When we visited Japan in 2025, we were lucky to see the F1 race at Suzuka Circuit. Many famous drivers were there including Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. In addition, Red Bull had a Japanese driver, Yuki Tsunoda, and he had a lot of fans! Travel to Suzuka from Nagoya is quick by train to Shiroko station. From the station, there is a lengthy but organised queue to catch the shuttle. Then it’s a short bus ride and quite a long walk to the Suzuka F1 Circuit. Over 200,000 spectators attend, so it is very crowded.
Before the race started, we were able to ride one motorcycle roller coaster at Motopia, because my sister had been very organised and booked us fast passes. Then we had just enough time for quick F1 shopping and getting some food. Then we needed to walk to find our stand. We were in the general stands and it had been raining, so everything was a bit wet and muddy. However, we could see and hear the cars racing by so we enjoyed the experience. Over 200,000 spectators attend, so it is very crowded. If I go again, I think I would pay slightly more for a seat with a higher view.
Highlights
- Walking around the different viewing areas to see different parts of the course
- Driver interviews and parade. Don’t miss that because you can see them much more clearly than in the cars
- Motopia Amusement park is fun for kids and adults if you can get on a ride or two
- Food was a highlight because the fast food stands had a great variety including Japanese food, burgers, ice cream and more
- The official F1 store and company merchandise
Before you go
- For general or regular stands seating, go earlier to get a place
- Be prepared for a lot of walking
- Take rain poncho, waterproof blanket, seat cushions
- Bathroom facilities are limited and with long queues
- Food is available by the main grandstand and on the way to general areas. Have cash available
- Motopia amusement park is free for race attendees. Try to book fast pass online in advance as queues will be long. You may only have time for one ride before the races
- It is noisy so earplugs are a good idea
Transport
- To get to Suzuka from Nagoya, there are many trains to Shiroko Station. Just make sure you are on the correct platform and that you have booked a train and a seat in advance
- When you exit Shiroko station, you will be directed to queues for the shuttle bus. It is very organised and keeps moving but does take awhile. You can pay using cash or with Suica
Accommodation
- We stayed in Nagoya, which is where most people stay to go to the F1 circuit. Book in advance, as hotels can get full. Suzuka itself is very small so there did not seem to be a lot of accommodation nearby
- As usual I recommend checking reviews on Google Reviews or using AirBnB
Food
Who would have thought that we would get great food at the F1 race course?! Although we had to queue, we had so many options. There were Japanese and Western foods. I enjoyed the chicken yakisoba and tea-flavoured ice cream. If you wanted to splurge, you could order Wagyu beef.
The only recommendation is that you buy your food before you go to the stands, because it is a far walk. Also some places only accepted cash. Food was allowed in, so we also took some of our own snacks.
Near the Shiroko station, we passed a sashimi vending machine. We were tempted but didn’t try it!
FAQs
Q: Do I need a tour guide?
A: No, you can find your way around
Q: Do people speak English?
A: Yes, some people speak English, especially those who are helping to direct people to the F1 track
Q: Is it a walkable city?
A: Yes, but it would be a far walk from the station to the track, so I recommend using the shuttle bus
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