Niigata Racecourse Area Guide Tsukioka Spa Sado Island The hot spring at Tsukioka has one of the An hour from Niigata by jetfoil. Come and see highest sulfur contents in Japan. The spring the crested ibis, Sado goldmines, gigantic ce- water, renowned for its skin beautifying prop- dar trees, fields of Glycyrrhiza and many erties, is a mystical emerald green. other fascinating sights. Similar to a European racecourse, Niigata is one of Japan’s biggest racing venues Niigata, the only racecourse in Japan to have a straight course (turf 1,000 meters), is also one of the largest courses in Japan. Both the 2,223 meters of its turf course (total length) and Niigata Foods the 659-meter home stretch on the outer course are unrivaled in Japan. Blessed with an abundance of na- Dynamic racing contests on this huge racecourse, ture, Niigata is a real treasure trove of tasty Fireworks reminiscent of a European venue, can be enjoyed from two spectator stands. foods! As well as koshihikari, Japan’s No. 1 rice The annual Niigata Festival, held from Fri- One is the Ibis Stand, named after the crested ibis, the official bird of variety, there are various other delicacies to be day to Sunday in early August, culminates Niigata Prefecture and designated as a Special Natural Monument. tried, including edible wild plants, seafood, and in a grand firework display, when around the local saké, dubbed “Niigata Tanrei” for its 10,000 fireworks are released to light up The other is the NiLS (= Niigata Long Straight) 21 Stand, superb flavour and smooth texture. the summer night sky. built in 2001 to coincide with the opening of the straight course. Straight course Niigata Airport The only straight course in Japan. National Route No. 113 JR Echigo Line Niigata Station Niigata en ans ● Shin-Shin Bypass Racecourse ink Agano River Sh su Ebigase et Interchange Jo Niigata-Nishi ●●●●● ● ● Interchange Shichikuyama Keibajo Toyosaka Interchange ● JR Hakushin Line Interchange Interchange Niigata-Chuo Niigata-Kameda Toyosaka-Niigata Interchange Interchange Niigata Airport Interchange Higashiko Interchange ●● ● ● Come and experience Reserved seating National Nihonkai-Tohoku the excitement of a lifetime! The two stands are fully air-conditioned, Route Expressway ● No. 49 Toyosaka Station comfortable indoor spaces with panoramic views. Here, spectators can enjoy the thrill of the race in comfort. Niigata Racecourse http://japanracing.jp/ (Access) 40 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Niigata Station (South Exit)/30 minutes by bus from JR Shibata Station/15 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Toyosaka Station/ 20 minutes by car from Niigata Airport *Times are only meant as a guide. It may take longer to travel on race meet days, depending on traffic conditions. Finishing post (Car parks) All JRA-operated car parks near the racecourse are free of charge. The finishing post is adorned with the crested (Admission) 100 yen (free for under 15’s) ibis, symbol of Niigata. (Gates open) 09:00 (subject to change depending on congestion levels, etc.) There’s more than just racing! Niigata Race course – a wonderland full of interesting spots. Turf Vision When the action’s too far away, check it out on Turf Vision! As well as race footage, the screens show scenes from the Parade Ring, odds board, payout money and various other information. Finishing Post ? Ibis Stand NiLS21 Stand Stand Parade Ring Entrance The two stands offer a great view Information over this massive racecourse and ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● are fully equipped with comfort- ●●●●●● able amenities. ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● Facilities around the stands Terrace Plaza Areas for both adults and children to enjoy Come straight here if there’s anything you at leisure want to know about the racecourse! The area around Kids' *Betting guides are available in various ▲ Betting points Check the condition of the runners from close quarters! Plaza is an amusement ● languages (English, Chinese, Korean). Walls lined with automatic bet vendors and pay- park for the little ones. out machines. This makes it easy to place bets Location NiLS21 Stand1F With pony rides and so and collect your winnings. ●▼ Go-karts many fun attractions, chil- dren will happily wile away the day here. Be- sides this, various events A vast open space is created by a huge marquee-style roof, allowing fresh breezes to pass through this area. ●▼ PR Corner are held on the event A fantastic array of merchandise, stage. perfect souvenirs of your visit. Main races held at Niigata Racecourse ●▲ Pony rink ●▼ Kids' Plaza ●▼ Bouncy house ●▲ Ibis Vision Inside the Ibis Stand, exciting race footage can be seen on the 200-inch Ibis Vision screen. Ibis Summer Dash Niigata Daishoten (G3) 2,000m / Turf/ 4yo and above Ibis Stand NiLS21 Stand Stand Ibis Summer Dash (G3) 1,000m / Turf/ 3yo and above Reserved seating, restaurants and shops, Floor 3 F Reserved seating, restaurants and shops Sekiya Kinen (G3) 1,600m / Turf/ 3yo and above Ibis Vision Guide Niigata Jump Stakes (J-G3) 3,250m / Turf/ 3yo and above Reserved seating, wheelchair spaces, Unreserved seating, senior seating, 2 F Leopard Stakes 1,800m / Dirt / 3yo restaurants and shops, Ibis Vision wheelchair spaces, restaurants and shops Niigata Kinen (G3) 2,000m / Turf/ 3yo and above Unreserved seating, shops, convenience store, 1 F Unreserved seating, shops, Ibis Vision general information, Children’s Corner, Niigata Nisai Stakes (G3) 1,600m / Turf/ 2yo PR Corner, Terrace Plaza .