Sapporo Racecourse Sapporo
Experience the thrill of live horse racing at Sapporo Racecourse, a vibrant and affordable destination for families and budget travelers alike.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Sapporo Racecourse Sapporo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of live horse racing at Sapporo Racecourse, a vibrant and affordable destination for families and budget travelers alike.
"A great way to spend part of your weekend with affordable admission and a fun atmosphere!"
🎯 Budget-Friendly Admission
Entry is only ¥100! A great deal for a fun-filled day out. :moneybag:
💡 Betting Made Easy
Don't be intimidated by betting. English guides and helpful staff are available. :information_desk:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Horse Racing
Main Grandstand
Experience the thrill of live horse racing with a beautiful course backdrop. A quintessential Sapporo weekend activity.

Betting Experience
Betting Booths
Try your luck at betting! Even if you're new, helpful staff and English materials can guide you through the process.

Family-Friendly Amenities
Kids Park
A dedicated Kids Park offers entertainment for younger visitors, making it a fun outing for the whole family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Weather
Understanding Betting & Admission
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Budget-Friendly Admission
Entry is only ¥100! A great deal for a fun-filled day out. :moneybag:
💡 Betting Made Easy
Don't be intimidated by betting. English guides and helpful staff are available. :information_desk:
👨👩👧👦 Fun for All Ages
Bring the kids! There's a dedicated Kids Park for entertainment. :child:
🍔 Affordable Food & Drink
Reasonably priced food and drinks available. You can even bring your own! :beer:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Budget-Friendly Admission
Entry is only ¥100! A great deal for a fun-filled day out. :moneybag:
💡 Betting Made Easy
Don't be intimidated by betting. English guides and helpful staff are available. :information_desk:
👨👩👧👦 Fun for All Ages
Bring the kids! There's a dedicated Kids Park for entertainment. :child:
🍔 Affordable Food & Drink
Reasonably priced food and drinks available. You can even bring your own! :beer:
📅 Plan for Peak Days
Weekends are popular. For a quieter experience, aim for weekdays. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sapporo Racecourse for its affordable admission, lively atmosphere, and family-friendly amenities like the Kids Park. The ability to bring your own food and drinks is a significant plus for budget-conscious travelers. While betting can be a bit confusing for newcomers, helpful English resources are available.
"Solo, Friend, or Family-friendly
Restaurants / Light Snacksand Kids Park inside, as well as some shopping."
M Cheng
"The Sapporo JRA Racecourse is a great way to spend part of your weekend! Unless you want to reserve seats in advance (two weeks advance notice; done online in Japanese), admission is ¥100.
Betting was a bit complicated for newbies like us, but we got the hang of it with some helpful tips from friends and guidance found in the English language materials available from the Information counters scattered throughout the track.
Lots of fun! Food and drinks are all reasonably priced. You can even BYOB.
Highly recommended."
Zachary Hubbell
"Horse race and betting place in saporro.. well organised place and planned schedule races will held. Parking and refreshment rooms are available. Automatic betting systems are available."
hemanth kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sapporo Racecourse is accessible by public transport. Many visitors opt for the train to nearby stations, followed by a short walk or bus ride. Parking is available for those driving, though it can fill up on busy race days.
Yes, the racecourse is a well-known landmark in Sapporo. Following signs for 'JRA' or 'Racecourse' will guide you.
From Sapporo Station, you can take a local train to a station close to the racecourse, then a short bus or taxi. Check local transit apps for the most efficient routes.
Taxis are readily available in Sapporo and can take you directly to the racecourse. This is a convenient option, especially if you're traveling with a group.
Yes, parking is available, but it can be limited and fill up quickly on major race days. Arriving early is recommended if you plan to drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Sapporo Racecourse is very affordable at just ¥100 per person.
General admission does not require advance purchase. However, if you wish to reserve seats, you can do so online with two weeks' notice, though this process is in Japanese.
The opening hours vary depending on the race schedule. It's best to check the official JRA website for the specific day you plan to visit.
While the general admission is already very low at ¥100, specific discounts for children or seniors are not widely advertised. The low entry fee makes it accessible for everyone.
The racecourse is primarily open on scheduled race days. It's advisable to check the official schedule to confirm operating days.
🎫 🏇 Onsite Experience
Beyond the races, you can enjoy the Kids Park, grab a bite at the restaurants or snack bars, and explore some shopping options. The atmosphere itself is a major draw.
Betting can seem complex initially, but Sapporo Racecourse provides English language materials and information counters to assist newcomers. Many visitors find it manageable with a little help.
A variety of food and drinks are available, from light snacks to full meals. Many reviewers mention that the prices are reasonable.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks (BYOB) to enjoy at the racecourse.
Absolutely! The racecourse features a Kids Park, making it a family-friendly destination.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the excitement of the races from the grandstands, the picturesque grounds during summer, and the vibrant atmosphere on busy race days. The surrounding Hokkaido landscape can also offer scenic backdrops.
Yes, you can take photos of the horses and jockeys during the races and parades. Be mindful of any restricted areas.
The winner's circle, the parade ring, and the panoramic views from the upper levels of the grandstand offer great photo opportunities.
Winter at Sapporo Racecourse can be visually stunning with snow. While races may still occur, be prepared for cold weather and potential snowstorms, which can affect visibility and photo conditions.
A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture both the action on the track and wider scenic shots. A camera with good low-light performance can be beneficial for evening races.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the betting aspect might be more for the adults, the overall atmosphere and the spectacle of the horses can be captivating for children too. It’s a chance to experience a unique aspect of Japanese culture in a relaxed and family-friendly environment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing a Day at the Races
Beyond the races, the Sapporo JRA Racecourse is designed to be a destination for the whole family. There's a dedicated Kids Park where younger visitors can have fun, making it a great option for families. Food and drink options are plentiful and reasonably priced, with the added bonus that you can bring your own food and beverages (BYOB). This makes it a very budget-friendly outing.
While summer offers a beautiful, green course, visiting during winter can present a starkly different, yet equally captivating, scene. Hokkaido is known for its heavy snowfall, and the racecourse can be transformed into a snowy wonderland. Be prepared for cold weather if you visit during the colder months, as outdoor viewing might be impacted by snowstorms.
Betting for Beginners
Many visitors recommend seeking advice from friends who are familiar with betting or utilizing the resources provided at the track. The key is to start small and understand the basics before diving into more complex wagers. The thrill of a winning bet, even a small one, adds an extra layer of excitement to the day.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit