Sapporo Racecourse, Sapporo - A train travels along a field under a cloudy sky.
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Sapporo Racecourse Sapporo

4.3
·3k reviews·Sapporo, Japan

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Sapporo Racecourse, Sapporo - A train travels along a field under a cloudy sky.

Sapporo Racecourse Sapporo

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"A great way to spend part of your weekend with affordable admission and a fun atmosphere!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Horse Racing

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 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

Family-Friendly Amenities

Kids Park

A dedicated Kids Park offers entertainment for younger visitors, making it a fun outing for the whole family.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Weather

Sapporo Racecourse experiences significant crowds during peak racing days, especially on weekends. Consider visiting on weekdays for a more relaxed atmosphere. Be prepared for Hokkaido's variable weather; summer offers pleasant racing conditions, while winter can bring snowstorms, impacting outdoor viewing.

Understanding Betting & Admission

Admission to Sapporo Racecourse is a budget-friendly ¥100. While betting can seem complex for newcomers, English information is available at information counters. Advance seat reservations are possible online but require Japanese language proficiency and two weeks' notice.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather for racing
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend race days
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is your sign to book that SAPPORO trip ❄️ #winterinjapan, #japantravel, #japanholiday, #traveldestinations, #snowytokyo #hokkaido #sapporo
@wonderwithlisa
70.3K likes • 974.5K views

🎯 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:

Sapporo (Hokkaido) / 札幌 Even though Sapporo is a city, it gets a lot of snow every year☃️🤩 Please Share🥰😊🙏 Please follow 👉@japan_walker_ #hokkaido #北海道 #sapporo #札幌市 #札幌旅行 #japan #japantravel #japannight #cyberpunk #nightlife #susukino #すすきの #さっぽろ #japantrip #japan2024 #snow #japanwinter #traveljapan #tripjapan #japannightview #city #sapporotrip #札幌駅 #札幌観光 #大通 #大通公園 #テレビ塔 #cyberpunk
@japan_walker_
69.3K likes • 723.4K views
Sapporo (Hokkaido) / 札幌 The snowy night in Sapporo was shining beautifully☺️❄️✨ #sapporo #札幌 #札幌市 #hokkaido #北海道旅行 #japan #japantravel #japantrip #japanlife #snow #japanwinter
@japan_walker_
53.3K likes • 485.2K views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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:

My absolute fav thing to do in Japan✨ #vintageshop #japanvintageshopping #sapporovintageshop #hokkaido #japan
@sarahazka20
45.1K likes • 392K views

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

4.3
(3k reviews)

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

Affordable admission
Family-friendly atmosphere
BYOB option

What People Dislike

Betting complexity for beginners

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. TikTok

Yes, the racecourse is a well-known landmark in Sapporo. Following signs for 'JRA' or 'Racecourse' will guide you. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Sapporo Racecourse is very affordable at just ¥100 per person. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The racecourse is primarily open on scheduled race days. It's advisable to check the official schedule to confirm operating days. Reddit

🎫 🏇 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

A variety of food and drinks are available, from light snacks to full meals. Many reviewers mention that the prices are reasonable. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks (BYOB) to enjoy at the racecourse. Reddit

Absolutely! The racecourse features a Kids Park, making it a family-friendly destination. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

Yes, you can take photos of the horses and jockeys during the races and parades. Be mindful of any restricted areas. TikTok

The winner's circle, the parade ring, and the panoramic views from the upper levels of the grandstand offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sapporo Racecourse is a fantastic option for families looking for a fun and affordable day out. The Kids Park provides a dedicated space for children to play and enjoy themselves, ensuring they stay entertained while the adults can also enjoy the races. Reddit The low admission fee of ¥100 makes it an accessible outing for everyone. Plus, the ability to bring your own food and drinks can help manage costs and cater to picky eaters. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Sapporo Racecourse is a dream destination for budget travelers. With an admission fee of just ¥100, it's one of the most affordable attractions in Sapporo. Reddit The ability to bring your own food and drinks (BYOB) further reduces expenses, allowing you to enjoy a full day without breaking the bank. Reddit You can easily spend hours here soaking in the atmosphere, watching the races, and perhaps even trying your luck with a small bet, all while keeping your travel budget intact. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing a Day at the Races

A visit to Sapporo Racecourse offers a unique blend of sport, entertainment, and local culture. The main draw is, of course, the live horse racing. The atmosphere on race days, especially weekends, is electric, with spectators cheering on their chosen horses. Even if you're not a seasoned bettor, the energy is infectious. Many visitors find the betting process a bit daunting at first, but the availability of English information and helpful staff at the information counters makes it accessible for newcomers. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance; it's part of the experience! Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok+2

Betting for Beginners

For those new to horse race betting, Sapporo Racecourse aims to make the experience as straightforward as possible. The admission fee is a mere ¥100, making it an accessible activity for everyone. Reddit When it comes to placing bets, you'll find automatic betting systems available, which can simplify the process. However, if you're feeling unsure, don't hesitate to approach the Information counters. They often have English language materials and staff who can guide you through the different types of bets and how to place them. Reddit

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. Reddit

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