The Japanese Grand Prix is held annually at the iconic Suzuka Circuit, located in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture. Fortunately, Suzuka is one of the most accessible circuits in the world via public transportation. Here are the best options and tips for getting there.

Train Options

Closest Train Stations to Suzuka Circuit:

1. JR Line (via Ise Railway):

• Suzuka Circuit Ino Station
  • Walking distance to the circuit
  • Trains that usually pass this station make a special stop on the race day
  • No elevator or escalator
  • No bus service available

2. Kintetsu Line:

• Shiroko Station
  • Most common route for visitors
  • Regularly served by shuttle buses and reserved buses
  • Barrier-free station with elevator/escalator access
• Hiratacho Station
  • About a 1-hour walk to the circuit
  • No bus service available

Reserved Buses and Shuttle Buses options

In recent years, the F1 organizers have partnered with travel agencies and bus companies to operate reserved direct buses from various train stations, including Shiroko. These buses offer a guaranteed seat and a comfortable ride. However, be aware that traffic can get heavy near the circuit, and delays are common.

Stations with Reserved Bus Services Include:

• Nagoya Station (Shinkansen connection)
• Sakae (Nagoya)
• Kanayama (Nagoya)
• Gifu Station
• Gifu-Hashima Station (Shinkansen connection)
• Kameyama Station
• Kasado Station
• Tsu Station
• Shiroko Station
• Kyoto Station (Shinkansen connection)
• Shin-Osaka Station (Shinkansen connection)

Getting there

From Tokyo & Nagoya

If you’re coming from Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya. From Nagoya, your main options are:

1. Kintetsu Express Train to Shiroko Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus.
   • The transfer at Shiroko is smooth, and lines move quickly.
   • You can also purchase a seat reservation for a more comfortable limited express train.
   • Shuttle bus tickets can be purchased on-site before boarding.
   • Taxis from Shiroko station are also available but may be affected by traffic.
   • Kintetsu Nagoya timetable
   • Extra train information
2. Reserved Bus from Nagoya Station, Kanayama, or Sakae
   • Most comfortable option with guaranteed seating.
3. JR (Japan Railway) Option:
   • Take a JR Kansai line direct train from Nagoya to Suzuka Circuit Ino (runs 1–2 times per hour)
     • Rapid “Mie”
     • Limited Express “Nanki”
     • Limited Express “Suzuka Grand Prix”
     • Special rapid trains (extra for race days)
     • These trains make special stop at Suzuka Circuit Ino for the race days
   • Take a local or rapid train (bound for Kameyama or Yokkaichi) to Yokkaichi Station then transfer to an Ise Railway train.
     • Ise Railway is running multiple special trains between Yokkaichi, Suzuka Circuit-Ino and Tsu
   • Be prepared for crowded trains, especially the rapid “Mie” and special rapid trains from Nagoya.
   • Reserved seats are available on the “Nanki” and “Suzuka Grand Prix” limited express trains.
   • JR Kansai line timetable
   • Limited Express “Suzuka Grand Prix” and Special trains information (PDF translation required)

You can bypass Nagoya by taking the direct bus (reservation required) from Gifu-Hashima station.

From Osaka

1. Kintetsu Limited Express to Shiroko, then shuttle bus (most common option)
2. Kintetsu Limited Express to Tsu, then a reserved bus to the circuit
3. Kintetsu Limited Express to Tsu, then transfer to Ise Railway and get off at Suzuka Circuit Ino
4. Direct reserved bus from Shin Osaka station to the circuit
5. Shinkansen to Nagoya, then:
   • JR to Suzuka Circuit Ino
   • Kintetsu to Shiroko, then shuttle bus
   • Direct reserved bus
6. Chartered train from Osaka and Kyoto stations to Tsuge station followed by a direct bus to the circuit (reservation required)

From Kyoto

1. Take Kintetsu Limited Express (similar to coming from Osaka but requires a transfer at Yamato-Yagi)
   • to Shiroko, then shuttle bus (most common option)
   • to Tsu, then a reserved bus to the circuit
   • to Tsu, then transfer to Ise Railway and get off at Suzuka Circuit Ino
2. Shinkansen to Nagoya, then:
   • JR to Suzuka Circuit Ino
   • Kintetsu to Shiroko, then shuttle bus
   • Direct reserved bus
3. Direct reserved bus from Kyoto Station
4. Chartered train from Osaka and Kyoto stations to Tsuge station followed by a direct bus to the circuit (reservation required)

Accommodation Options

There are limited accommodation choices near the Suzuka Circuit. The best option is to stay in Nagoya, where you’ll find a wide range of hotels and vibrant nightlife.

Other nearby cities to consider:

• Yokkaichi
• Tsu
• Kuwana

These cities are all within reasonable commuting distance to the circuit and may offer more availability during race weekend.

Conclusion

Getting to Suzuka Circuit is surprisingly straightforward. Whether you’re coming from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, or Kyoto, a variety of train and reserved bus options make the journey easy and convenient. With the right route, you’ll be all set to enjoy one of F1’s most iconic races—without the hassle.