BY CAR

If you're coming to the Suzuka circuit in your own or rental car, take advantage of the following tips and warnings:

General tips

Driving in Japan as a foreigner involves several considerations. First, regarding licensing, you can use an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country for up to one year. Ensure that Japan is listed among the valid countries on the permit.

When it comes to the rules of the road, it’s important to remember that driving is on the left side. This may take some adjustment if you are accustomed to driving on the right. Speed limits vary, with urban areas usually set at 40-50 km/h, rural areas at 50-60 km/h, and expressways at 80-100 km/h. Most road signs in Japan are in Japanese and English, but it is beneficial to familiarise yourself with common signs beforehand. More details about traffic rules in Japan can be found here.

Directions

From Tokyo

• Start at Tokyo: Get on the Shuto Expressway (C2) from your location.
• Take Tomei Expressway: Follow the signs to Tomei Expressway (E1) towards Nagoya.
• Continue on the Shin-Tomei Expressway: Take the Shin-Tomei Expressway (E1A) for a faster route towards Nagoya.
• Merge onto Isewangan Expressway: Merge onto Isewangan Expressway towards Yokkaichi.
• Continue on Higashi-Meihan Expressway: Merge onto Higashi-Meihan Expressway (E23) towards Yokkaichi.
• Exit at Suzuka IC: Take the Suzuka IC exit.
• Head towards Suzuka Circuit: Follow the signs for Suzuka Circuit.
• Approximate Distance: 400 km / 5 hours

From Osaka

• Start at Osaka: Get on Hanshin Expressway from your location.
• Take Meishin Expressway: Follow the signs to Meishin Expressway (E1) towards Kyoto/Nagoya.
• Merge onto Shin-Meishin Expressway: Take the Shin-Meishin Expressway (E1A) towards Yokkaichi.
• Continue on Higashi-Meihan Expressway: Merge onto Higashi-Meihan Expressway (E23) towards Yokkaichi.
• Exit at Suzuka IC: Take the Suzuka IC exit.
• Head towards Suzuka Circuit: Follow the signs for Suzuka Circuit.
• Approximate Distance: 150 km / 2 hours

From Nagoya

• Start at Nagoya: Get on Nagoya Expressway from your location.
• Take Isewangan Expressway: Follow the signs for Isewangan Expressway from Nagoya.
• Continue on Higashi-Meihan Expressway: Merge onto Higashi-Meihan Expressway (E23) towards Yokkaichi.
• Exit at Suzuka IC: Take the Suzuka IC (Interchange) exit.
• Head towards Suzuka Circuit: Follow the signs for Suzuka Circuit, which should be a short drive from the interchange
• Approximate Distance: 60 km / 1 hour

Parking

There are several parking lots and options around the circuit. For more information click here.