Do you like horse racing? Horse racing is a famous sport in the world. In Japan, horse racing is an amusement sport to do with the family. In Hokkaido, there are 4 racetracks to watch horse racing. Family horse racing day in Hokkaido, yes?
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Watch Horse Racing with Kids
For parents, we always want to parent well. And gambling usually comes to our minds when we think of horse racing. Sometimes we question whether it is good to watch horse racing with kids or not. Let’s discuss this good question. (Read More)
Horse Racing in Hokkaido
In Japan, there are two associations: JRA (called in Japanese: Chuo Keiba), NAR.
About JRA
JRA, Japan Racing Association. JRA operates horseracing under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. The legal basis of JRA lies in the Horseracing Law and the Japan Racing Association Law.
There are 10 JRA racecourses and 41 JRA off-track betting facilities(WINS) in Japan. Two JRA horse racecourses in Hakodate [Click Here] and Sapporo [Click Here]. Two JRA off-track betting facilities (WINS) in Sapporo and Kushiro Hokkaido.
JRA Racecourse Facilities
JRA Horse Racing Held on Saturday and Sunday except for several days on the national holiday. There are 12 races on a racing day, beginning at around 10:00 and ending at around 16:30.
On a racing day, the racecourse and WINS open at 9:00 and close at 17:00. And there are 2 or 3 racecourse games in tandem on a racing day.
They launch the racing program(runner list on the race day) for free.
Playground and Family-friendly
There is a playground in each JRA racecourse. There are not only the playground but also free activities. Such as meeting a racehorse and fireworks. Moreover, there are many different types of food shops in the building. For parents, it provides a nursing room for little ones. JRA offers family-friendly circumstances.
Off-Track Betting Facilities (WINS)
There are 2 JRA off-track betting facilities (WINS) in Sapporo and Kushiro, Hokkaido. It is free to enter WINS.
WINS Sapporo(Excel Floor)
*This building is under construction for renovation until the Spring of 2021.
- Build B: 5-20 Nishi, Minami-2-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 060-0062 Japan
- Excel Floor: 4-8-2 Nishi, Minami 3-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 060-0063 Japan
WINS Kushiro
2-5 Chuo, Kushiro-cho, Kushiro-gun, Hokkaido 088-0606 Japan
About NAR
NAR, National Association of Racing (地方競馬全国協会). NAR controls local horse racing (Chihou Keiba) in Japan. The municipal racing authorities operate 15 racetracks and run under the affiliation of NAR. There are two NAR racetracks in Obihiro and Monbetsu, Hokkaido.
NAR Racetrack Facilities
Each racetrack has its features. Both have food shops, gift shops, and animals interactive at the racetrack.
4 Racetracks in Hokkaido
There are 4 racetracks in Hokkaido: Hakodate, Sapporo, Obihiro, and Monbetsu.
JRA Hakodate Racecourse
Located in Hakodate city. JRA Hakodate Racecourse is the only JRA racecourse where you can see the sea. In the racecourse, there are various playgrounds that kids can fully enjoy. (Read More)
JRA Sapporo racecourse
Located in Sapporo city, easy access. (Read More)
NAR Obihiro Racetrack (帯広競馬場)
NAR Obihiro Racetrack held the world’s only Banei horse racing all year round include night races. For kids, there is a petting zoo on the south side of the racetrack. Kids can interact with horses, ponies, and rabbits. Besides, horse riding is available here. If you or your kids would like to try horse riding in Hokkaido [Click Here]
What’s Banei Horse Racing?
Banei horse racing is horses pulling an iron sled that weighs up to 1-ton on a 200m racetrack. It’s a unique culture from harsh livelihood in Hokkaido around 1900. At that time, people competed with horses to test the value and the strength of workhorses. Subsequently, it becomes a competition in which horses pull a sled with added weights. Also, it was established as a festival of workhorses called the “Draft Horse Festival.”
NAR Obihiro Racetrack Official Website [Click Here]
NAR Monbetsu Racetrack (門別競馬場)
Racehorse Bleeding place. Monbetsu racetrack is held at Monbetsu in Hidaka. It’s famous for the Big Dipper shining in the night sky and holds night games for the entire schedule. You can see not only the racehorse but also the jockey up close on the paddock.
NAR Monbetsu Racetrack Official Website: Japanese Only [Click Here]
Conclusion: Horse Racing Dress Code in Japan
You may think horse racing is a classy site to socialize with people. In Japan, it’s more like pastime activities. Be sure to wear casual clothes. Otherwise, you will look overdressed at the racetracks in Japan.
Also, you can plan horse riding for kids and you in Hokkaido. It’s a fun way to explore the nature of Hokkaido. [Click Here]
