I’m not sure if your country has a horse racing culture, but in Japan, it is deeply ingrained and very popular among people of all ages and genders. Horse racing involves purchasing horse racing tickets and predicting the outcomes of horse races, making it a form of gambling. So, I’d like to explain to everyone why the Japanese are so enthusiastic about horse racing and what makes visiting racecourses so enjoyable.”
Japanese Horse Racing Culture
Japanese Horse Racing Culture The World’s Highest Horse Racing Ticket Sales! About 3 Trillion Yen!?
Horse racing originated in the UK and is prevalent in several European countries, including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and others. Outside of Europe, horse racing is a significant sport in countries like the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan. Surprisingly, Japan tops the list for the world’s highest horse racing ticket sales! In 2018, ticket sales reached a whopping 2.8 trillion yen! With a population of about 100 million in Japan, this translates to an average annual spending of around 30,000 yen per person on horse racing tickets.
Over 6 million people visit racecourses every year, and it’s a family-friendly activity!
In 2018, a total of 6.26 million people visited racecourses. For context, the most popular baseball team in Japan, the Yomiuri Giants, had a total attendance of 3 million for their games throughout the year. For Japanese people, visiting a racecourse is as common a form of entertainment as attending a baseball game.
Racecourses also provide outdoor facilities for children to play, making it a great destination for families.
The Best Value for Money! Enjoy a Day at a Japanese Racecourse for Just 200 Yen!
Accessible from Shinjuku! Admission fee is 200 yen! Tokyo Racecourse.
You can reach Tokyo Racecourse from Shinjuku, and the entrance fee is only 200 yen! The Tokyo Racecourse is known for its beautiful surroundings and offers the opportunity to watch thrilling horse races up close. Many racecourses in Japan are surrounded by lush lawns, making them feel like parks where you can spend a leisurely holiday, even if you’re not particularly interested in horse racing.
Completely Different from the Stereotype of Gambling! Tokyo Racecourse Is This Beautiful!
The moment you arrive at Tokyo Racecourse, you’ll be surprised by how beautiful it is. It’s as impressive as a hotel, and there’s a wide range of dining options, including delicious food.
There are areas for children to interact with the horses and watch the racehorses up close, and all of these facilities are beautifully maintained.
Whatever your purpose, Japanese racecourses have something for everyone!
You can enjoy Japanese racecourses in various ways:
- Go with your family and kids!
- Have a romantic date with your girlfriend!
- Go with friends for some drinks and bets!
- Take the betting seriously by yourself!
Experience 10 Times the Excitement at the Racecourse! How to Buy Horse Racing Tickets!
In addition to its affordable entrance fee, Japanese racecourses allow you to buy horse racing tickets, which can potentially help you cover your travel expenses in Japan if you win. Fulfilling this dream is what racecourses are all about.
Buying horse racing tickets is easy! Just remember the process for marking your card.
As long as you remember how to mark this horse ticket, you can purchase a ticket! Don’t worry, you can find this card at any location within the racecourse
- Mark the racecourse name if you’re at Tokyo Racecourse.
- Mark the race number. There are usually 12 races in a day. Races generally start at 10 in the morning, with the last race taking place around 4:30 in the evening.
- Mark the type of horse racing ticket. I recommend either a “Win” or a “Trio” ticket. A “Win” ticket is straightforward – you predict the winner of a race. The “Trio” is currently the most popular ticket in Japan. You predict the first, second, and third-place horses in order. It’s a bit more challenging to predict but offers higher odds and more significant potential winnings.
- Mark the numbers of the racehorses you want to bet on. You’ll find the horse numbers on their backs.
- Mark the amount you want to bet. First, mark the digits, and then mark the place value. For example, if you’re betting 100 yen, mark “1” and then “100.”
Following these steps will allow you to buy a horse racing ticket. If you’re a winner, simply insert your winning ticket into a machine, and your winnings will be dispensed. It might be nerve-wracking at first, but it’s straightforward once you get used to it. Even if you make a mistake, racecourse staff will kindly assist you.
In Conclusion
Racecourses in Japan offer numerous ways to enjoy yourself. To make the most of your time in Japan, it’s worth experiencing it at least once! The low entrance fees, the dream of winning on horse racing tickets, and the option to have fun with friends make racecourses a great destination!
