Ban’ei Horse Racing is the only horse race of its kind in the world. It features large draft horses called “bamba” that weigh around 1 ton, pulling jockeys on heavy iron sleds. They compete along a 200-meter straight sand course in an intense race of speed, power, and endurance. In this private tour of the Obihiro Horse Race Track, you can get an exclusive look at the course, ride on a sled pulled by a horse, then watch an actual Ban’ei horse race.

This tour gives you exclusive access to the Obihiro Horse Race Track before it opens for the day’s races. Together with a guide, you can see the actual sand course where the horses compete, and try riding on an actual sled used in the race to feel the power of the bamba horses.

After the tour of the course, you can visit the horse race track’s cafeteria that has a nostalgic atmosphere. Here you can buy popular Japanese cafeteria dishes such as ramen, curry rice, soba noodles, and corn dogs. After lunch, you can also go shopping for local products and souvenirs at a shop called Tokachimura.
Note: Lunch and shopping expenses are not included in the tour fee.

Now it’s time to get ready for the horse race. With the help of the guide, you can go to the paddock to see the horses competing in the upcoming race. After checking the odds and choosing your horse, you can now fill up the mark card and make your bet through the automated ticket machines, which will give you a betting ticket. You can keep this betting ticket as a souvenir of your visit.
Note: Expenses for betting tickets are not included in the tour fee.

After placing your bets, you can go out to watch the horse race from the side of the course. A fun and exciting way to watch is to run along the course and cheer your horse on as the race progresses. You can truly feel the power and fortitude of the draft horses up close. If your chosen horse wins, don’t forget to claim your winnings from the ticketing machine.

Note: All images are for illustration purposes only. Your actual experience may vary.

Schedule

10:00	Meetup at Obihiro Horse Race Track
10:05	Pre-race course tour, sled riding experience
12:00	Lunch at cafeteria and shopping at Tokachimura
13:00	Paddock viewing, horse betting
14:30	Ban’ei horse race watching
15:00	Tour finish