Learn more about the trackside experience at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. Advice about entrance, trackside activities and on-track action at Suzuka Circuit.
- The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix is scheduled for April 4-6
- Tickets are now on sale via our trusted supplier
- F1 Experiences Ticket Packages are also recommended
- Join our Facebook group for Japan to connect with fellow fans & get travel advice
- 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.ย 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.ย For the first time in its history, the Japanese Grand Prix moves to a new calendar slot in April, 2024. The same calendar slot has been retained for 2025.
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. English commentary is available on FM86 during race weekend.
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: The circuit main gates have been 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. Other gates may open at slightly different times. Gate opening times are not yet confirmed for 2025.
- 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.
2025 Japanese Grand Prix Schedule
- On-Track Schedule: The full timetable of on-track events at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix will not be available until around 6-8 weeks before the race weekend. This post will be updated. The 2024 scheduled is posted below for information purposes.
- Support Categories: Not yet confirmed for 2025. (In 2024, Ferrari Challenge Japan and Porsche Carrera Cup Japan were the support categories)
- Thursday Opening: The circuit gates normally open at 08:30 on Thursday (allowing fans to take part in the pit lane walk, see below.) The Fanzone is also 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
- 08:30: Main Circuit Gates Open
- 09:00-12:00: Pit Lane Walk & Home Straight Walk (Open to all 3-day ticket holders)
Friday
- 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
- 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)
- 13:50-14:30: 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
- 08:00: Main Circuit Gates Open
- 09:40-10:15: 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
- 12:00-12:30: 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 (52 laps or 2 hours)
Fan Activities at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix
Not yet confirmed for 2025
A full program of F1 fan activities are held as part of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, including pit lane walks and a Fan Forum with F1 driver interviews on the main stage in the Fanzone.
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.
If you are going to stay around (and risk making your journey home via public transport more difficult), we really recommend attending the โEve Festivalโ 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: 2025 Japanese GP
Fan Activities are not yet confirmed for 2025. The below activities and times are presented for information purposes.
- Thursday, 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, 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, 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, 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 to Sunday, the main stage in the Fanzone also has 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 โEve Festivalโ 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 wonโt be confirmed until much closer to race weekend, though appearances wonโt finish later than 18:40 on Saturday night.
Tokyo F1 Fan Festival
After a successful first edition in 2023, Tokyo hosted another F1 Festival ahead of the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix. The event took 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, Frรฉdรฉric 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.
Details of the Tokyo F1 Fan Festival have not yet been confirmed for 2025
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!
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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
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.
Hi, me again. Is it possible to get onto the track after the race? Do you have any tips on this?
Thanks
Do you know what entertainment lineup is set for 2017.
Hello, we will update this post for 2017 closer to the race. In the meantime, you can check the circuit website for updates.
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………. )=
Any update?
Hi, we will update this page very soon!
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!
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.
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!
Hi Chan, you will be fine with the F1 Experiences tour. The number of people in each group is quite small, so you will not have any problems seeing everything. The access on these tours is incredible. I wrote a blog for F1 Experiences about our tour in Malaysia this year: http://social.f1experiences.com/inside-the-f1-paddock-with-f1-experiences
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?
Is there any chance of listening to radio live commentary during the race? Does the circuit offer any services?
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.”
Many thanks! Because the article provided information based on the 2017 race, I thought it was a good idea asking. Thank you
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!
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!
Thanks mate. This is great info that I couldnโt find otherwise. I was particularly looking to see if there was FM broadcast of English commentary. Thanks mate. Youโve made my day
Thanks Peter, hope you have a great weekend at Suzuka!
Will English FM radio still be available this year?
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~
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!
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
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.
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.
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!!
Thanks Eddy, I’m hoping to attend the race at Suzuka this year for the first time so this is useful info
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!
No the practice sessions are not free. You need to buy a ticket. If you have a 3-day ticket you can watch all the action from Friday to Sunday
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.
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
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
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
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
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!
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.
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 โ keep checking the circuit website. We will also update this page if there is any further information
Thank you Nick!
Hi! Planning to attend Suzuka this year. From what Iโm 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!
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
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!
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.
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?
I think these will be announced on the Suzuka website, but much closer to the race. Maybe 2-4 weeks beforehand.
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.
I think that’s fine, there’s no mention of bags not being allowed. No food and drink, however. And your camera lens shouldn’t be longer than 26cm. It’s all listed here.
What is the “Home Straight Walk”? Is it a free event?
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.
Hi Andrew,
Just wondering if there are any paid lockers or storage services for storing larger items such as baby stroller?
Thanks
I think there is a good chance that there are storage lockers as there’s a theme park right next to the circuit, but I cannot find out for sure. I think you should contact the circuit to check: https://www.suzukacircuit.jp/en/contact/
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.
Thanks, will update this post!
Best gate for C stand?
Check this link for more info – unfortunately, the map is only in Japanese. Looks like the 1st Corner Gate will be closest for Grandstand C.
Is there anyway I can listen to commentary in English over the weekend there?
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.”
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!
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.
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
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
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
I think it could be difficult. I don’t have info, but presumably it will be announced on the Suzuka website and social channels
Hi,
Do you know if thereโs a size limit for bags or somewhere to leave big bags? Iโm 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
The information on baggage storage service has been released by the circuit.
https://www.suzukacircuit.jp/f1/luggage/index.html
https://www.suzukacircuit.jp/eng/f1/luggage/index.html
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.
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
I checked the website of the circuit, but they introduce a local FM station only and no information on English commentary is shown.
I checked the website of the circuit, but they introduce a local FM station only and no information on English commentary is shown.