Since the fall of 2023, Kyoto Racecourse has been holding free events such as light-up dedications, projection mapping, drone shows, and fair days at Kyoto's historic temples, shrines, and famous landmarks. This fall, under the title of "JRA Kyoto Racecourse Autumn Illumination Project," a seven-day graphical illumination event will be held on the grand staircase of the Kyoto Station Building from November 1 (Friday) to celebrate the Queen Elizabeth Cup (G1) and Mile Championship (G1). The event is a seven-day graphical illumination event commemorating the Queen Elizabeth Cup (G1) and the Mile Championship (G1).
The grand staircase is scattered with about 15,000 LED lights, and six kinds of cute horses are projected as light art running up and down the staircase, making it a must-see.

In addition, a photo spot with a 2-meter-tall "Uma Plushie" will be set up in the event space on the north side of the north-south free passageway of the Kyoto Station Building, so you can take a picture with him.
Take photos of the Grand Staircase illumination and photo spots during the event period and post them on X or Instagram with "#Kyoto Station Grand Staircase Illumination Horse" and you will receive a free gift of Gion Tsujiri's matcha candy at the event booth! First-come, first-served basis.

Did you know that the grand opening of the Kyoto Racecourse in the spring of 2023, after undergoing renovation, is evolving into an even more attractive place? The racetrack, with its abundance of greenery, can be enjoyed as a park, making it a perfect place to take the kids or on a date! There is also a wide variety of gourmet food, a playground for small children, reserved seating for groups, and a women-only relaxation area, so even first-timers don't have to worry. There are plenty of other things to enjoy as well, so feel free to visit.

<strong>Lots of delicious gourmet food!</strong>
The racetrack is home to some 30 restaurants and stores. The appeal of this wide variety of restaurants and shops is that they offer everything from light meals that you can take out and enjoy outside, to a full meal for those who want to eat well. On some days, kitchen cars are set up in the plaza, so be sure to look forward to them!

<strong>A playground that satisfies children as well.</strong>
Paka Run!" is a large-scale indoor playground produced by Bonelund that will open in the spring of 2024. It is divided into four areas, including the "Park Area," where children can stretch out and play on the grass, which is reminiscent of a racetrack, and the "Baby Area," where they can enjoy tricks that stimulate their senses of sight, sound, and touch. The park is divided into four areas, including a "Park Area" where children can enjoy physical play on the grass, and a "Baby Area" where they can enjoy mechanisms that stimulate sight, sound, and touch. The park is suitable for children from 6 months to 12 years old. For more details, please contact<a href="https://www.jra.go.jp/facilities/race/kyoto/pakarun/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>Check the

<strong>Luxury new reserved seats for group use</strong>
Komamikoji (Komami Koji) is a designated seating area for groups, with a table and sofa seating for four in a semi-private, Kyoto-like Japanese modern room. The adjoining terrace offers a panoramic view of the course and is recommended for adult groups who wish to avoid the crowds and enjoy horse racing in a relaxed atmosphere! Various other types of reserved seating are also available<a href="https://www.jra.go.jp/facilities/race/kyoto/seat/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">check</a>Let's do it.

<strong>Stylish rest spot for women only.</strong>
UMAJO SPOT, located inside the racetrack, is a relaxing space for women who enjoy horse racing. Here, you can enjoy free drinks, purchase original UMAJO sweets, and relax as if you were in a café. Admission is free, so feel free to visit.

In autumn, Kyoto Racecourse is packed with races that should not be missed! Among them, "Queen Elizabeth Cup (G1)", which will decide this year's No.1 mare, and "Mile Championship (G1)", which boasts one of the fastest G1 races, are the ones to watch out for. The sound of the footsteps of these talented horses, who have fought their way through several races, running past you is sure to excite you! Come to the racecourse and experience the power of these races for yourself.
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<strong>Queen Elizabeth Cup (GI)</strong>
Date / Sunday, November 10, 2024
This race has been held since 1976 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan in 1975. The current race is limited to mares aged 3 years or older, and is run on turf of 2,200 meters (around the outer loop). It is known as the "Queen of the Mares" race, where accomplished 3-year-old mares who have competed in the Triple Crown races (Sakura-hana-sho, Oaks, and Shuka-sho) and powerful 4-year-old and older mares, known as "old horses," come together to make the late fall season at Kyoto Race Course more colorful and spectacular.
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<strong>Mile Championship (GI)</strong>
Date / Sunday, November 17, 2024
Since its establishment in 1984, this 1600-meter (outer) turf race has been held on the third week of Kyoto in November. This is a race to determine the "best miler" (a horse that excels at around 1600m) in the second half of the year, with a diverse lineup of 3-year-olds who have competed in the Classic races (Sakura-hana-sho, Satsuki-sho, Oaks, Japan Derby, Kikka-sho) and runners for Tennou-sho (autumn) also participating in this race.

Kyoto Racecourse is evolving even further as it celebrates its 100th anniversary next year. In addition to races, various events are regularly held at the track, so keep your eyes peeled! Invite your friends and family to visit this attraction-filled spot that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.