Trackside at Suzuka – 2024 Japanese Grand Prix

Learn more about the trackside experience at the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix 2024. Advice about entrance, trackside activities and on-track action at Suzuka Circuit.

  • The 2024 Japanese Grand Prix is scheduled for April 5-7. 
  • Tickets are now on sale. Prices start from 120 for 3-day access.
  • F1 Experiences Ticket Packages are also on sale. Choose from grandstand seats or upgrade to trackside hospitality with exciting insider activities at Suzuka
  • Join our Facebook group to connect with fellow fans & get advice about attending the Japanese GP
  • Images © F1Destinations.com. The Editor attended the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix.
  • This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links

After being absent from the F1 calendar for two seasons, the Japanese Grand Prix made a welcome return to Suzuka in October 2022. However, with entry restrictions still in place due to COVID-19 (and only removed after race weekend), the vast majority of those in attendance were local fans rather than international fans. Last year’s edition of the Japanese Grand Prix was the first open to both local and international fans since 2019, and saw the biggest F1 attendance at Suzuka since 2006. With so much recent F1 history and an incredible atmosphere courtesy of the fervent local fans, a trip to the Suzuka circuit is on the bucket list for many F1 fans. The circuit is a little out of the way, but the trip is worthwhile. Just pay attention to our tips below and come prepared! The good news is that the Suzuka website offers lots of useful information in English for fans visiting the track; we have included plenty of links to relevant pages below. For the first time in its history, the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix moves to a new calendar slot in April. F1 session times have now been confirmed and are listed below.


Be Prepared For a Day at Suzuka

It’s worth getting organized before travelling to Suzuka. Aside from food and F1 merchandise, there are no convenience stores at the circuit or the Suzuka Inou train station. (There are shops and ATMs at the Shiroko train station, but opening hours are limited and you may not get what you need.) Make sure you have sufficient cash, as well as other useful items such as sun cream, a hat, umbrella or wet weather gear. You’ll be walking a lot at Suzuka, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Click the image to download a full size PDF

Suzuka Circuit: Entrance & Orientation

  • Entrance Gates: Eight gates provide access to the circuit (see map above). It pays to check the closest entry gate to your grandstand or you may have a substantial walk of up to 3km. The main gate is closest to the grandstands on the final corner (Q1-2, R, S) and pit straight grandstands (V1, V2). The main fanzone at Suzuka is also located right in front of the main gate.
  • Circuit Opening Times: In 2023, the circuit was open from 10:00-16:00 on Thursday (more info below), 08:00-19:00 on Friday, 08:00-20:00 on Saturday and 08:00-19:00 on Sunday. Times above are for the Main Gate. Other gates may open at slightly different times. Only Main gate opening times are confirmed for 2024 at this stage.
  • Entry Restrictions (Prohibited Items): The Japanese are a polite, law abiding race of people. Read about Better Manners ‘for a more pleasant spectator experience’ at Suzuka including a list of prohibited items at the circuit – you are not allowed to bring in any food or drink, and camera lens cannot be longer than 26cm. 


2024 Japanese Grand Prix Schedule

  • On-Track Schedule: The full timetable of on-track events at the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix has been confirmed and is listed below. For further updates, visit f1.com.
  • Support Categories: In addition to the Formula 1 action, Ferrari Challenge Japan and Porsche Carrera Cup Japan will also be racing at Suzuka on 2024 Japanese Grand Prix weekend.
  • Thursday Opening: The circuit gates open at 08:30 on Thursday, April 4 (allowing fans to take part in the pit lane walk, see below.) The Fanzone will also be open on Thursday with available food/drink concessions and merchandise stands.
  • Post-Race Track Invasion: Only fans seated in the V1 or V2 grandstands on the Main Straight can enter the track for the podium ceremony. All other fans can access other parts of the track (with the exception of the Main Straight) after the race
  • Pit Lane Walks: Holders of 3-day tickets for the race can access the pit lane on Thursday morning and Saturday evening, more details below. F1 Experiences runs a pit lane walk for selected guests on Thursday afternoon. During the race weekend, guests in the F1 Paddock Club can take part in daily pit lane walks on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
  • Fan Activities: More information is provided below. The main fan activities, which are open to all 3-day ticket holders unless stated otherwise, are listed in the timetable below.

