Mizusawa Racecourse, racecourse in Kochi, Japan
Mizusawa Racecourse is a horse racing venue in Ōshū with a 1,200-meter track running clockwise, hosting local racing events throughout the year. More than 150 cherry trees line the grounds and bloom spectacularly in spring, while mountain views frame the setting with Mt. Hayachine to the north and Mt. Kurikoma to the west.
The racecourse has served the local community for many years as part of the region's horse racing tradition, managed by the Iwate Racing Association. Over time it has become central to how locals gather and celebrate, maintaining its importance to regional life and customs.
The racecourse draws locals who gather to watch races and socialize, reflecting its role as a community gathering space where people of all ages come together. The site sits in a landscape tied to regional folklore, with nearby mountains linked to historical figures and traditional performing arts that shape local identity.
Admission costs around 200 yen, making it affordable for most visitors, and you can reach it by bus from nearby Mizusawa or Mizusawaesashi stations in about 10 to 15 minutes. Free shuttle service operates between the racecourse and train stations on race days, and the grounds have parking, restrooms, and resting areas for comfort.
Drones are permitted in certain areas of the grounds, allowing visitors to capture aerial views of the racecourse and cherry blossom displays from above. This draws photography enthusiasts who want to document the track and spring blooms from an unusual perspective that most visitors miss.
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