Did you know you can experience boat racing—also known as kyotei (競艇), or more formally kyōtei—right here in Tokyo?
In fact, Tokyo has not one but three boat race tracks: Heiwajima, Edogawa, and Tamagawa.
Yet surprisingly few travelers know this.
And among the three, the most impressive spot—not just for the racing, but for sheer entertainment value—is Heiwajima.
“Heiwajima.”
Chances are, the name doesn’t ring any tourist bells.
But this underrated corner of Tokyo is home to BOAT RACE Heiwajima, a fully functional boat race track.
Even better? It’s surrounded by karaoke joints, Don Quijote megastores, indoor trampoline parks, arcades, and more.
It’s not just a racecourse—it’s an entire adult playground that might take more than a day to explore.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything BOAT RACE Heiwajima (kyotei) has to offer—including what’s around it.
You probably won’t see any other foreign tourists here… which might be exactly what makes it one of the last hidden pockets of “real” Japan.
Whether you call it boat racing, kyotei, or kyōtei, this uniquely Japanese sport is a world of its own.
🔍 TIP
Curious about how boat racing (kyotei) actually works?
Check out our beginner’s guide here:
👉 Before You Visit a Boat Race in Japan: What You Should Know First
1. Overview of Heiwajima – Tokyo’s Hidden Playground for Grown-Ups
Heiwajima, located in Tokyo’s Ōta Ward, might not show up in your typical travel guide.
But in reality, it quietly functions as one of the capital’s best-kept secrets—a local playground for adults.
At the center of it all is BOAT RACE Heiwajima, a full-scale kyotei (boat racing) venue that hosts 12 races a day.
You can buy tickets for as little as 100 yen and enjoy the thrill of betting in a clean, no-pressure environment—yes, even as a beginner.
But what really sets the place apart is what’s around the racecourse.
Right next door, you’ll find BIG FUN Heiwajima, a sprawling entertainment complex.
It features karaoke, bowling, arcades, a trampoline park called “Tondemi,” and even a full-on natural hot spring spa.
Just across the street? Oi Racecourse, home to Tokyo’s horse races.
It’s a surprisingly well-equipped amusement zone just about 10 minutes from Shinagawa Station by train.
And yet—it’s still largely unknown to foreign travelers.
Even on weekends, you’ll see almost no tourists here.
That makes it one of the few areas in Tokyo that hasn’t been overtaken by tourism—a rare slice of local life.
While the area leans toward adult-focused entertainment, it’s surprisingly family-friendly if you split up smartly.
Let’s say mom and the kids head to Tondemi while dad enjoys a few races—everyone wins.
So if you’ve had your fill of shrines, temples, and scenic views…
maybe it’s time to dive into a different side of Japan: the local leisure life.
It may not appear in your guidebook, but Heiwajima is one of Tokyo’s underrated local gems—so under the radar that even some locals forget it’s there. And once you visit, you’ll wonder why it’s not packed with travelers.
2. How to Get to BOAT RACE Heiwajima
The easiest way to reach BOAT RACE Heiwajima is by train.
From Shinagawa Station, take the Keikyū Line to Heiwajima Station—it only takes about 10 minutes.
Once you exit the ticket gate, turn left. Then, almost immediately, turn left again.
You’ll be on your way toward the boat race venue.
From there, you have two options: walk or take a bus.
On race days, a free shuttle bus also runs from the station.
The photo shows the bus timetable: the green column is for the regular city bus (100 yen), and the brown column is for the free shuttle operated by the race venue.
※ Please note that the schedule may vary slightly depending on the season, so use it as a general reference.
If the weather is nice, walking is perfectly doable—it takes about 10 minutes on foot.
Along the way, you’ll pass Ōmori Shrine, a quiet neighborhood spot where you can even collect a goshuin (a traditional shrine stamp) if you’re into that.
As you get closer, you’ll spot the large complex of BIG FUN Heiwajima.
Once you see that, the racecourse is just around the corner.
You’ll walk past the front of BIG FUN and notice the sky-blue “Tondemi” logo—that’s your landmark.
Just nearby is the entrance gate to BOAT RACE Heiwajima.
To enter, simply insert a 100-yen coin into the gate’s slot.
(There is a change machine nearby, but it’s a good idea to bring a coin with you to avoid any hassle.)
3. Inside the Gates: Welcome to BOAT RACE Heiwajima
Let’s start with the main event—watching the races.
There are two main ways to enjoy it:
The first is the more comfortable option: watching from the indoor grandstands, where you’ll have a seat in an air-conditioned area.