Thursday, April 4

  • 08:30: Main Circuit Gates Open
  • 09:00-12:00: Pit Lane Walk & Home Straight Walk (Open to all 3-day ticket holders)

Friday, April 5

  • 08:00: Main Circuit Gates Open
  • 09:00-09:45: Ferrari Challenge Japan – First Practice Session
  • 10:00-11:00: Paddock Club – Track Tour & Pit Lane Walk
  • 11:30-12:30: Formula 1 – Free Practice 1 (FP1)
  • 13:00-13:45: Porsche Carrera Cup Japan – Practice Session
  • 13:55-14:35: Paddock Club – Track Tour & Pit Lane Walk
  • 15:00-16:00: Formula 1 – Free Practice 2 (FP2)
  • 16:30-17:00: Ferrari Challenge Japan – Qualifying Session

Saturday, April 6

  • 08:00: Main Circuit Gates Open
  • 10:20-10:50: Porsche Carrera Cup Japan – Qualifying Session
  • 11:30-12:30: Formula 1 – Free Practice 3 (FP3)
  • 13:10-13:45: Ferrari Challenge Japan – First Race (30 minutes + 1 lap)
  • 14:00-14:30: Paddock Club – Track Tour & Pit Lane Walk
  • 15:00-16:00: Formula 1 – Qualifying
  • 16:30-17:30: Paddock Club – Track Tour & Pit Lane Walk
  • 17:25-18:10: Eve Festival (See below for more information, including eligibility)
  • 18:25-18:55: Kids’ Pit Lane Walk (See below for more information, including eligibility)
  • 19:25-20:30: Night Pit & Home Straight Walk (Open to all 3-day ticket holders)

Sunday, April 7

  • 08:00: Main Circuit Gates Open
  • 09:45-10:20: Ferrari Challenge Japan – Second Race (30 minutes + 1 lap)
  • 11:05-11:40: Porsche Carrera Cup Japan – Race (10 laps or 30 minutes)
  • 11:55-12:55: Paddock Club – Track Tour & Pit Lane Walk
  • 11:50-12:20: Formula 1 – Drivers’ Parade
  • 13:30-13:43: Acrobatic Air Show
  • 13:46-13:47: National Anthem
  • 14:00-16:00: Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix 2024 (52 laps or 2 hours)

Fan Activities at the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix

A full program of F1 fan activities finally returned to Suzuka during last year’s Japanese Grand Prix weekend, including pit lane walks and a Fan Forum with F1 driver interviews on the main stage in the Fanzone. The good news is that these activities are also planned for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.

Both of the pit lane/home straight walks are open to all holders of 3-day tickets for the race, while the Eve Festival is restricted to V1/V2 grandstand ticket holders, and the Kids Pit Lane Walk is also restricted, see below.

All 2024 activities are also listed on the Suzuka website.

If you are going to stay around (and risk making your journey home via public transport more difficult), we really recommend attending the ‘Eve Festival’ on Saturday night, especially if you have seats in the V1/V2 grandstands (see picture above). Whilst Suzuka has several pit lane walks, it should be noted that these are not held at the best times, when the teams are most active (e.g. doing pit stop practice). 

