Kimiidera Racecourse, Former horse racing venue in Wakayama, Japan

Kimiidera Racecourse was a horse racing venue in Wakayama, Japan, that operated for much of the 20th century. It featured a one-lap track of 1000 meters with a 200-meter straight and offered races at distances such as 1240, 1580, 1700, and 2240 meters.

The racecourse opened in 1909 and was one of the earliest in the Kinki region. It ceased operations in 1988 after the city decided to use the land for a new medical university.

The racecourse was known for its winter meetings, which attracted horses and jockeys from northern regions of Japan where racing was not held during the colder months. This seasonal pattern gave the races a distinct character, with competitors coming from Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Hokuriku.

The site is now occupied by Wakayama Medical University and its hospital, so the original racecourse structures are no longer visible. Visitors can explore the university area, but should remember that it is an active academic and medical facility.

The racecourse was sometimes used as a stepping stone for horses moving from central to other regional racing circuits, as they could run a few races here to meet transfer conditions. This practice made it a temporary home for many horses in transit.