Located on the higher floors (3rd floor for general seating, 4th floor for reserved seats), these stands offer a clear view of the entire course.
The second option? Go outside and get close to the water.
The sound of the roaring engines, the spray of the boats, and the raw energy of the crowd—you’ll feel it all.
The indoor stands are great, but we highly recommend stepping out at least once.
Just being separated by a pane of glass makes a huge difference in intensity.
How to Place Your Bets
Throughout the facility, you’ll find small desks with pens and betting mark sheets.
This is where you fill in your predictions using the mark sheet system.
Once you’re done, take your completed sheet to one of the many ticket machines—and we mean many.
You won’t have to search for them.
For detailed instructions, check the official English guide here:
👉 BOAT RACE – How to Bet (Official Site)
Getting Hungry?
Watching races builds up an appetite.
On the first floor, you’ll find a line of food stalls offering snacks and meals.
Many sell fried foods and light bites for takeout, and yes—some serve alcohol.
Just be careful not to let the drinks loosen your wallet too much. Betting and beer don’t always mix well.
The local favorite here is something called “Nikomi Rice” from a vendor named Ōkoshi.
It’s a hearty B-grade Japanese dish of beef offal stewed in a sweet soy-based sauce and served over rice.
Locals swear by it—and honestly, it pairs suspiciously well with beer.
After a few bites, you might forget you just lost your last bet.
That said… if you’re new to offal, brace yourself.
This dish is not for the faint of palate.
Other Amenities
A free drink station tucked in the back of the 1st-floor food area.
Coin lockers (availability may vary)—some can fit tall bags.
A smoking area located outside, in the back-right corner of the outdoor stands.
Races take place roughly every 30 minutes, so by the time you’ve watched one, placed your bets, and maybe grabbed a bite, the next race is already starting.
Time flies here—and before you know it, you’re at the final race.
There’s more to do in Heiwajima than just boat racing.
So plan your visit wisely and make a full day out of it.
4. Heiwajima: It’s More Than Just Boat Racing
BOAT RACE Heiwajima isn’t the only attraction here.
Right next door is BIG FUN Heiwajima, a full-scale entertainment complex packed with things to do.
So once you’ve had your fill of racing and betting, why not explore what else the area has to offer?
Here are some of the main attractions:
1. Tondemi – Indoor Trampoline Park
Bounce, climb, swing, and challenge yourself across a massive space designed for kids and adults alike. Great for families—or just letting off some steam.
2. Karaoke
Private karaoke booths where you can belt out your favorite songs (Japanese or English) in air-conditioned comfort. Open until late.
3. Onsen (Hot Spring Spa)
Yes, there’s even a full-scale spa. Soak in a hot bath, relax in a sauna, or treat yourself to a massage after a long day at the racecourse.
4. Gashapon (Capsule Toy) Area
Rows and rows of Japanese capsule toy machines—hundreds of them.
These aren’t just for kids; many are aimed at adults and collectors.
5. Don Quijote (Mega Discount Store)
Need quirky souvenirs? Snacks? A suitcase? Donki’s got it.
This massive, chaotic store is a cultural experience in itself.
And that’s not all.
BIG FUN also has a movie theater, a pachinko parlor, an indoor golf range, a game arcade, and multiple restaurants and cafés.
It’s not just a side attraction—it’s a full-blown playground for grown-ups.
👉 BIG FUN Heiwajima – Official Website (English)
5. After a Full Day of Fun, Take the Bus Back Like a Pro
Sure, you could take a leisurely walk back to the station, soaking in the post-race glow.
But let’s be honest—after a day this packed, the smart move is to hop on a bus and ride out in comfort.
If it’s a race day, you’ll find a free shuttle bus ready to take you back to Heiwajima Station.
The regular city bus is also available for just 100 yen, same as the trip there.
Do note: the free shuttle boarding point is about 20 meters closer to the race venue than the regular bus stop.
It’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
The image below shows the bus schedule.
Times marked with a circle (○) indicate free shuttle buses—available only on race days, of course.
6. Final Thoughts
Heiwajima is, without a doubt, not a typical tourist destination.
You won’t see it on the cover of guidebooks or topping any “Most Instagrammable Places in Tokyo” lists.
But if you’re the kind of traveler looking for something a little different, this might just be the perfect detour.
The heat of the races, the retro atmosphere, and the many grown-up pleasures packed into one area—it’s an experience all its own.
If any of this sparks your curiosity, don’t hesitate to add Heiwajima to your itinerary.
It may not be flashy, but it won’t let you down.
