Attending the Japanese Grand Prix
Discussion
I'm in the process of arranging and pricing up a 3 week holiday to Japan in September of this year, and it would be amazing to end the trip with the Grand Prix at Suzuka, one of my all time favorites.
I'm assuming it's not a hugely attended race on PH given the distance to Japan, but has anyone on here been to Suzuka or could share any insights on travelling there, tickets (which aren't yet on sale) etc.
I was planning on going the first 3 weeks of September to snag that free bank holiday Monday, but with the race being at the end of the month I could always shift the holiday by a week. Suzuka circuit is about 1hr 40min from Osaka where I plan to stay for the latter part of my trip, so if I could get a car or arrange the transport it could be a very real, perhaps once in a lifetime opportunity.
Any advice welcome, thanks.
I'm assuming it's not a hugely attended race on PH given the distance to Japan, but has anyone on here been to Suzuka or could share any insights on travelling there, tickets (which aren't yet on sale) etc.
I was planning on going the first 3 weeks of September to snag that free bank holiday Monday, but with the race being at the end of the month I could always shift the holiday by a week. Suzuka circuit is about 1hr 40min from Osaka where I plan to stay for the latter part of my trip, so if I could get a car or arrange the transport it could be a very real, perhaps once in a lifetime opportunity.
Any advice welcome, thanks.
I went to Japan for a couple of weeks in October. Originally our timetable included the time when the Grand Prix was on and I was seriously thinking of going to it. In the end we changed our schedule.
If you are travelling about Japan then, as you probably know, invest in a Japan Rail pass. Their train system is amazing, everything runs to clockwork and really puts 'British Rail' to shame. Anyway, this website/app proved useful to us when travelling: http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
One of the things we ordered prior to our visit, which was brilliant, was a 'pocket wifi'. We got ours from here: http://www.globaladvancedcomm.com/pocketwifi.html
Japan doesn't have free wifi hotspots as you find in the UK. It saved me printing out loads of maps. It was sat waiting for us at the hotel when we arrived in Japan and when you leave you just put it back in the SAE and pop it in the post.
It's a fantastic country and I'm certain you'll have a brilliant time. I'm just jealous it's not me going over there. Sorry I can't offer more info on the F1 though.
If you are travelling about Japan then, as you probably know, invest in a Japan Rail pass. Their train system is amazing, everything runs to clockwork and really puts 'British Rail' to shame. Anyway, this website/app proved useful to us when travelling: http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
One of the things we ordered prior to our visit, which was brilliant, was a 'pocket wifi'. We got ours from here: http://www.globaladvancedcomm.com/pocketwifi.html
Japan doesn't have free wifi hotspots as you find in the UK. It saved me printing out loads of maps. It was sat waiting for us at the hotel when we arrived in Japan and when you leave you just put it back in the SAE and pop it in the post.
It's a fantastic country and I'm certain you'll have a brilliant time. I'm just jealous it's not me going over there. Sorry I can't offer more info on the F1 though.
Planet Claire said:
I went to Japan for a couple of weeks in October. Originally our timetable included the time when the Grand Prix was on and I was seriously thinking of going to it. In the end we changed our schedule.
If you are travelling about Japan then, as you probably know, invest in a Japan Rail pass. Their train system is amazing, everything runs to clockwork and really puts 'British Rail' to shame. Anyway, this website/app proved useful to us when travelling: http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
One of the things we ordered prior to our visit, which was brilliant, was a 'pocket wifi'. We got ours from here: http://www.globaladvancedcomm.com/pocketwifi.html
Japan doesn't have free wifi hotspots as you find in the UK. It saved me printing out loads of maps. It was sat waiting for us at the hotel when we arrived in Japan and when you leave you just put it back in the SAE and pop it in the post.
It's a fantastic country and I'm certain you'll have a brilliant time. I'm just jealous it's not me going over there. Sorry I can't offer more info on the F1 though.
Thanks, great information nonetheless If you are travelling about Japan then, as you probably know, invest in a Japan Rail pass. Their train system is amazing, everything runs to clockwork and really puts 'British Rail' to shame. Anyway, this website/app proved useful to us when travelling: http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
One of the things we ordered prior to our visit, which was brilliant, was a 'pocket wifi'. We got ours from here: http://www.globaladvancedcomm.com/pocketwifi.html
Japan doesn't have free wifi hotspots as you find in the UK. It saved me printing out loads of maps. It was sat waiting for us at the hotel when we arrived in Japan and when you leave you just put it back in the SAE and pop it in the post.
It's a fantastic country and I'm certain you'll have a brilliant time. I'm just jealous it's not me going over there. Sorry I can't offer more info on the F1 though.
I'm very excited at the prospect as you can imagine, I'm sure F1 or no F1, if I do manage to get over there I'll love it.
