Suzuka Circuit

Suzuka Circuit is one of Japan's most celebrated motorsport venues, located in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture. Opened in 1962, the circuit was designed by Dutchman Hans Hugenholtz and built by Honda as a testing facility for their racing vehicles. It gained international prominence when it began hosting the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix in 1987, and has remained a cornerstone of the F1 calendar for most years since. The circuit's unique figure-eight layout, where the track crosses over itself via an overpass, makes it one of only two such designs in international motorsports and a particular favorite among professional drivers.

The 5.807-kilometer track features 18 challenging corners including the famous 130R high-speed bend and the technical Spoon Curve. Beyond Formula One, Suzuka hosts the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance motorcycle race, considered one of the most prestigious events in motorcycle racing, as well as Super GT and Super Formula championships. The circuit represents a significant part of Japan's automotive culture, showcasing the nation's engineering prowess and passion for motorsports.

Visitors can experience the circuit through various activities depending on the season. During race weekends, grandstand tickets provide access to watch world-class motorsports, with the main grandstand offering views of the start/finish line and pit lane. On non-race days, the Suzuka Circuit Park operates as a motorsports-themed amusement park featuring go-karts, a driving school, and rides themed around racing. The Racing Theatre offers a behind-the-scenes look at the circuit's history, while the pit walk experiences allow visitors to walk on the actual track surface during select periods.

The circuit is accessible from Nagoya, approximately 50 kilometers away. Visitors can take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Nagoya Station to Shiroko Station, followed by a 20-minute bus ride directly to the circuit. During major race events, direct shuttle buses operate from Nagoya Station. By car, the circuit is located near the Higashi-Meihan Expressway, with ample parking available for ¥1,000-¥2,000 depending on the event. General admission to the circuit park starts at around ¥1,800 for adults, while Formula One race tickets range from approximately ¥7,000 for general admission to over ¥100,000 for premium grandstand seats.