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
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.
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-running venues in the Formula One World Championship. The circuit also hosts a packed non-F1 calendar throughout the year, including the iconic Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race for motorcycles, the SUPER GT series, the Super Formula championship, and the marathon Suzuka 1000km event.
2026 Race Calendar
Planning a visit around a race? Here are the confirmed motorsport events at Suzuka Circuit for 2026:
March 27–29: Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix
April 18–19: Super Taikyu
May 23–24: Super Formula
July 3–5: Suzuka 8 Hours (Endurance)
August 22–23: SUPER GT
September 12–13: Suzuka 1000km
October 24–25: MFJ Grand Prix (Motorcycles)
November 21–22: JAF Grand Prix
Things to Do at the Suzuka Circuit
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 amusement park on site.
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 to see what might be on while you're in Japan.
F1 Grandstand Guide
If you're attending the Japanese Grand Prix, seat choice makes a big difference to your experience. Grandstand G (near the 130R corner) remains a fan favourite for its high-speed action, while grandstands closer to the start/finish straight offer the full atmosphere of race starts and pit lane activity.
For 2026, three-day grandstand tickets ranged from around ¥42,000 for the Fan Seat (Grandstand C) up to ¥105,000 for premium upper-level grandstands. Most popular grandstand categories sold out well in advance of race day, so book as early as possible if this is your reason for visiting.
Suzuka Circuit Park (Formerly Motopia)
Across the road from the circuit, visitors will find the Suzuka Circuit Park — a racing-themed amusement park perfect for the whole family. Rides include go-karts, a ferris wheel, and mini motorbikes, along with a water park open during summer with five pools.
Tips for Visiting the Suzuka Circuit
If visiting for a race, Grandstand G is the best spot for views of the infamous 130R corner, while grandstands near the start/finish straight give you the full atmosphere of race starts
The park is generally open from 9:00–9:30am, with closing times between 17:00 and 19:00 depending on the day and season — check the official calendar before your visit, as hours vary significantly.
Park Passport tickets (admission + unlimited rides) cost from ¥5,300 on weekdays and up to ¥6,800 on peak weekends for adults.
Be sure to dress wisely for the weather — bring a rain jacket or poncho for wet weather, or a hat and sunscreen for warm weather. The circuit is an exposed site with little natural shade.
If you're visiting on a race weekend, race-day shuttle buses operate between Shiroko Station (on the Kintetsu Nagoya Line) and the circuit entrance. These are not JR-operated, but they significantly reduce walking time and are worth using on busy event days.
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.
