Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2011

In light of the recent tragic events, Boat Race Heiwajima has canceled all races and closed Heiwajima Kyotei Theater until the end of March. We apologize for any inconvenience caused, and look forward to working with Metropolis in the near future. Thank you for your cooperation

You’ve pinballed your way through pachinko and you’ve played out the ponies. Now it’s time to bet on the boats. Mark your calendars: March 26 is Metropolis Boat Race Day at Heiwajima Boat Race Stadium. Thirty lucky readers will be invited to enjoy the action-packed kyotei boat races, a short-course spectacle that’s been thrilling faithful crowds for more than 50 years.

After gathering at the stadium’s main gate, the Race Day winners will be met by an English-speaking representative from Metropolis. The tour kicks off with a visit to the pit area, where the racers—men and women ranging in age from their late teens-60s—spend precious hours caring for their “battleships.” Check out the serious atmosphere—maintenance is the key to whether a racer will win or lose, so setting up the boat is crucial. Each craft has the same design and uses the same motor; the only upper hand a racer is allowed is to customize the propeller, fit out the engine, or replace parts. Guests will also be given the chance to board an actual race boat, located outside the stadium, and discover the challenges of sitting in it seiza-style—just like competitors must do during the race.

Next up comes an overview of the massive stadium, where the guests will meet the “forecasters.” For a small fee, these lively gentlemen offer predictions about how each of the racers will do in upcoming heats—and from the throngs of faithful fans surrounding them, they have a solid take on the situation. Guests can, of course, place their own bets, which start as low ¥100. With racers easily identified from their color-coordinated togs and with English-language assistance available, all that’s left is to collect the winnings!

The tour will also take in the stadium’s grandstand, which seats some 25,000 spectators. But the lucky Metropolis Race Day winners will be ushered straight into the comforts of the Guest Room, which is not open to the general public and offers some of the best seats in the stadium. Plush yellow sofas and an unobstructed view provide a heightened experience as the six racers zoom three times around the 600-meter course.

To encourage guests and their families and friends to return to the races, Heiwajima Boat Race Stadium is offering all winners a complimentary three-month pass to the Guest Room, as well as a free ticket to the Heiwajima Natural Hot Spring. This onsen, which is part of the Big Fun Heiwajima amusement complex adjacent to the stadium, is a massive collection of saunas and open-air baths. You’ll also find restaurants, game centers, discount stores, a cinema, bowling alley and a wholesale supermarket.

So don’t miss your chance to be a part of Metropolis Race Day at Heiwajima Boat Race Stadium. You’ll enjoy not just the thrilling races and VIP treatment, but you’ll also get the chance to win back your train fare—and lots more.

1-1-1 Heiwajima, Ota-ku. Tel: 03-3768-9200. Open 9:50am (9:30am for reserved seats). www.heiwajima.gr.jp

Free shuttle bus service available between 9:30am-10:40pm (including non-race days) from Omori Kaigan or Heiwajima stations on the Keikyu line, and between 9:30am-3:30pm (race days only) from bus terminal No. 4 at Omori station on the Keihin-Tohoku line. A ¥100 bus service is available between 3:30-9:10pm (race days only) and 9:40am-9:10pm (non-race days) from Omori station. Check the race calendar on the website (Japanese only), as race days vary each month.

*We will notify winners via email. Once the number of applicants reaches capacity, the offer will be closed. Betting card subject to fees. Persons under 20 years of age prohibited from purchasing betting cards. Boat Race Heiwajima, Metropolis and other parties accept no responsibility for any accidents on the day.