About
Boat Race
Bold, quick decisions propel Boat Race to claim its spot as the most exciting motorsport in Japan. Six racers compete at a time, but anyone can get in on the action with publicly managed sports betting. Go for the thrill and get a taste of real-life Japanese culture with a motorsport that got its start here.
Background Info
Boat Race may look sleek and modern, but it’s got over 70 years of history. Take a dive into how this motorsport got to where it is today.
View Details
YM-730 Type Boat
All of the boats in Boat Race are hydroplanes made of wood.
View Details
Basic Rules
Every day of Boat Race has twelve different rounds of races. That’s plenty to get to know how this motorsport works, but get a head start with our guides!
View Details
Your Guide to
Boat Race
Boat Race is where people go to have fun—it’s a leisure activity through and through, whether you’re there to root for your favorite racer, place a bet, or snack on the local eats while traveling across the country.
Boat Race fits in with your sightseeing plans and is a hit with adults and children, visitors and locals alike!
Plan Your Visit
We're glad to see you stop by! What brings you to Boat Race? The thrum and whirr of motorsports, the thrill of betting, the satisfaction of new foods to try and sights to see? Look here for everything you need to plan your day.
View DetailsHow to Bet
Out of six racers in each round, who’s going to win? There’s more to this game than only picking who’s first! There’s a fun variety of ways to a place a bet, and since bets start at only 100 yen, even beginners can enjoy getting in on it.
View DetailsFlying
Features
Experiencing Hiroshima like a local
This japan-guide.com example of a one-day trip to Hiroshima shows how easy it is to catch the races at Boat Race Miyajima. Check out how the Seto Inland Sea adds to the thrill!
Get started on a Boat Race journey!
This is the page to bookmark for your first visit! It’s a handy beginner’s overview for how to visit a venue, where to sit, how to bet, and more.
Go beyond the betting basics!
We’ve added a new page to walk you through some of the stats you can use to make the best predictions on race outcomes. May the odds be in your favor!
Locations
&
Schedule
With 24 racetracks across the country and 12 rounds of racing in a day, you won’t miss out on seeing Japan’s most exciting motorsport.
Find which spot will be the best fit for your trip to Japan with venue info, monthly schedules, and guides for how to get there. Get the heads up on special events, too!
Explore
Our Racetracks
Racetracks throughout this island nation each have their own local character. We've picked out some of the most accessible places to get you started on adding Boat Race excitement to your trip to Japan! Check out the seating options, iconic foods to try, nearby sightseeing ideas, and amusements throughout each facility.
