What other travelers are saying about Obihiro Racecourse
This place is Aaaaaaaawesome!! I always take my family gambling here when they come to visit and they always win big money. I have won loads of money here and I’ve only spent like ¥500 at most over the 18 years I have been here. My wife’s dad is totally addicted to this place and spends all his cash gambling here and on booze. He can tell you exactly what horses to bet on. He lied to my wife though and she lost all her money on some silly bet a few years ago and she always reminds him about that as she was about to bet on the winners but changed her choice because of him and lost! So just bet on whoever you want.
It is so much fun watching the horses run as you can run along side them. I always can get to the end before they do so I can see them at the start AND at the finish line - I mean there ain’t no where else in the world you can do that at a horse race. Actually if you see me on the line up, you should bet on me as I seem to be faster than all the horses.
There are good places to eat that are really cheap and you can get your kids to give carrots to some old horses that are about to go to the horse sashimi place across the road.
Ban'ei keiba is a unique form of draft horse racing found only at Obihiro Racecourse in Japan. Instead of jockeys riding lightweight thoroughbreds at high speeds, this racing style features massive draft horses weighing up to one ton pulling heavy iron sleds loaded with 500 kilograms or more. The horses must navigate a 200-meter dirt track that includes two steep hills, testing their strength and endurance rather than speed. Races can take several minutes to complete as horses sometimes pause to gather strength before pulling over the obstacles.
No, international visitors can enjoy Obihiro Racecourse without fluent Japanese. The facility provides English signage throughout the venue and offers race programs with English information. The betting system is straightforward and starts from just 100 yen, making it easy for first-time visitors to participate. Staff members are accustomed to assisting foreign guests, and the visual spectacle of the powerful draft horses and the excitement of the races transcends language barriers.
Admission to Obihiro Racecourse is completely free. Visitors can enter the grounds, watch all the races, and visit the paddock area without paying an entrance fee. The only costs are optional, such as placing bets on races (starting from 100 yen), purchasing food and drinks at the on-site restaurant, or buying souvenirs. This makes it an affordable attraction for travelers on any budget.
The racecourse is located approximately 2.5 kilometers from JR Obihiro Station. The easiest option is taking the free shuttle bus that operates on race days, departing from the station and taking visitors directly to the venue. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes about 10 minutes, or visitors can use local city buses that serve the area. The free shuttle bus is particularly convenient and eliminates any confusion about directions.
Yes, visitors can view the draft horses up close in the paddock area before and after races. This provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the impressive size and muscular build of these working horses, which include Percheron, Breton, and Belgian breeds. The paddock area allows guests to observe the horses being prepared for races and to learn about their care and training. This close-up experience helps visitors understand the unique characteristics that make these animals suited for ban'ei racing.
**American Family Visiting**
This was an interesting visit. While it's a little bit of a trip to get from Sapporo to Obihiro Racecourse, it's likely worth the visit if you want to experience a type of weighted sled racing that can't be found anywhere else. The grounds consist of main building where gambling and seating is found along with a couple of small shops and restaurants both in and on the grounds.
You can either take a taxi to get here (which we did to get there) from the station, or if it's a nice day, the walk is not too bad (but still a walk!).
There is also a small petting area where small farm animals and even the huge horses are out and you can feed them (these horses are HUGE though).
The racing itself was interesting and while I understand this is traditional and that the animals aren't abused, it's tough to watch when whips are used, so if that bothers you, you may not want to go. The horses appear well cared for, the staff was friendly, and it was a lively crowd. You really have to get down at the race course level and walk/run along with them as the race goes.
