickets! Experience the Thrill of Tokyo Racecourse
---------------------------After a delicious meal, the races are finally about to begin! Our first stop was the “Paddock (馬匹檢閱場)” near the main entrance. This is where you can see the horses preparing for their races, making it a must-visit spot for any racing fan. Various checks are performed here, such as evaluating their girth, gait, and overall composure. The best part? You get to see these magnificent racehorses up close!
Get ready for an exciting journey into the heart of Japanese horse racing! Join me as I share my unforgettable day at Tokyo Racecourse (東京競馬場 - Tokyo Keiba-jo), a thrilling experience that goes far beyond just watching the races.
The ‘Parade Ring’ (馬匹檢閱場 - Bappeki Ken’etsujo) allows you to see the racehorses up close, a truly mesmerizing experience.
Finally, the jockeys mount their horses and head to the track, building the anticipation!
With the majestic horses parading before us, the excitement was building, and it was finally time to dive into the world of Japanese horse racing by purchasing our betting tickets, or bakken (馬券)!
There are 10 different types of betting tickets available, including Win (單勝 - Tansho), Place (複勝 - Fukusho), Ouen Bakken (應援馬券 - Support Ticket), Bracket Quinella (粹連 - Wakuren), Quinella (馬連 - Umaren), Exacta (馬單 - Umatan), Quinella Place (ワイド - Waido), Trio (3連複 - Sanrenpuku), Trifecta (3連單 - Sanrentan), and WIN5.
For this trip, I decided to go with the simplest and easiest to understand: a Win (單勝 - Tansho) bet. This type of bet simply means predicting which horse will finish first, making it super accessible for beginners. To complete the purchase, all you need to do is confirm the racecourse name, race number, and the type of betting ticket you want. Then, you predict which horse will finish first and fill in your desired amount. Insert cash (they only accept cash!) into the vending machine, and your ticket will be dispensed!
English betting cards are readily available, making the process smoother for international visitors.
Good news! The ticket machines feature interfaces in English, Chinese, and Korean.
All set! My single-win betting ticket (單勝馬券 - tansho bakken) is ready, and I’m ready for the action!
With our bakken (馬券) safely in hand, the anticipation was palpable! It was time to find our spot and witness the thrilling action firsthand. This time, I chose to watch the race from the paid seating area of the “Fuji Stand.” These comfortable seats in the open-air section are perfect for really getting into the spirit of the race, allowing you to cheer loudly and freely as the horses gallop by.
Watching the race from the “Fuji Stand” provides an excellent vantage point.
![Side tables are available, making it convenient for food and drinks while watching the race]https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0507/6697/1031/files/Tokyo-racecourse-19.webp?v=1750248889)
Side tables are available, making it super convenient for enjoying some delicious snacks and drinks while watching the race unfold.
Beyond the “Fuji Stand,” other excellent options include the “60th Anniversary Stand,” which is fully enclosed with a glass curtain wall, and the casual lawn area. No matter where you choose to be, you’re guaranteed a fantastic view of the races.
The “60th Anniversary Stand” is a superb indoor viewing option, fully enclosed with glass, offering comfort in any weather.
For a more relaxed vibe, it’s also lovely to casually watch the race from the expansive lawn area.
And here’s a delightful surprise: behind the Parade Ring (馬匹檢閱場 - Bappeki Ken’etsujo), you’ll find a beautiful “Japanese Garden” (日本庭園 - Nihon Teien). Depending on the season, you can admire a breathtaking display of cherry blossoms in spring or captivating autumn foliage. It’s truly a unique bonus to enjoy the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons while experiencing the excitement of horse racing!
The tranquil “Japanese Garden” (日本庭園 - Nihon Teien) offers a peaceful escape within the racecourse grounds.
15:00 Shop for Souvenirs of Your Chosen Horse at "TURFY SHOP"
No trip to the races is complete without a souvenir! “TURFY SHOP” is conveniently located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the “Fuji Stand” and the 2nd floor of the “60th Anniversary Stand.” Here, you’ll find a wide range of horse racing merchandise. This includes adorable goods featuring JRA’s beloved mascot, “Turfy,” as well as various horse racing-themed souvenirs. Keep an eye out—some items are exclusive to the racecourse, making them perfect unique mementos from your visit!
Shopping at “TURFY SHOP” is a must-do to grab some fun memorabilia.
You’ll find plush toys of popular racehorses lined up, ready to be adopted!
16:00 Dive Deeper into Horse Racing at the JRA Racing Museum
The JRA Racing Museum is conveniently located near the East Gate of Tokyo Racecourse.
As the final race concluded and the cheers died down, our exciting day at Tokyo Racecourse (東京競馬場 - Tokyo Keiba-jo) wasn’t quite over yet! Our next stop was the fascinating “JRA Racing Museum.” Located right within the grounds of Tokyo Racecourse, this museum is a treasure trove of information, covering everything from the origins of horse racing to its popularization, development, and rich history in Japan.
