Keirin is a type of bicycle racing where cyclists ride around a banked track, with the winner being the first across the finish line. The sport requires more than just speed—the strategies cyclists use against each other are an important part of the competition. At Tamano, the track features curves banked at 30-degree angles to accommodate speeds approaching 70 kilometers per hour. Races use fixed-gear, brakeless bicycles and typically involve multiple riders competing in tactical sprint races.
Yes, keirin is one of Japan's four authorized public sports where betting is permitted. Betting on keirin races is similar to horse racing, with options to pick winners, a top three, or reverse forecasts. One popular betting option called Dakoto! 7 requires punters to pick all seven winners out of seven different races. Visitors insert their wager money and completed mark sheet into ticket machines to receive betting tickets before races begin.
Yes, the venue welcomes beginners and provides various seating options for spectators. The integrated Keirin Hotel 10 offers an accessible introduction to the sport, with rooms overlooking the track. Races proceed in a straightforward format that's easy to follow visually, and the betting system uses simple mark sheets. The combination of high-speed action and strategic racing makes it engaging even for those new to keirin.
From JR Okayama Station, take an express bus bound for Setouchi Kokusai Marine Hotel, with the journey taking approximately 50 minutes. Alternatively, a free jumbo taxi service operates from JR Uno Station directly to the velodrome. For those driving, the racetrack is located about 60 minutes from Sanyo Expressway Okayama IC, with parking available on-site.
Races at Tamano proceed in nearly all weather conditions. According to venue staff, nothing short of a major typhoon will cause race cancellations, meaning visitors can expect events to take place even during rain. The professional cyclists compete on the banked track regardless of wet conditions, demonstrating the resilience and commitment inherent to the sport.
Traveler reviews
The best thing about this hotel is the views and onsen. Everything else is average at best. The room is tiny (we had bigger room in Tokyo!) and the food is okay.
Nice place to visit.
It’s seaside. Pretty good view.
A clean, comfortable velodrome even for beginners. The parking lot is spacious, and traffic control staff are on hand. The entire facility is clean, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of live racing from various angles, including viewing the commentary area and watching the races outdoors. There are plenty of dining options, and smoking areas are also available. It's a place where you can experience something out of the ordinary.
## For those who:
- Beginners to velodrome: Even beginners can feel safe in the clean environment. With no litter or personal belongings cluttering the area, you can enjoy a comfortable stay in a clean facility.
- Those who want to experience the races live: Enjoy exciting race viewing both indoors and outdoors.
- Those who want to enjoy food and drink: Light meals like udon are available for lunch, and restaurants are available in the evening.
## Impressions
- Access & Parking: The spacious parking lot makes parking easy, and traffic control staff are on hand to guide you, even on Saturdays, so even first-time visitors can feel at ease.
- Cleanliness: The entire facility is extremely clean. There are no cluttered entry forms or people occupying seats with personal belongings, creating a clean atmosphere with a different clientele than boat racing venues.
- Viewing areas: You can watch the race from outdoor seating outside the course, or from the VIP rooms on the first, second, and third floors of the building. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The commentary space on the first floor allows you to watch the live broadcast through the windows, which is a fresh and interesting experience.
- Food and drink/facilities: Light meals (udon noodles, etc.) are available during the day, and restaurants are also available in the evening. Smoking rooms are appropriately separated, and we didn't see anyone smoking outside the smoking rooms.
- Staff response: Staff are stationed outside at a certain distance, making it easy to ask questions. The facility is also well-cleaned.
- Experience: You can watch the race live, experiencing the excitement and realism. It's an extraordinary experience that you don't normally get to have, and it's very interesting.
This was my first time buying a ticket since the hotel was added, and the old-fashioned, gambling-den atmosphere inside the track has been completely revamped.
The seats in the 2nd Center grandstand have been removed, so sitting on the bare concrete steps was a bit sad...
The Gantoumon Gate in the background also seemed unused, so I guess the athletes' accommodation has moved to the hotel side too?
Thanks to this, I was able to watch the athletes enter the track very closely.
I went to buy a Grand Prix 2025 ticket (but got no tickets (;∀;)), but they were also holding night races at the main track, so I was able to watch an exciting race for the first time in a while.
It's very beautiful, a bit compact, and has a small number of paid seating areas. The latest ticket vending machines take a little while to use, but everything else is good. It feels like a brand new velodrome.
