How do I get from Tokyo to Mobility Resort Motegi?

Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya (50 minutes), then a race weekend shuttle bus or hire car 65 km east to the circuit (approximately 75 minutes). Total journey: around 2 hours. Alternatively, hire a car from Tokyo and drive via the Ken-O Expressway — 130 km, approximately 2 hours.

What is the weather like at the Japanese MotoGP in October?

Early October at Motegi is excellent — warm days (18–24°C), cool evenings (10–14°C), and often clear autumn skies. The kōyō (autumn foliage) season begins in the surrounding hills, giving the circuit a stunning backdrop. Rain is possible but October is generally drier than the summer months in the Kanto region.

Which airport is best for the Japanese MotoGP?

Both Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda (HND) work well. Narita has more international long-haul connections; Haneda is closer to central Tokyo (35 min vs 60 min). From central Tokyo, take the Shinkansen north to Utsunomiya, then connect to the circuit. A JR Pass (purchased before departure) covers the Shinkansen leg.

Is Tokyo worth visiting during race weekend?

Absolutely — Tokyo is one of the world's great cities and the Japanese GP is an ideal opportunity to explore it. The combination of Motegi race weekend with 2–3 days in Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Ginza) makes for one of the best trips on the entire MotoGP calendar. Arrive Thursday, explore Tokyo Thursday–Friday, travel to circuit Saturday–Sunday.

What makes Mobility Resort Motegi special for MotoGP?

Motegi is Honda's home circuit — built, owned, and operated by Honda in Tochigi Prefecture. The teardrop layout features the iconic V-Corner (Turn 9), a long slow right-hander that destroys rear tyres and determines race strategy. Japanese fans are among the most passionate and knowledgeable in the world. Racing in Japan in October, with kōyō colours on the hillsides, is a unique motorsport experience.

What Japanese food should I try at Motegi?

At the circuit: look for Tochigi gyoza (pan-fried dumplings — Utsunomiya is Japan's gyoza capital), nikumaki onigiri (rice balls wrapped in thin pork), and ramen from regional stalls. In Tokyo: ramen (tonkotsu, shoyu, miso — each distinct), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers under railway arches), sushi (from kaiten conveyor belt to proper omakase), and izakaya pub dining with beer and sake.

💡 MotoGP · Motegi

Motegi Race Weekend Tips

Motul Grand Prix of Japan · 2026-10-04

Essential Tips

Early October at Motegi sees the first hints of kōyō (紅葉) — the Japanese autumn foliage season. The hills surrounding the circuit turn amber and red. Temperatures are perfect: warm days (18–24°C), cool evenings (10–14°C). Pack a light jacket for the grandstands after sundown. This is one of the most beautiful times of year in Japan.

IC card for Tokyo public transport

Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at any Tokyo station (or download Suica to Apple Wallet before you land). Tap on, tap off for all Tokyo Metro, JR, and bus journeys — no need to buy tickets each time. Load ¥3,000–5,000 for a day in Tokyo. IC cards also work at convenience stores, vending machines, and many restaurants.

Visit Nikkō on Monday after the race

Nikkō is one of Japan's most spectacular sights — a complex of Edo-period shrines and temples in forested mountain valleys 60 km west of the circuit. The **Tōshō-gū** shrine (1634, UNESCO World Heritage) is extraordinary. Allow a full day. From the circuit, it's under an hour by hire car; from Tokyo, it's 2 hours by Tobu Nikkō Line. The combination of Motegi race weekend + Nikkō Monday is a perfect Japan itinerary.

V-Corner is the defining viewing spot

The **V-Corner** (Turn 9 — a long, slow right-hander on the back section of the teardrop) is where Motegi races are won and lost. Riders must scrub speed aggressively to navigate the 50m radius corner, and tyre wear here determines strategy. Find a grandstand with a view of V-Corner for the most tactically interesting race perspective.

Japanese etiquette — a few basics

Japan is easy to navigate once you know the basics: remove shoes when entering private spaces (look for a step up at the entrance), don't eat or drink while walking (stand still or sit down), queue patiently and don't push, avoid loud phone calls on trains, and carry small cash — many smaller restaurants and shops are cash-only. The Japanese race fans around you will appreciate any effort at politeness.

Convenience stores are extraordinary

Japanese convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) are not like Western ones. They sell excellent food: **onigiri** (rice balls, dozens of varieties), **nikuman** (steamed pork buns), **tamago sando** (egg sandwiches), freshly brewed coffee, and proper hot meals. Cheaper than restaurants, open 24 hours, on every corner. A 7-Eleven onigiri at Motegi circuit during qualifying is a very Japanese race weekend experience.

Circuit Facts

Capacity

60,000

Circuit

Mobility Resort Motegi

First MotoGP

1999

Lap

4.801 km

Location

Motegi, Tochigi

Turns

Motegi Race Weekend Tips

Essential Tips

Circuit Facts

FAQ