Information checked: August 26, 2026
Japan’s BOAT RACE—formerly commonly called kyotei—is a regulated public sport in which six compact hydroplanes race three laps around a closed water course. Its signature flying start, color-coded boats and fierce first-turn battle make it very different from rowing, yacht racing or offshore powerboating.
A local-government public sport
BOAT RACE is conducted by local-government and other authorized organizers under the Motorboat Racing Act. There are 24 official venues across Japan. Part of the proceeds supports local finance and public-interest projects through organizations including The Nippon Foundation. It is therefore not a casino directly operated by Japan’s national government.
Six colors, three laps and a flying start
The six boats always use the same visual order: 1 white, 2 black, 3 red, 4 blue, 5 yellow and 6 green. They race counterclockwise for three 600-meter laps, a total of 1,800 meters. An inside course generally has a shorter route to the first turn, but rider skill, motor performance, entry formation, wind and waves can change the result.
“Flying start” does not mean an early start is allowed. Each boat must cross the line after the clock reaches zero and within the following one second. Crossing early is Flying (F); crossing more than one second late is Late (L). The boat withdraws and tickets involving it are refunded. Watch the start and lap exhibitions—BOAT RACE’s equivalent of pre-race inspection—to compare turning and straight-line performance.
Bet types and buying with cash
Tickets start at ¥100. Win selects the first boat; Quinella selects the first two in either order. Exacta, Trio and Trifecta require more precise combinations, with Trifecta selecting the first three in exact order.
- Confirm the venue and race number.
- Mark the bet type, boat number or combination, and amount.
- Insert the card and cash into an official machine.
- Check the printed ticket immediately. A completed purchase cannot be cancelled.
TELEBOAT online voting requires registration and a compatible bank account, so on-site cash purchase is often simpler for a short-term visitor. Set a small fixed entertainment budget before choosing a ticket.
BOAT RACE Heiwajima: address, access and admission
| Address | 1-1-1 Heiwajima, Ota City, Tokyo 143-0006 |
|---|---|
| Access | About 10 minutes on foot from Omorikaigan or Heiwajima Station on the Keikyu Line. Free buses run from JR Omori and Keikyu Heiwajima stations on live home-race days |
| Admission | ¥100 on live Heiwajima race days. The external sales facility, Heiwajima Theater, has free entry |
| Opening | Normally 10:00; twilight meetings are generally 11:00. The 2026 summer schedule from May 3 through August 31 opens at 11:00. Major graded meetings may differ |
| Closed | No fixed weekly closing day; check the official race calendar |
| Recommended | First-turn area, exhibition runs, outdoor sound and spray, and local racecourse food |
A 90-minute first-visit plan
- Confirm the calendar says a live Heiwajima home meeting.
- Collect the free beginner booklet from the first-floor information desk.
- Watch the start and lap exhibitions; learn the six colors and first-turn line.
- Watch one race without a ticket. If you choose, try ¥100 on Win or Quinella in the next.
- Keep the ticket until the result is official and use the correct payout machine if it wins.
Age limit, refunds and responsible participation
- You must be 20 or older to buy a BOAT RACE ticket. Venue entry and ticket eligibility are separate rules.
- Wind, waves or an official safety decision can cause cancellation, postponement or refunds.
- Winning and refunded paper tickets are valid for 60 days; confirm which official facilities can process your ticket.
- Winnings may be taxable in Japan depending on amount and purchasing pattern.
- Never increase spending to recover a loss; treat any purchase as a limited leisure expense.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit without betting?
Yes. For ¥100 on a live race day, you can watch exhibitions, first-turn tactics and the venue atmosphere without buying a race ticket.
Do races run in the rain?
They often do, but strong wind, waves or unsafe conditions can change or cancel a program. Check the same-day official notice.
Is Heiwajima convenient from Haneda Airport?
It is on the Keikyu side of southern Tokyo. Heiwajima Station is reachable from the airport area, followed by about a 10-minute walk or an event-day bus; confirm train service and the race calendar before planning a layover visit.
Official sources: BOAT RACE English basics / Heiwajima facility information / Access