Guide to Horse Racecourse in Japan: Kokura Racecourse /小倉競馬場

[My Rating]

・Accessibility ★★★ Excellent (Easy to get there by public transport from major cities)
・Atmosphere ★☆☆ Enough
・Facility ★★☆ Basic
・Entertainment around the racecourse ★☆☆ Standard

racecourse is surrounded by mountains

[Best Season to visit]

August
*It’s obviously hot, however it’s worth visiting Kokura racecourse in summer, enjoyning hot summer in Japanese southmost main island.

Main stand

[General Information]

・Location: Kitakyushu, Fukuoka prefecture / 福岡県 北九州市
・Nearest Station:Keibajo-mae 競馬場前 (Kitakyushu monorail 北九州モノレール）*
・Established in 1931
・Operated by JRA (Japan Racing Association)
・Type of race: Flat and Hurdle
・Type of racecourse: Turf and Dirt (Right-handed)
・Racing Season: February and August
・Dress Code: None
・Fee: 200 yen for general admission with free seats on first-come-first-served basis. Besides, there are several luxury seats required reservation by internet in advance or by ticket booth at the racecourse.

Paddock

Japanese sago palm in paddock

Paddock in summer with mist to cool horses

[Flat Grade races in Kokura Racecourse]

<February>
- GIII / Kokura Daishoten小倉大賞典 /1,800m Turf (4yo or older)
<August>
- GIII / Kitakyushu Kinen北九州記念 / 1,200m Turf (3yo or older)
- GIII / Kokura Kinen 小倉記念 / 2,000m (3yo or older)  
- GIII / Kokura Nisai Stakes 小倉2歳ステークス / 1,200m Turf (2yo only)

[Jump Grade race]

<June>
- J-GIII /Kokura Summer Jump /小倉サマージャンプ/ 3,390m (3yo or older)

Free seat area

[Access from major cities]

1. from Kitakyushu (Kokura station)
- Kokura station → Keibajo-mar station (by Kitakyushu monorail)/ 15m
2. from Fukuoka (Hakata station)
- Hakata station →Kokura station (by Sanyo Shinkansen Bullet train) / 20m
- Kokura station → Keibajo-mar station (by Kitakyushu monorail)/ 15 m

Main stand view from Keibajo-mae station

[Official website]

<ENG> https://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/jra_racecourses/j08.html
<JPN> https://www.jra.go.jp/facilities/race/kokura/index.html
<How to bet> https://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/guide/betting.html

Homestretch

View from reserved area

[Entartainment around the racecourse]

- Moji ko hystorical district

【公式】門司港レトロインフォメーション

- Toto museum (Toilet museum)

TOTO MUSEUM

Information on other racecoueses in Japan 🏇🇯🇵

Racecourse in Japan 🇯🇵｜小和田 逸平｜note