We’ve committed to going to Suzuka next year as our main holiday. Mrs Chev went to Japan lots of years ago and adores the place so our plan will be similar to yours – three weeks holiday with the GP incorporated. It’s worth noting that for the last couple of years, MotoGP at Motegi and WEC at Fuji have been on adjacent weekends so I imagine we’ll end up at one of those as well.
I think for anything in Japan I’d be tempted to speak to one of the tour operators. As I understand it, Suzuka is a bit out on a limb so a pre-booked hotel in the area might be your best bet. I’ve used Grandstand Motorsports for several foreign trips and they’ve always been great.
I’m very jealous – enjoy!
I think for anything in Japan I’d be tempted to speak to one of the tour operators. As I understand it, Suzuka is a bit out on a limb so a pre-booked hotel in the area might be your best bet. I’ve used Grandstand Motorsports for several foreign trips and they’ve always been great.
I’m very jealous – enjoy!
I went a few years ago, race day only... there is a train direct from the main station in Tokyo to the circuit. It was an early train but it's all prebooked seats and as is often stated, they run like clockwork.
There was a lot going on around the stadium and plenty of food stalls etc.
I was lucky, I had three weeks with everything planned by my bother-in-law's secretary who organised everything to last the last detail. I needed this because when you get there it becomes tricky at times to use public transport. If you can get hold of an agency that can help with the planning I'd highly recommend it.
Japan is bonkers but I would move there in a shot...It's bloody expensive too. And top tip...quick way through any crowds is to just start blowing your nose...they hate that and move away from you
There was a lot going on around the stadium and plenty of food stalls etc.
I was lucky, I had three weeks with everything planned by my bother-in-law's secretary who organised everything to last the last detail. I needed this because when you get there it becomes tricky at times to use public transport. If you can get hold of an agency that can help with the planning I'd highly recommend it.
Japan is bonkers but I would move there in a shot...It's bloody expensive too. And top tip...quick way through any crowds is to just start blowing your nose...they hate that and move away from you
Nearest city is Nagoya - Toyota is based there and there's also a museum.
Commuter train will take you to the circuit - about 40mins IIRC. Trains run like clockwork - and if you think commuting to London is bad its nothing like being literally being packed in like sardines during rush hour because platform staff will try to squeeze as many onto a train!
Commuter train will take you to the circuit - about 40mins IIRC. Trains run like clockwork - and if you think commuting to London is bad its nothing like being literally being packed in like sardines during rush hour because platform staff will try to squeeze as many onto a train!
I did exactly this in 2013. Likely anything I can tell you will be the same as what others have said, but happy to chip in and I'll make it brief, best I can.
Book your hotel at Nagoya online asap - the rates do go up a lot during race weekend. Nagoya is about 2 hours by bullet train from Tokyo and is a pretty lively city at night - well worth exploring. After the race I would recommend heading another hour to Kyoto if you have not already done it on your trip.
There are race trains from the station going to Suzuka Ino station (for the circuit) which is about 25 minutes walk from the circuit itself. If I recall they went every 40 minutes or so on the Saturday and Sunday, however you will have to queue on the platform and you might not catch the first one. You can reserve a seat, but that doesn't really mean so much as the trains get so packed you can't make your way to your (already taken) seat anyway. I would recommend getting to Nagoya station around 8am or so.
If you want to do the race on the cheap then the seats inside 130R are just fine (it is such a fast corner) and are about £70 for the weekend, but there are no TV screens at that point. The personal WiFi as linked above is a great option however, and mine worked faultlessly at the circuit, so I watched the race online on my tablet. If you have more cash to splash the best seats we found were on the Q stand - I estimate you can see the cars for about 30 seconds in different parts of the track there. If I went again that is where I would be sitting.
The food there is great, relatively cheap and varied. Do take advantage of one of the towels that are on sale there - the locals have the right idea hiding under them in the scorching sun - honestly, it gets really hot so take the sun cream.
After the race at about 5pm they open up the main grandstand and they will show the whole race again on the big screens, and plenty of people stay to watch it - no point rushing back as the trains will be packed. Handy hint is that before the bridge at the station, to the right, are some stairs leading up to what looks like a house. This is actually a fantastic Chinese restaurant and we spent until 9pm or so there each night until the queues for the train dissipated. A lot of the crews go there and we even bumped into Kamui in the bar there.
The big wheel is free to ticket holders so go on it. Oh, and wear some race gear, even if it isn't your thing you'll feel a bit left out as they all dress up well. The fans really know their stuff and don't believe all that 'the Japanese fans are crazy' stuff that you see on TV here - Sky had a camera crew at the main gate and spent most of their time encouraging the crowd to yell at the camera.
You'll have a wonderful time.
