Do you remember what happened last time?
We got super excited and wrote an article saying, “There’s a real horse at Gardens!”
Then came the shocking twist: it was actually a “horse robot.” Yeah… we really messed that one up🙏
So this time, it looks like horses are coming to Hankyu Nishinomiya Gardens again on 3/1 and 3/2.
After what happened with the “robot horse” last time, here at Nishitsu we’re kind of hoping for a surprise like, “Could it finally be a real one this time?” So which will it be this time?
目次
The JRA Hanshin Racecourse Renewal Event “Naruhodo! PARK” is coming to Gardens!
For two days, March 1 (Sat) and March 2 (Sun), an event called “Naruhodo! PARK,” where you can experience the new attractions of Hanshin Racecourse, will be held at Nishinomiya Gardens!
Location and Date
Dates: March 1 (Sat)–2 (Sun), 2025
Time: 10:00–18:00
Address: 14-2 Takamatsucho, Nishinomiya City
By the way, it sounds like a similar event will also be held at Toki-no-Hiroba Plaza in Osaka Station from March 7 (Fri) to March 9 (Sun) (apparently in Osaka, you can ride the horse robot)
Here’s a roundup of what you can do at the horse event
① Hanshin Racecourse Facility Introduction Panels
A panel exhibition showing new ways to enjoy Hanshin Racecourse and what to look out for after its renewal on 3/1. The leaflet handed out at the venue apparently even comes with a horse papercraft, so it could be great for kids.
② Horse Robot & Mini Horse Robot
Here’s your chance to meet that incredibly realistic horse robot that even fooled Nishitsu!
- The horse robot and mini horse robot will welcome visitors side by side
- Unfortunately, there will be no riding experience at Nishinomiya Gardens (photos next to them are OK)
- A popular photo-worthy spot for social media that even small children can enjoy
③ Feed the Horse Challenge in the Stable
A mission where you have to weigh out a set amount of hay within 10 seconds! If you successfully get it to 500g, you’ll receive a “Hanshin Racecourse Gourmet Coupon”. Only 500 coupons will be available each day at Gardens, so you’ll probably want to try early!
④ Dirt Sandpit
A sandpit that recreates the dirt used in actual horse races! Since it uses real sand, kids will probably love it too. It might be a fun little discovery, like, “So this is what the racecourse track sand feels like!”
⑤ Racecourse Smell Exhibition
An exhibit where you can actually smell “horse-related scents” like saddlecloths, hay, and hoof care cream. It also sounds perfect for a funny story, like, “What does that even smell like!?”
⑥ Horse Stride Jump Challenge
A racehorse’s stride is about 7 meters! Try covering that distance with a standing long jump, and if your landing point lines up with matching numbers, you’ll get something called a Floating GI Thoroughbred as a prize. What is that, exactly?
⑦ Original Design Bouncy Playground
This is the kind of attraction where kids can play inside a bouncy playground for about 3 minutes! It seems to be for children ages 4 to 12. Looks like it could be pretty impressive.
⑧ Hoof Hopscotch
Apparently, the round hopscotch rings are designed like actual horse horseshoes. It has a playful touch and sounds fun!
Final Thoughts
Last year, I think there were only two horses, but this time it looks like the event will have quite a lot going on and should be pretty fun. Nishitsu still remembers the bitter lesson from a year ago, so we might go check things out for ourselves.