Fan Activities Timetable: 2024 Japanese GP

  • Thursday, April 4, 09:00-12:00: Pit Lane Walk & Home Straight Walk (Open to all 3-day ticket holders. A chance to walk in the pit lane and on the starting grid)
  • Saturday, April 6, 17:25-18:10: Eve Festival (Interviews with F1 drivers on Main Straight & on the GP Square Official Stage in the Fanzone after qualifying. Free entry to anyone with a V1/V2 grandstand seat, but you must be seated at least 1 hour before the Eve Festival begins. For those who do not have a V1/V2 reserved seat ticket, a separate numbered ticket is required.)
  • Saturday, April 6, 18:25-18:55: Kids Pit Lane Walk (Only children of junior high school age or younger and their companions can participate if they have an F1 race ticket. Participating children must be ticket holders; up to 2 guardians per child under junior high school age.)
  • Saturday, April 6, 19:00-20:30: Night Pit & Home Straight Walk (Open to all 3-day ticket holders. A chance to walk in the pit lane and on the starting grid, after dark!)

GP Square Official Stage – F1 Driver Interviews

From Friday April 5 to Sunday April 7, the main stage in the Fanzone will also have special guest appearances. The F1 drivers normally appear in team groups on either Friday evening or Saturday evening. The Saturday evening appearances are split between the GP Square Official Stage and the Main Straight (see details of ‘Eve Festival’ above). Also appearing will be some of the F1 team principals, as well as ex-F1 drivers from Japan and other local F1 personalities. Exact times for F1 team/driver appearances won’t be confirmed until much closer to race weekend, though appearances won’t finish later than 18:40 on Saturday night.

Tokyo F1 Fan Festival

After a successful first edition in 2023, Tokyo will host another F1 Festival ahead of the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix. The event takes place on April 2-3 at the Roppongi Hills Arena in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo.

Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo and home driver Yuki Tsunoda are the four current drivers who’ll be appearing at the event. Team principals Christian Horner, Frédéric Vasseur, Laurent Mekies and Ayao Komatsu will also be at the event, as will former driver Jean Alesi and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

A number of classic F1 cars will be on display – including the 1964 Honda, the 1988 Williams and the 2000 Ferrari – along with this year’s Red Bull and RB cars. Further information is available on the Suzuka circuit website.

Food & Drink at Suzuka

There is a good selection of food and drink available at Suzuka with reasonable prices, though few vendors take card payments – bring cash. Expect to pay approx. 250 yen for water and soft drinks ($1.70 USD), 500 yen for beers ($3.50 USD) and 1000-2500 yen ($6-16 USD) for meals. Choose from Japanese or Western food, including noodles, rice dishes and hamburgers. The best food choices are behind the main grandstand, but there are smaller concessions around the circuit. Free water refill stations are located around the circuit, but not in abundance or well signposted. Be aware that some vendors did run out of drinks and food later in the day at Suzuka during the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

Ferris Wheel & Special Stage

Three-day ticket holders get free rides on the iconic Ferris Wheel at Suzuka and it’s a must-do at the circuit. The views are spectacular, even if there is no on-track action at the time. Thursday is probably the best day to take a ride, as there are no queues. The GP Square area behind the main grandstand is the center of activity on Grand Prix weekend. In addition to being the place to go for the best food, drink and merchandise, there is also a stage with concerts and F1 driver appearances throughout the weekend.

Been to Suzuka? Leave a comment with your trackside tips!

67 thoughts on “Trackside at Suzuka – 2024 Japanese Grand Prix”

  1. Hey Andrew – Great info on this site , i was watching the suzuka web page and i can’t find anything about what are the things you can get and not to the circuit.

    I was searching for food and beverage , could it be possible to enter food (Sandwiches) and beverages in backpack to the racetrack?

    My first f1 race , no idea

    Thank you very much , Regards

    1. Hi Richard, thanks for the compliment! You should be fine taking in your own food to the track. Drink is less clear, but at least one bottle of water or other non-alcoholic drink should be ok. The trackside food and drink is actually not that bad, nor too expensive, but the queues at peak times can be a problem.

  2. Hi, me again. Is it possible to get onto the track after the race? Do you have any tips on this?

    Thanks

  3. best reliable information I ever found on web!! thank you soooooo much for the info, making ticket purchasing much easier (purchased via your website, got V2 tickets)!

    now I’m wondering how to get to the destination tho… my partner and I will fly into and stay in Osaka (bad idea??). We hope to attend the Thursday morning track/ pitlane walk too. Wondering if you have any good information about traffic (Kintetsu Railway or something)? I’m having serious troubles in understanding the rail map/ figuring out what tickets to buy………. )=

  4. Hi there, is it possible to get just one ticket for a day? My fiance will be in Japan that week for his job, but only available on Saturday to go. Thanks!

