Tamano Bicycle Racetrack

The Tamano Bicycle Racetrack, officially known as the Tamano Keirin velodrome, is a professional keirin racing venue located in the coastal city of Tamano, Okayama Prefecture, along the Seto Inland Sea. Keirin, a form of track cycling developed in Japan around 1948 for gambling purposes, has become one of the country's four authorized public sports where betting is permitted. The sport gained international recognition when it became an official event at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

The Tamano velodrome features a banked track with curves reaching 30-degree angles to accommodate speeds approaching 70 kilometers per hour. Races proceed regardless of weather conditions, with only major typhoons causing cancellations. In a unique development, Keirin Hotel 10 opened in 2022 as Japan's first hotel integrated into a sports stadium, offering guests the distinctive experience of watching races from private balconies overlooking the track.

Visitors can attend keirin races throughout the year, experiencing this fast-paced gambling sport that combines athleticism with wagering excitement. The velodrome atmosphere captures a unique aspect of Japanese sporting culture where public gambling supports local communities and infrastructure development. The facility provides spectator seating areas where guests can watch professional cyclists compete on fixed-gear, brakeless bicycles in tactical sprint races.

The racetrack is accessible by express bus from JR Okayama Station, taking approximately 50 minutes, or via free jumbo taxi service from JR Uno Station. For drivers, the venue is located about 60 minutes from Sanyo Expressway Okayama IC, with parking available on-site. Admission policies vary depending on race schedules and events, with detailed information available through the official website at tamano-keirin.jp.