Obihiro Horse Racing （ばんえい競馬）

For a unique spectacle, check out the horse races with a difference at the Obihiro race track. Here is the only place in the world you can see draft horse racing, in which the giant horses drag heavy sleds with their jockeys 200 metres over a straight gravel track with obstacles. These impediments consist of two hills - the first being 1 metre high and the second about 1.6 metres. While the horses are powerfully built, the race can take some time, as the horses rest before, during and after tackling the hard slog up the hills. This allows the spectator to follow the action by walking along the side of the track as the race progresses, but beware of the dust!

A bit further back, a large, covered stand offers seating with a clear view from the starting barriers to the finish line.

As with normal horse racing, punters and interested onlookers alike, can check out the race's field in the parade ring prior to the start. This is a good oppotunity to see the 'ponies' up close before the jockeys ride them up to the starting gates.

Those looking for a wager can check all the odds and race information inside the stand on the first floor (in Japanese of course). There are also food stalls, and souvenirs for sale (including some great looking postcards and other paraphernalia with nicely drawn characters).

Entry: 100 yen
Parking: Free
Races: Throughout the year (yes, even in winter), usually Saturday, Sunday and Mondays.
                 Night races: May to October, Day races: November to May.
Access: Car: 15 minute drive from Memuro-Obihiro IC (芽室帯広IC).
                            Approx. 40 minute drive from Obihiro Airport.
                    Taxi: 7 minute ride from Obihiro Station South Exit (帯広駅南口), around 700 yen.
                    Bus: From Obihiro Train Station Bus Terminal (帯広駅バスターミナル) get on at
                    platform 12 and get off at the race track stop (競馬場停). Fare is 190 yen.
                    On foot: Around a 2km walk from either Obihiro Station or Hakurindai Station
                    (柏林台駅).
Website: http://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/
                     (Japanese only apart from some English background info)
Phone number: 0155-34-0825
Address: 北海道帯広市西13条南9丁目

                
On the grounds of the race track but before entry into the racing and stand area, as well as restaurants, there are a few places worth checking out.
One is an excellent souvenir shop that not only sells horse related items, but also a variety of products from the Tokachi region, including cheeses, fresh produce, sweets, and clothing.


Pork and rice bowl chocolate anyone?

If time allows, take a few minutes to stroll through the Horse Museum (馬の資料館). Entry is free, and although there's no English, the displays mostly speak for themselves.