    1. Hi, single-day tickets are only on sale for Friday, sorry. He could take his chances on the day, but I don’t know how successful he will be in getting a reasonably priced ticket.

  5. Hi I’m planning to get the package that includes the pitlane walk/tour around the track/etc but was wondering how hectic it is in pitlane walks? I am a relatively short guy (5’2″ lol) and was worried I might not be able to enjoy the pitlane walk, let alone see the teams/drivers in the garages, as I might easily get devoured by the crowed. Any tips for a short guy like me to enjoy pitlane walks and make the most of my money spent on the package? Thanks!

  6. hi
    I want to offer my husband an F1 experience, but I am undecided between the championship experience and the F1 Paddock Premier club. I would like you to advise me between the two, which would better?
    the first is to be in champions club and the second the first day in paddock club and The obter 2 days in stand B2 upper seating. I want to know is which of the two places I see the race better.
    my husband is a karting and off-road driver and I would also like to offer him a ride on the track with the ferrari or the Mercedes amg. him to drive. is it possible? How can I do it? Who should I contact?

    1. Hi Alessio, maybe you should read the post again! The information is there: “trackside commentary is being offered in English this year for the first time! Tune in to 87.5 FM on your own device or rent a radio at the track.”

      1. Many thanks! Because the article provided information based on the 2017 race, I thought it was a good idea asking. Thank you

  7. Hello!

    Great page that has offered me lots of help! I will be attending the Japanese Grand Prix this year, I have a West Area ticket and will be alone, so I was hoping to bring my own food in so I don’t have to eave and lose my spot as I will have no one to keep it for me.

    Do you know if it is permitted to bring in your own food? Thanks!

    1. Thanks James! According to the Rules and Manners document, you are not allowed to bring food and drink into the circuit. I cannot say how closely this is checked on entry. I’d probably take the risk of packing a sandwich and bottle of water!

  8. Thanks mate. This is great info that I couldn’t find otherwise. I was particularly looking to see if there was FM broadcast of English commentary. Thanks mate. You’ve made my day

  9. Hello~
    Thank you for the very detailed information.
    Regards the Thursday pit lane walk, is it available for all 3-day tickets holders? No matter which section I seat? And does everyone get the chance to join the autograph lottery? Thanks~

    1. Yes, all 3-day ticket holders can join the pit walk and track walk. And yes, everyone will get a ticket for the autograph lottery. Good luck!

      1. Do you know if this was still true in 2023? F1 experiences is selling a pit lane walk with their cheapest 2024 packages, but if the walk is open to GA on Thursday the ticket does not seem as worth it

        1. Hi, I worked with F1 Experiences in Japan this year. The public pitlane walk on Thursday was in the morning, from 9:00-11:30, when the pitlane was less active. By contrast, the F1 Experiences pitlane in the afternoon (16:00-17:00, from memory) was much busier. The teams were doing practice pitstops, and plenty of drivers were around. Several stopped to sign autographs and pose for selfies. As part of the Thursday activities for F1 Experiences, you also get to do a lap of the track on the flatbed truck, and also get your photo taken with the championship trophies.

  10. Pit lane walk is spritted in proper population, so you may need to que up but once get in, enojgh time and not so crazy in population…but almost no chance to see drivers as well getting autographs.

    More chance to get autograph is main straight walk(same session as pit lane walk), some of teams/drivers go to track walk, then you mau have chance to meet them when comming back to pit lane…it is just by chance.

    Concerning Food & Drinks, I have been to Suzuka in 10years but never see they check your backpack.
    But do not trust me as regulation can be changed. Foods are easily available with reasonable price, and it is big motivation of Suzuka citizens welcomming F1 event, so I wish you encourage then by purhasing your lunch there.
    Especially Sunday, I recommend you to buy food early or late. Noon time is crisis.

