KEIRIN: Japan’s Unique Cycling Culture — Watch the World’s Only Public Bicycle Racing

Editor Hazuki Katayama

Having been familiar with bicycles since childhood, I began competitive cycling at the age of sixteen. Building on the experience gained through racing, I continue to share the appeal of cycling with others. My motto is “To seek out fascinating scenery.” I value not only speed, but also the landscapes and encounters discovered through each ride.

Did you know that one of the Olympic cycling disciplines was born in Japan?
That discipline is Keirin, a high-speed track cycling event whose name comes directly from the Japanese word KEIRIN(競輪).In international competitions such as the Olympics and UCI World Championships, Keirin is known for its explosive final sprint, where riders can exceed 70 km/h (43 mph). Few cycling events offer such raw speed and intensity.

But in Japan, KEIRIN has evolved into something even more distinctive: a professional sport combined with a public betting system, creating a spectator experience found nowhere else in the world.

This article introduces KEIRIN as a cultural experience—a fascinating blend of cycling, strategy, and Japanese sporting tradition.

 What’s the Difference Between “Keirin” and “Japanese KEIRIN Racing”?

Although they share the same origin, international Keirin and Japanese KEIRIN racing are not exactly the same.

International Keirin (Olympics & World Championships)

• Individual competition only
• No team tactics
• Victory depends purely on speed, positioning, and race instincts

Japanese KEIRIN Racing (Public Racing Events)

• Riders form informal “lines” (team formations) based on region or training background
• In the early laps, racers follow a pacer (a motorized derny or lead rider)
• When the bell rings for the final lap, the race shifts from tactical teamwork to an all-out individual sprint

There is also GIRLS KEIRIN, a women-only category that follows international rules with no team tactics, making it especially easy for first-time spectators to understand and enjoy.

What is “Public Betting” in Japan?

Gambling is generally prohibited under Japanese law. However, a few sports—including KEIRIN—are legally permitted as publicly operated betting events.

Japanese KEIRIN is organized by local governments, and its operations are strictly regulated by law. A portion of the revenue is reinvested into:

• Community development
• Social welfare
• International exchange programs

This system makes KEIRIN more than just a race—it’s a sport that actively supports local communities, reflecting a uniquely Japanese approach to public entertainment.

Keirin Velodromes Easy to Visit from Tokyo

There are 42 KEIRIN velodromes across Japan, many conveniently located for travelers. If you’re exploring Tokyo, these venues are easy to add to your itinerary:

 1. Matsudo Velodrome (Chiba Pref.)

Approx. 35 minutes from Tokyo Station

Beginner-friendly with exhibition spaces and galleries, making it easy to enjoy even if it’s your first KEIRIN experience.

 2. Tokyo Oval Keio-Kaku (Tokyo)

Approx. 40 minutes from Tokyo Station

Famous for night races and traditional food stalls, offering a nostalgic glimpse into classic Japanese KEIRIN culture.

3.  Kawasaki Velodrome (Kanagawa Pref.)

Approx. 40 minutes from Tokyo Station

Known for great food, frequent events, and as the home track of Mina Sato, a world-class women’s Keirin athlete.

How to Enjoy KEIRIN Racing as a Visitor

Watching the race alone is exciting—but you can also experience KEIRIN more deeply by purchasing a betting ticket, known as a shaken (車券).

Types of Bets (Beginner-Friendly)

• Win (Tansho 単勝）: Pick the rider who finishes first
• Quinella（Nishafuku 2車複）: Predict the top two riders (order-dependent or not)
• Trifecta（Sanrentan 3連単）: Predict the top three riders in exact order

For beginners, Quinella-style bets are popular because they’re easier to win and can be placed with small amounts.

 How to Buy Betting Tickets

Betting tickets (shaken, 車券) can be purchased at automated ticket machines inside the velodrome. Simply select the race number, type of bet, rider numbers, and the amount you wish to wager—it’s easy and straightforward, even for first-time visitors.

Collecting Winnings

After the race, winning tickets can be exchanged for cash at automatic payout machines. Tickets remain valid for a certain period, so you don’t need to rush.

Tips to Make Watching Keirin Even More Fun

Keirin becomes even more engaging when you pay attention to the tactical battles between riders and how they position themselves throughout the race. Before the start, checking the race program and noting riders from the same region or those forming a “line” (a loose team formation) will make it much easier to follow how the race unfolds. Keirin velodromes also offer a variety of venue-specific food and events, so taking a stroll around the grounds between races is highly recommended. In recent years, new ways to enjoy Keirin have emerged, including Japan’s first stadium-integrated hotel themed around “stay-and-watch Keirin,” KEIRIN HOTEL 10 by Onko Chishin, located next to a velodrome in Okayama Prefecture, expanding the experience beyond spectating into a truly immersive stay.

Experience Japan’s Cycling Culture Beyond Riding

KEIRIN is more than a race—it’s a living piece of Japanese culture.
As the origin of Olympic Keirin, it combines speed, strategy, and human drama in a way few sports can match.

When traveling in Japan, take a break from riding and step into a velodrome.
Whether as a cycling fan, a traveler, or a cultural explorer, watching KEIRIN offers a uniquely Japanese perspective on the world of cycling.

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO KEIRIN