The first floor features engaging exhibition areas like the “Museum Hall of Equine Studies” (馬之學舍博物館大廳 - Uma no Gakusha Hakubutsukan Hall) and the “Horse Racing Hall of Fame” (賽馬名人堂 - Keiba Meijin-do). Plus, there are fun interactive zones like the “LIVE Theater” and “Become a Jockey” (變身騎師 - Henshin Jockey), where you can literally step into the shoes of a jockey!
The second floor houses exhibition rooms that delve into the history and mechanics of horse racing. Visitors can easily spend hours here, fully immersing themselves in the extensive knowledge about horse racing and the magnificent horses themselves.
The museum’s entrance always has different rotating exhibits to greet visitors.
At the “Museum Hall of Equine Studies” (馬之學舍博物館大廳 - Uma no Gakusha Hakubutsukan Hall), you can watch fascinating videos and explore compelling exhibits.
Admire three detailed models of different horse breeds on display, offering a close look at their unique characteristics.
Don’t miss the theatrical facility, the LIVE Theater “Thoroughbred,” for an immersive experience.
The interactive “‘Become a Jockey’” (變身騎師 - Henshin Jockey) exhibit allows you to pick racing silks and get a taste of what it’s like to be a jockey!
The Horse Racing Hall of Fame (賽馬名人堂 - Keiba Meijin-do) proudly displays portraits and statues of horses selected as JRA’s most famous champions.
17:00 Head to "Hotel Continental Fuchu" (歐陸飯店 府中) for horse racing-themed cocktails.
The hotel is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Keio Line “Fuchu Station” (府中站 - Fuchu-eki), making it easily accessible.
After an exhilarating day of horse racing and immersing ourselves in the world of these magnificent animals, we made our way to the nearby “Hotel Continental Fuchu” (歐陸飯店 府中), a charming hotel conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Fuchu Station (府中站 - Fuchu-eki).
This local hotel, which opened its doors in 1987 (Showa 62), boasts a comfortable 117 guest rooms. What makes it truly special are its three in-house restaurants: “Buffet Restaurant Tohoku Bokujo” (自助餐廳東北牧場), “Chinese Restaurant FILLY,” and “Restaurant Colt.” All of these establishments pride themselves on using pesticide-free and chemical-fertilizer-free vegetables and herbs sourced directly from “Tohoku Bokujo” (東北牧場), their very own horse breeding farm!
The farm practices a unique recycling-oriented agriculture, utilizing compost from their thoroughbreds to maintain exceptionally fertile soil. This sustainable approach results in incredibly nutritious and delicious crops. These ingredients, grown under safe and secure conditions, are then lovingly prepared into delectable dishes at their directly managed restaurants.
You absolutely must try their signature items, especially the teas made from Tohoku Bokujo’s wild herbs, along with their nuts and desserts crafted from mountain vegetables – they are incredibly popular! Dishes and drinks created with these seasonal ingredients offer a rich and flavorful taste and aroma that you truly won’t forget after just one try. Indulging in fresh, seasonal ingredients provides a truly unique “dining” experience.
A fantastic bonus is that the hotel’s restaurants and bar are also open to non-hotel guests, making it an excellent spot to visit even if you’re just looking for a wonderful meal after your day at the races.
“Restaurant Colt” offers a versatile menu, from elegant French set menus to casual cafe dishes, catering to all tastes.
Restaurant Colt: From French Cuisine to Cafe Delights
Tohoku Farm’s Wild Grass and Vegetable Symphony: Savoring the Pure, Natural Flavors Blessed by the Earth
Tohoku Farm’s Three Types of Cakes with Nuts and Wild Vegetables
After a satisfying meal, why not head over to “Restaurant Colt” for their unique “Horse Racing Cocktails”? You’ll find five distinctive cocktails named after famous racehorses: Special Week, Gold Ship, Daiwa Scarlet, Tokai Teio, and Symboli Rudolf, each waiting to be savored. Sip on these delicious, uniquely named cocktails as you reflect on a day immersed in the thrilling world of horse racing.
Restaurant Colt: A Wide Selection, from Classic Cocktails to Horse Racing-Themed Cocktails
After enjoying a relaxed time at the restaurant, it’s time to retreat to your cozy room. With six room types available, ranging from single to family rooms, you can choose the perfect option to suit your needs. Every room is equipped with a premium “FranceBed” mattress, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. These high-quality mattresses are designed to melt away the fatigue from your entire day of adventures.
Comfortable and Relaxing Premium Twin Room
Wrapping Up Your Visit
Tokyo Racecourse (東京競馬場) is a fantastic race track where you can witness various horse races, featuring three distinct types of courses: turf, dirt, and jump. Beyond the thrilling races, the venue also offers a plethora of facilities, including gourmet food events and children’s play areas, ensuring a fun time even for those who aren’t primarily there for the races.
Marvel at the stunning beauty and power of the racehorses, watch exciting races, and deepen your knowledge of horse racing. And to top it all off, you can indulge in delicious horse racing-themed cocktails at the hotel, alongside dishes prepared with safe, wholesome vegetables grown in soil enriched by thoroughbred horse compost – a truly satisfying experience!
If you’re visiting Tokyo, why not plan a “Horse Racing Day Trip” and fully immerse yourself in the exhilarating charm of horse racing?