    You can kill your time by going to “GP Square”, back of main grand stand, many marchadise, promtion booths are there, as well as several talk show on the main stage, almost all drivers, some of regend drivers appear and have a talk.

  11. great article, thanks…. full of good information …maybe I missed it but just in case it wasn’t mentioned, there are tunnels I think three (3) at Suzuka for fans to cross under the track at different points around the circuit. it saves a lot of time when making your way around to different corners and track positions. I haven’t been since 1996 and at that time it was a bit challenging for a foreigner to book a hotel room, if you have a Japanese friend or maybe the manager of your current hotel outside of Tsu city. Ask them to give the local hotel a call and explain that you are neat, quiet, and polite. it doesn’t hurt to have a few simple phrases too like “kagi oni ga-shimas” ( key please) too……have a wonderful time…. great track, deep Honda History. Kampai!!

      1. Hi Andrew, can you please confirm the practice sessions are free and do not require a ticket? I cannot find that info anywhere else and this is my first F1 race. Thank you!

          1. This site mentions “Free Fridays” in which fans can sit in any grandstand.

            https://f1experiences.com/blog/maximise-your-trip-to-japanese-grand-prix

            You’re saying you still need to buy a ticket to enter the grounds? Any recommendations for tickets? Viagogo.com has tickets, but from what I understand, I need to pick up the tickets in a convenience store in Suzuka after purchasing them online. Is this correct? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

          2. Free Friday just refers to the fact that the grandstands are open on Friday. You still need a ticket to enter the circuit grounds. As for your question about Viagogo, I cannnot help you with that. Sorry

      2. Hi Andrew, looking at going to the race next year with my wife and our soon to be born child. They’ll be 8 months old. That aside, what are the best seats/views/recommended areas to try to get seats? Knowing the above info a covered area would probably be ideal for either sun or rain. Thanks

        1. Hi Mike, best of luck with the birth of your child! I’d really not recommend bringing such a young baby to F1. It’s too loud and also very difficult getting to/from the circuit etc with a stroller. If you are determined to go, I think you really need to choose the V2 grandstand – this is the only one covered, and it’s opposite the pits. It’s also the most expensive. Also close to fanzone and facilities. Alternatively, you could go for hospitality like the Champions Club above the pits, which is run by F1 Experiences

  12. Hi,
    Do you know if the Pit Lane Walk on Thursday will take place and at what times this year? I cannot find it on the official website

    1. Nicky Haldenby

      Sorry Megan, there’s no news on the pit lane walk at Suzuka yet. Hopefully we’ll get confirmation of whether or not it is going ahead soon. In the meantime, keep checking the circuit website. We will also update this page if there is any further information!

  13. Hi Andrew,
    Thank you so much for the information.
    Any news about the pit walk for any ticket holder?
    I have general admission arriving on Thursay and I haven’t found any official information in regards of that.

    1. Nicky Haldenby

      Sorry, no news on pit lane walk at Suzuka yet. There have been pit lane walks at other races this year but no confirmation for the Japanese Grand Prix. Hopefully there will be news soon – keep checking the circuit website. We will also update this page if there is any further information

  14. Hi! Planning to attend Suzuka this year. From what I’m hearing, Thursday public pit lane walk is only available if you have the 3-day ticket? And will I be able to buy tickets directly on the Suzuka circuit website? I imagine they will start selling tickets on their own website first, before any resellers, right? Thanks!

    1. Hello, yes normally all 3-day ticket holders can attend the pit lane walk on Thursday. Yes, you can try and buy direct via the Suzuka website when they go on sale. Resellers can be a back up if you miss out

  15. Hi, I’m planning to go to the JapanGP this year and have already booked a hotel for the weekend! regarding the tickets, do all 3 day ticket holders have access to thursday-monday events? my goal is to get V2 tickets, but this is my first f1 race so I’m also not sure what to expect. Do you know how fast the V1-2 seats tend to sell out once released by the suzuka circuit website or F1 tickets website?
    Also, regarding the ferris wheel, do you know if you can see the track from the top of the ferris wheel? it says that the ferris wheel is right behind the grand stand seats but I don’t see it in any photos so I’m assuming that it’s not that tall.
    Thanks, this post really helped!

