Guide to Visiting the Suzuka Circuit

For racing fans, there’s possibly no more important place to visit in Japan than the Suzuka Circuit. This racing track is famous the world over for hosting the Japanese Grand Prix, along with many other motorsport races. Whether you’re coming to Japan for the Formula 1 or just feel like adding this racing attraction to your itinerary, you’ll want to know the best way to get there while travelling with a Japan Rail Pass.

Brief Background to the Suzuka Circuit

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Unless you’re already familiar with why Suzuka Circuit is such an important place in Japan, you may wonder why people would want to go there.

Well, the Suzuka International Racing Course as it’s formally known is probably the most historic racing circuit in the country. It’s located in Suzuka City in Mie Prefecture and was first opened back in 1962, making it the first international racing course anywhere in Japan.

Since 1987, the Suzuka Circuit has regularly hosted the Japanese Grand Prix, making it one of the longest used courses in the Formula One World Championship. The circuit has also been used for other races like the Suzuka 10 Hours Endurance Race and the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race for motorcycles.

Things to Do at the Suzuka Circuit

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There are really two main reasons for visitors to make a trip to the Suzuka Circuit. One is naturally to watch a race at the iconic speedway, but the other is to spend time at the fun and popular Motopia Amusement Park.

Watch Motorsport

Motorsport enthusiasts will no doubt want to see a race at the Suzuka Circuit during their trip to Japan given the chance. The circuit’s events calendar isn’t just limited to Formula 1 and is full of automobile and motorcycle races throughout the year. It’s best to look at the calendar before planning your visit if you don’t have a particular event in mind to see what might be on while you’re in Japan.

Motopia Amusement Park

Across the road from the circuit, visitors to the area will find Motopia Amusement Park. This racing-themed attraction is perfect for the whole family and includes rides and attractions meant for both young and old. Rides include go karts, a ferris wheel and mini motorbikes. Motopia is also home to its own water park open during the summer, where you can cool off in its five pools.

Tips for Visiting the Suzuka Circuit

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If visiting for a race you have your pick of grandstands to choose from, with Grandstand G the best spot for views of the infamous 130R corner.
Motopia Amusement Park is open daily from 10am and closes between 4pm and 5pm at different times of the week.
Tickets for the amusement park cost 2,000yen for adult admission and 4,800yen for adult admission and rides.
Be sure to dress wisely for the weather, either bringing a rain jacket or poncho for wet weather, or a hat and sunscreen for warm weather.

How to Get to the Suzuka Circuit with the JR Pass

Racing fans and tourists alike will be pleased to hear that it’s possible to reach the Suzuka Circuit using Japan’s fantastic network of trains and the JR Pass. The closest station to the circuit is Suzuka Circuit Inō Station, which is roughly 20 minutes walk away from the circuit and amusement park. Below you’ll find instructions on how to get there from the most popular destinations in Japan. Otherwise, you can play your journey there with Hyperdia.

From Tokyo

If arriving into Tokyo from Narita Airport, take the JR Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo Station. If arriving from Haneda Airport, you will have to buy a ticket for the private Keihin Express to Shinagawa Station.
From Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station take the Hikari Service on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen through to Nagoya Station. The journey will take a little less than 2 hours.
From Nagoya Station travel to Yokkaichi Station with the JR Kansai Line Rapid bound for Kameyama, which will take a little over 30 minutes.
From Yokkaichi Station take the private Ise Railway towards Tsu and alight at Suzuka Circuit Inō Station after 18 minutes. You will need to buy a separate ticket for this train.

From Kyoto

From Kyoto Station take the Hikari or Kodama Service on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station. The journey will take a little less than 1 hour.
From Nagoya Station travel to Yokkaichi Station with the JR Kansai Line Rapid bound for Kameyama, which will take a little over 30 minutes.
From Yokkaichi Station take the private Ise Railway towards Tsu and alight at Suzuka Circuit Inō Station after 18 minutes. You will need to buy a separate ticket for this train.

From Osaka

If arriving into Osaka at Kansai Airport, take the JR Haruka Airport Express to Shin-Osaka Station. The trip should take around 50 minutes.
From Shin-Osaka Station take the Hikari Service on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station. The journey will take a little over 1 hour.
From Nagoya Station travel to Yokkaichi Station with the JR Kansai Line Rapid bound for Kameyama, which will take a little over 30 minutes.
From Yokkaichi Station take the private Ise Railway towards Tsu and alight at Suzuka Circuit Inō Station after 18 minutes. You will need to buy a separate ticket for this train.