Obihiro Racecourse

Obihiro Racecourse, located in Obihiro City on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, stands as the only venue in Japan where visitors can experience ban'ei keiba, a unique form of draft horse racing that has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property. This distinctive racing tradition dates back to the early 20th century when farmers in Hokkaido would test the strength of their working horses by having them pull heavy sleds across distances, eventually evolving into an organized sport by 1946.

Unlike conventional flat racing, ban'ei keiba features Percheron, Breton, and Belgian draft horses weighing up to one ton each, pulling iron sleds loaded with weights of 500 kilograms or more across a 200-meter dirt track with two steep hills. The races showcase the raw power and endurance of these magnificent animals, creating a spectacle that differs entirely from thoroughbred racing. The course holds deep cultural significance as a living connection to Hokkaido's agricultural heritage, representing the working relationship between farmers and their horses that helped settle and develop the region.

Visitors can watch races held on weekend evenings and holidays, with approximately 10 races per day. The atmosphere combines sporting excitement with local tradition, and spectators can place small wagers on their favorite horses, starting from as little as 100 yen. Between races, guests can visit the paddock area to see the powerful draft horses up close and learn about their training and care. The facility also houses a restaurant serving Hokkaido specialties and offers indoor viewing areas with large screens.

Obihiro Racecourse is located approximately 2.5 kilometers southeast of JR Obihiro Station. Visitors can reach the venue by taking a free shuttle bus from the station, which runs on race days, or by taxi in about 10 minutes. City buses also serve the area. Admission to the racecourse grounds is free, making it an accessible attraction for travelers exploring eastern Hokkaido. The facility provides English signage and race programs to assist international visitors in understanding this uniquely Japanese sporting tradition.