The 2025 season of Hokkaido Keiba kicks off on Wednesday, April 16th, at Monbetsu Racecourse in Hidaka, Hokkaido! In addition to thrilling night races unique to local horse racing and delicious local gourmet food, there are plenty of popular tourist spots where you can interact with horses! This time, we'll introduce the charms of Hidaka, the "town of horses."

"Hokkaido Keiba" is a local government horse racing event organized by the Hokkaido Prefectural Government. It is held at Monbetsu Racecourse in Hidaka, one of the world's leading horse breeding regions, with the 2025 season starting on Wednesday, April 16th.

Horse racing in Hokkaido has a long history, dating back to the Meiji era when foreign advisors involved in Hokkaido's development built racecourses in places like Sapporo. This became the roots of modern horse racing in Japan. After the war, national (central) and local (municipal, prefectural) horse racing events were held throughout Hokkaido. Today, the only local government horse races held in Hokkaido are the "Ban'ei Keiba" in Obihiro City and the "Hokkaido Keiba" here in Hidaka Town.

Monbetsu Racecourse features a 1600m right-handed track, and its proximity to the "Polaris☆Stand" allows for dynamic race viewing. Additionally, the paddock is much closer to the horses compared to other racecourses! You can witness the excitement of the horses up close.

Polaris☆Stand

The "Grand Chariot Nighter" night races will be held on all 85 race days, from the opening on Wednesday, April 16th, to Thursday, November 13th. As the sun sets, the Polaris☆Stand is illuminated, creating a striking impression as the evening sun reflects along the stand's curves.

Enjoy some famous local food between races. In front of the racecourse, "Tonekko Plaza" is lined with various eateries. By the way, "tonekko" is a Hokkaido dialect word for a foal (mainly a one-year-old horse).

At "Tonekko Genghis Khan," you can enjoy Monbetsu Racecourse's original Genghis Khan (a Japanese grilled mutton dish), served in a unique style with the grill placed on a metal bucket. The meat is the "Ganso Hidaka Genghis Khan" sold by Takayanagi Shoten in Hidaka Town. The grill house has private rooms, making it family-friendly, and on sunny days, you can also enjoy your meal at outdoor tables.

The Genghis Khan set requires advance reservation.

"Izumi Shokudo" is famous for its extra-thick countryside soba noodles made from Tokachi buckwheat flour. The sweet broth, made with Hidaka kombu seaweed and Hokkaido bonito flakes, pairs perfectly with the noodles. They use various Hokkaido ingredients like duck, chicken, soft white onions, and octopus, offering a meal that encapsulates the deliciousness of Hokkaido.

If you're craving authentic curry, head to the Asian restaurant "Lumbini Food Cafe"! The authentic flavors, created by a professional chef from Nepal, are spicy and full of umami. From curry to tandoori chicken and kebabs, every dish is authentic and not to be missed.

Chicken Vegetable Curry with Naan

Official Merchandise Shop

The official merchandise shop in Tonekko Plaza sells a variety of original goods. You'll find notebooks with jockeys' faces printed on them, keychains, and pin badges of racehorses. There are also goods featuring the original characters "Tenta" and "Maki." You might just find your new favorite item!

Next to the shop, there's a box with "Hazure Baken Kuyo Bako" (Offering Box for Losing Betting Tickets) written on its side. It's not just a collection box; the losing tickets are ritually blessed at a shrine after the season ends. This is a service that any horse racing fan would surely appreciate!

Many events will be held to celebrate the opening of Hokkaido Keiba!

To celebrate the opening of "Hokkaido Keiba 2025" on Wednesday, April 16th, various events will be held at Monbetsu Racecourse. Here are some notable events that will make your race day even more enjoyable.

1. Kenshi Sugiya Appearance & Guest Commentary

Former professional baseball player Kenshi Sugiya, the official ambassador for Hokkaido Keiba 2025, will be at the event! He is scheduled to appear at the opening ceremony and as a guest in the live commentary studio.

2. Opening Ceremony (Kagami-biraki)

A ceremony held before the first race to celebrate the opening of the season. Don't miss the moment of the Kagami-biraki (sake barrel breaking)!

3. Visitor Giveaways

To celebrate the opening, the first 300 visitors will receive a "Hokkaido Keiba 2025 Racing Calendar," "Hokkaido Furano Hop Sparkling Water," and "Kohaku Mochi" (red and white rice cakes)!

Additionally, at the special tent in Tonekko Plaza, the first 300 people will receive an "Original Towel."

4. Hidaka Town Specialty Market & Food Trucks

Specialty products from Hidaka Town, including the local delicacy "Tsubu-gushi" (whelk skewers), will be on sale. On the 16th only, food trucks will also be set up at a special booth near the paddock!

5. Jockey Towels & Jockey Plushies for Sale

Jockey muffler towels, which have been on sale since 2024, and new jockey plushies, launching in 2025, will be available for purchase.

As you can see, opening day is packed with fun beyond just watching the races! Be sure to visit Monbetsu Racecourse.

Hidaka Town is full of ranches where you can interact with horses!

Hidaka Town offers more than just Monbetsu Racecourse; it's filled with tourist spots unique to a "town of horses." It would be a shame to leave after only watching the races, as there are many charming facilities where you can interact with horses. Here, we introduce some must-visit ranch spots in Hidaka Town, perfect for families and animal lovers.

1. Ohisama Farm

This is an interactive farm specializing in miniature horses. It's the only place where you can interact with them directly, not through a fence! You can also enjoy feeding and brushing them. Miniature horses are the world's smallest horse breed, with an adult height of 83.7 cm and a weight of around 80 kg. Spend a healing time with these many miniature horses.

2. Yogibo Versailles Resort Farm

This is a farm where you can see retired racehorses. More than 30 famous horses, including Rose Kingdom, Admire Japan, Hiruno d'Amour, B. B. Guldan, and Tanino Gimlet, live here. You might get to meet that famous horse you always admired!

The farm also has accommodation facilities where you can stay surrounded by horses. They sell various original goods, such as beauty serums made with thoroughbred placenta. A portion of the sales is donated to support the retired horses.

Furthermore, on Hokkaido Keiba race days, a free shuttle bus service operates from the North Exit of JR Sapporo Station. As an optional plan, there is also a free shuttle to "Yogibo Versailles Resort Farm" (Wednesdays only) from Monbetsu Racecourse. This makes Hokkaido Keiba and the unique spots of this horse breeding region even more accessible! Please take advantage of this service.