Every year, thousands of Formula 1 fans from around the world travel to Japan for the legendary Japanese Grand Prix, held at the iconic Suzuka Circuit.
If you’re planning your trip, you might be wondering: Where should I stay? How do I get there? What else is there to do?
Here’s the insider tip most first-time visitors miss:
Stay in Nagoya and turn your F1 trip into a full Japan experience.
Article Contents
Why Stay in Nagoya for the F1 Japan Grand Prix?
Nagoya is the perfect base for the F1 weekend, and here’s why:
- More Hotels, Better Prices
Accommodation near Suzuka sells out fast. Nagoya offers a wide range of options, from budget stays to luxury hotels.
Check our full guide: https://www.nagoyaisnotboring.com/best-hotels-in-nagoya/ - Easy Access to Suzuka Circuit
Nagoya is well-connected, making daily travel to the race simple and efficient. - Food & Nightlife
Nagoya is one of Japan’s underrated food capitals, perfect after a long race day. - More Things to Do
Instead of just race → hotel → repeat, you’ll actually enjoy your time in Japan while you are in Nagoya.
How to Get to Suzuka Circuit from Nagoya
Getting to Suzuka Circuit from Nagoya is fairly straightforward.
Route
- First, take the Kintetsu Line from Nagoya
- Then, get off at Shiroko Station
- Finally, transfer to a shuttle bus to the circuit (you can access the shuttle bus schedule here. Busses start running from Shiroko Station from 7 A.M. on Thursday, March 26 and from 6:30 A.M. March 27-March 29, but in busy times, it can take up to one or two hours to board the bus, so be sure to get there early)
Travel Time
Around 1 to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can come via Kintetsu Line from Namba Osaka Station or by Shinkansen from Kyoto to Kintetsu Nagoya Station, where you’ll again take the Kintetsu Line to Shiroko Station before boarding the shuttle bus. It is an 80-minute walk from Shiroko Station to Suzuka Circuit, so you’ll want to make sure to catch the bus!
Tips
- Consider pre-loading your IC card (Suica/PASMO equivalent). These can be used on the shuttle bus to Suzuka Circuit, too.
- Leave early (before 7:00 AM on race day). The main gates open from 8:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 26 and from 8 A.M. on March 27-March 29.
Things to Do in Nagoya During the F1 Japan Grand Prix
Don’t just come for the race, Nagoya has a lot to offer. So many hidden gems and perfect as a base to explore the central Japan region.
Explore Cultural Highlights
Learn why Nagoya is the opposite of boring via its most important cultural sites. Stop by the historic Nagoya Castle, step onto the sacred grounds of Atsuta Shrine, or shop (and eat) till you drop in the Osu Shopping District.
No matter what your interests are, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this unique Japanese city.
Discover Nagoya’s Unique Food Scene
Nagoya is famous for bold, rich flavors you won’t find elsewhere in Japan:
- Hitsumabushi (grilled eel)
- Miso katsu (deep-fried pork with miso sauce)
- Tebasaki (Nagoya-style chicken wings)
Want to try them with a local guide?
These tours and experiences are perfect after a race day when you just want to relax and enjoy great food without planning.
- Nagoya Local Food Tour
https://www.nagoyaisnotboring.com/tour/nagoya-local-food-tour/
- Osu Street Food Walking Tour
https://www.nagoyaisnotboring.com/tour/street-food-walking-tour-of-osu/
Experience Nagoya at Night
After the adrenaline of F1, slow things down with a more local experience.
On our springtime edition of the Nagoya Sake Tasting and Izakaya Night Tour, you’ll have your first cheers at Mirai Tower during the NAKED sakura projection mapping experience, lighting up the city views with pink cherry blossoms.
Then, visit a nearby drinking alley, where you’ll taste regional sake and cuisine at several different izakayas, learning directly from locals along the way.
This is especially popular with international visitors looking for something authentic. Book here today!
Make the Most of Your Stay
If you have an extra day, don’t waste it figuring out logistics.
Consider joining our Nagoya Full-Day Private Tour, where you can learn about samurai history at Nagoya Castle, walk the sacred grounds of Atsuta Shrine, slurp on the local specialty of kishimen noodles, and slow down at Shirotori Garden.
This comprehensive tour is perfect for first-time visitors, allowing you to visit a mix of top attractions and hidden gems that you wouldn’t find on your own. Have any specific interests or requests? The private tour is fully customizable, giving you plenty of options to choose from!
Extend Your Trip Beyond F1
Nagoya is also a gateway to some of Japan’s most beautiful destinations. Once you tire of the circuit (pun intentional), why not check out some other destinations in and around Nagoya?
Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s oldest original castles in a town steeped in Samurai history and culture. Learn about it for yourself on our Samurai Culture Day Tour of Inuyama.
Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO-listed village of thatched houses that are especially scenic in the cherry blossom season. Sample the region’s comforting Hida beef cuisine on our Shirakawa-go Day Tour.
Takayama, is a preserved Edo-era town lined with wooden merchant houses and ancient shrines. Embark on a tour of a traditional sake brewery, where you’ll enjoy a sake tasting, feast on a local lunch, and visit the town’s most important shrines on our Takayama Day Tour from Nagoya.
Gujo Hachiman, a canal town straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. Shop for geta, traditional wooden sandals worn with a kimono, learn the traditional dance moves for the Gujo Festival at Gujo Museum, and more on our Gujo Hachiman Day Tour.
Tips for your trip to see F1
Seeing the Suzuka Circuit come to life via the Formula 1 Grand Prix is sure to be a memorable experience for you and your loved ones. Ensure a smooth-sailing trip with our suggestions below.
- Book accommodation 3-6 months in advance
- Reserve trains and tours early
- Plan at least 3-5 days to enjoy both F1 and Nagoya
Final Tips for F1 Travelers
- Bring cash for small vendors and transport
- Expect crowds, but also an amazing atmosphere
- Download offline maps just in case
- Stay flexible and enjoy the experience
Suzuka Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix
Dates: March 27-March 29, 2026
Entry Fee: Thursday tickets: from 5800 yen; Thursday & Friday package tickets: from 11,000 yen; West Area ticket: from 18,000 yen
Opening Hours: Depends on the day
Address: 7992 Inoucho, Suzuka, Mie 510-0295
Website | Google Maps
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