    1. Yes, all three-day ticket holders should be able to attend the additional events on Thursday and Monday – but we still need to wait for such activities to be announced for 2023. I expect V2 will sell out quickly, but if you get them on or soon after May 14, it shouldn’t be a problem. We will also have tickets in our shop for Japan from May 14. As for Ferris Wheel, I don’t have personal experience, but I think you can see the track quite well. I believe it’s located closer to the final corner, with views of the pit entry.

  16. Thanks for this guide. It’s very informative. Already booked a hotel in Nagoya for this.
    How and where do they announce the additional events for Thursday and Monday?

  17. Are bags allowed into the Suzuka circuit? I have a small camera bag that is not transparent that I’d like to take for my camera gear.

    1. It’s just a chance to walk down the start-finish straight, and yes, normally it’s free to 3-day ticket holders. Not yet announced if it will happen in 2023.

  18. Hi Andrew,
    Just wondering if there are any paid lockers or storage services for storing larger items such as baby stroller?
    Thanks

  19. I imagine you probably already know, and are just awaiting official announcment, but Japanese F1 GP 2023 is on the Porsche Carrera Cup Japan schedule for 2023. Probably safe to say that will be the support race again for this year.

    1. Sorry I missed this comment, I was at Suzuka myself working so was pretty busy over the weekend. For future reference, I found this review on Reddit:
      “We learned there is an English (and Japanese) commentary broadcast by a local FM station: Suzuka Voice FM. You’ll need to bring an FM radio that tunes to 78.3 MHz (or 86.0 MHz for English as I read elsewhere), which likely means a Japanese market radio or a multi-band/shortwave radio with that coverage. You’ll also want earphones with good noise isolation or cancellation because otherwise you won’t be able to hear the radio over the noise of the racing. We didn’t get the chance to get an FM radio, but we would try to get one next time.”

  20. looking into an F1 experience starter package for this race next year and wondering what advantages it would give me over just a regular 3 day ticket? trying to research why I would need to spend the extra money, thanks!

    1. Hi Nicole, Starter gives you some additional activities on Thursday at the track, as well as the three-day grandstand seat. I was there at Suzuka this year working with F1 Experiences:) You will have a pit lane walk, guided tour of the track and also a photo with the championship trophy. This year, our guests saw lots of drivers, some of whom even stopped for selfies and autographs.

  21. Hi, any info on how much time I should allow to get to Nagoya Sunday after the race? I want to book a train from Nagoya to Tokyo that night.
    Thanks
    Jezz

    1. Hi Jezz, I personally wouldn’t be booking a train from Nagoya to Tokyo until at least 9pm on Sunday night. It can be time consuming to get back to Nagoya after the race

  22. Great article! Do you have any tips in how to how to get these Eve Festival tickets for those who don’t hold V1V2 Tickets? Thanks

  23. Hi,
    Do you know if there’s a size limit for bags or somewhere to leave big bags? I’m going to be travelling and am only passing through for one day so will not have anywhere to leave my bag (a 55l backpack) so am quite unsure about what to do with it.
    Thanks

  24. Suzuka Circuit has several coin lockers. The size of the biggest ones is 80cm x 36cm x 48cm (The charge per one day is 400 JPY). The size of the smallest ones is 37 cm x 37cm x 41 cm (The charge per one day is 200 JPY).
    In previous GP weekends there used to be a checkroom for F1 audience, but the information on checkrooms for this year is not announced yet.

  25. I know there have been comments earlier in this post re FM radio coverage of English commentary. But seems to relate to pre pandemic times. Any firm info of FM radio for 2024? Thanks

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