How boat racing works
Every race has six boats. Each boat is numbered and coloured in this order: 1 white, 2 black, 3 red, 4 blue, 5 yellow and 6 green. The boats race three laps around two turn markers. At the flying start, they aim to cross the line just after the clock reaches zero; an early start is a flying violation. Starting positions can differ from boat numbers, so check the displayed course positions as well as the coloured boats.
| Thing to know | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Lane 1 (white) | The white boat is numbered 1, but the actual inside course is confirmed at the start; inside runners usually have an advantage |
| The first turn | Watch the first turn, where positions often change sharply |
| Racer class | Racers are ranked A1, A2, B1 and B2; A1 is the top class |
| Exhibition runs | Before each race the boats run a short practice; fans compare the times before betting |
| Heiwajima's water | Seawater, tides and wind matter; the venue publishes course statistics that vary by season |
Boat Race Heiwajima
Ota ward, Tokyo · A few stops from Haneda
The venue Admission ¥100 on live days
Heiwajima is a big, indoor-and-outdoor venue on the water, with indoor viewing areas, outdoor rails, food outlets and paid reserved seating. Opening and race times vary by meeting, including summer schedules; check the current day’s timetable. It hosts top-grade races from time to time as well as everyday meetings.
How to get to Boat Race Heiwajima One change
From Anamori-inari, take the Keikyu Airport Line to Keikyu Kamata and change to a Main Line train toward Shinagawa. Heiwajima Station is a few stops along; local trains stop there, but some faster trains pass through, so check the train type. From Heiwajima Station it's a walk of about 10–15 minutes to the venue.
The official access page lists free buses from Keikyu Heiwajima Station and JR Omori Station (via Omori-kaigan) only on Heiwajima live race days. A separate ¥100 bus serves the area on other days. Check the day’s last bus, especially if you are collecting luggage or catching a flight.
How to buy a boat ticket
Betting works like horse racing: a paper mark card and a machine. Information staff can help if you get stuck.
- Take a mark card (マークカード) from the stands near the betting machines.
- Fill it in: the race number, the bet type, the boat number or numbers, and the amount, in units of 100 yen.
- Put the card and cash into a machine. It prints your ticket (舟券). Check the race, selection and amount before you walk away.
- Keep your ticket until the result is confirmed. Winning tickets are paid out in cash at the payout machines.
| Bet | You win if... | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Win 単勝 | Your boat finishes first | Easy |
| Place 複勝 | Your boat finishes first or second | Simple; payouts vary |
| Exacta 2連単 | Your two boats finish first and second, in that order | Medium |
| Quinella 2連複 | Your two boats finish first and second, in either order | Medium |
| Wide 拡連複 | Your two boats both finish in the top three | Medium; a good first pair bet |
| Trio 3連複 | Your three boats fill the top three, in any order | Hard |
| Trifecta 3連単 | Your three boats finish first, second and third, in that order | Exact order required; payouts vary |
Betting sensibly
- You must be 20 or over to buy tickets. Check the venue's rules before bringing children.
- Set a budget before you arrive and bring it as cash. Treat it as the price of the afternoon, not money you expect back.
- Don't chase losses. Races come every half hour or so, and it's easy to keep going. If you've spent your budget, enjoy the rest as a spectator.
- Online betting isn't for short visits. Account and payment requirements vary; an on-site cash purchase is simpler for a short visit.
- Buy only through authorised channels. Legal boat-race betting is sold at the venues and official ticket shops. Anyone else offering to take your bet isn't one of them.
If betting stops being fun or you find it hard to stop, take a break and talk to someone you trust or a professional support service.
Planning your visit
| If your plan is... | Do this... | Avoid... |
|---|---|---|
| A first look at kyotei | Arrive around midday, watch two races before betting | Betting on the first race you see |
| An arrival-day afternoon | Drop your bags at base first, then head to Heiwajima | Bringing a suitcase to the stands |
| A morning before a late flight | The first few races, then back to base for your bags | Leaving insufficient time for baggage collection and airport check-in |
| The biggest atmosphere | A final day or a top-grade meeting | A non-racing day with only screens |
| Racing without betting | Watch the first turn from the rail by the water | Feeling you have to bet to enjoy it |
| Evening racing | Oi or Kawasaki horse racing under floodlights | Expecting night racing at Heiwajima |
Other things to know
- Check the calendar. Heiwajima races in meetings of several days. Look up the dates and the first-race time before you go.
- Bring cash. Betting machines take cash, and it helps you stick to a budget.
- Dress for the wind. The outdoor stands are right by the water and can be cold in winter; indoor seating is available.
- Travel light. Leave luggage at base rather than carrying it into the stands.
Staying near Haneda for Heiwajima
Stark House Haneda is a three-minute walk from Anamori-inari Station, two stops from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 on the Keikyu Airport Line. Heiwajima is a few stops up the Keikyu line with one change at Keikyu Kamata, so a live afternoon meeting may fit before a late flight if you allow for baggage collection and airport check-in. The private studios, about 20 m² each, are set up to sleep, cook and wash like at home.
You'll ride a few stops to the venue, and in return you're close to the airport and away from the city crowds.
Official websites
- Boat Race Heiwajima — race calendar, access and shuttle buses
- BOAT RACE official site — schedules and results for all venues
- Keikyu — Airport Line and Main Line timetables
More Tokyo and Haneda guides
- Tokyo Horse Racing Guide
- Places to Visit from Haneda Airport
- Tokyo, Kawasaki and Yokohama Eating Guide
Six boats, two minutes, one budget
Check the calendar, bring a set amount of cash, and watch the first turn. Even without a wager, the start and first turn are worth watching from the waterside rail.
Race dates, opening hours, shuttle-bus times and admission rules change. Confirm with Boat Race Heiwajima and the rail operators shortly before you go. The venue is named for information only; this guide is not affiliated with it. Betting is for adults aged 20 and over.