Book your hotel at Nagoya online asap - the rates do go up a lot during race weekend. Nagoya is about 2 hours by bullet train from Tokyo and is a pretty lively city at night - well worth exploring. After the race I would recommend heading another hour to Kyoto if you have not already done it on your trip.
There are race trains from the station going to Suzuka Ino station (for the circuit) which is about 25 minutes walk from the circuit itself. If I recall they went every 40 minutes or so on the Saturday and Sunday, however you will have to queue on the platform and you might not catch the first one. You can reserve a seat, but that doesn't really mean so much as the trains get so packed you can't make your way to your (already taken) seat anyway. I would recommend getting to Nagoya station around 8am or so.
If you want to do the race on the cheap then the seats inside 130R are just fine (it is such a fast corner) and are about £70 for the weekend, but there are no TV screens at that point. The personal WiFi as linked above is a great option however, and mine worked faultlessly at the circuit, so I watched the race online on my tablet. If you have more cash to splash the best seats we found were on the Q stand - I estimate you can see the cars for about 30 seconds in different parts of the track there. If I went again that is where I would be sitting.
The food there is great, relatively cheap and varied. Do take advantage of one of the towels that are on sale there - the locals have the right idea hiding under them in the scorching sun - honestly, it gets really hot so take the sun cream.
After the race at about 5pm they open up the main grandstand and they will show the whole race again on the big screens, and plenty of people stay to watch it - no point rushing back as the trains will be packed. Handy hint is that before the bridge at the station, to the right, are some stairs leading up to what looks like a house. This is actually a fantastic Chinese restaurant and we spent until 9pm or so there each night until the queues for the train dissipated. A lot of the crews go there and we even bumped into Kamui in the bar there.
The big wheel is free to ticket holders so go on it. Oh, and wear some race gear, even if it isn't your thing you'll feel a bit left out as they all dress up well. The fans really know their stuff and don't believe all that 'the Japanese fans are crazy' stuff that you see on TV here - Sky had a camera crew at the main gate and spent most of their time encouraging the crowd to yell at the camera.
You'll have a wonderful time.
That's brilliant pal, really appreciate it 
I'm gonna have to start doing some serious (provisional) itinerary planning. There's a lot I want to see and do if I get over there, but it's a case of arranging where to go and when. Flights seem easy enough to and from Tokyo - via Turkey seems to be cheapest by quite a margin.
Then it's just a case of accommodation and transport. But I'm really quite eager to include the Grand Prix now, thanks guys
I'm gonna have to start doing some serious (provisional) itinerary planning. There's a lot I want to see and do if I get over there, but it's a case of arranging where to go and when. Flights seem easy enough to and from Tokyo - via Turkey seems to be cheapest by quite a margin.
Then it's just a case of accommodation and transport. But I'm really quite eager to include the Grand Prix now, thanks guys
chevronb37 said:
We’ve committed to going to Suzuka next year as our main holiday. Mrs Chev went to Japan lots of years ago and adores the place so our plan will be similar to yours – three weeks holiday with the GP incorporated. It’s worth noting that for the last couple of years, MotoGP at Motegi and WEC at Fuji have been on adjacent weekends so I imagine we’ll end up at one of those as well.
I think for anything in Japan I’d be tempted to speak to one of the tour operators. As I understand it, Suzuka is a bit out on a limb so a pre-booked hotel in the area might be your best bet. I’ve used Grandstand Motorsports for several foreign trips and they’ve always been great.
I’m very jealous – enjoy!
Suzuka hasn't got a good rep amongst fans who travel to races, I think the location is a big part of that. I think for anything in Japan I’d be tempted to speak to one of the tour operators. As I understand it, Suzuka is a bit out on a limb so a pre-booked hotel in the area might be your best bet. I’ve used Grandstand Motorsports for several foreign trips and they’ve always been great.
I’m very jealous – enjoy!
markcoznottz said:
chevronb37 said:
We’ve committed to going to Suzuka next year as our main holiday. Mrs Chev went to Japan lots of years ago and adores the place so our plan will be similar to yours – three weeks holiday with the GP incorporated. It’s worth noting that for the last couple of years, MotoGP at Motegi and WEC at Fuji have been on adjacent weekends so I imagine we’ll end up at one of those as well.
I think for anything in Japan I’d be tempted to speak to one of the tour operators. As I understand it, Suzuka is a bit out on a limb so a pre-booked hotel in the area might be your best bet. I’ve used Grandstand Motorsports for several foreign trips and they’ve always been great.
I’m very jealous – enjoy!
Suzuka hasn't got a good rep amongst fans who travel to races, I think the location is a big part of that. I think for anything in Japan I’d be tempted to speak to one of the tour operators. As I understand it, Suzuka is a bit out on a limb so a pre-booked hotel in the area might be your best bet. I’ve used Grandstand Motorsports for several foreign trips and they’ve always been great.
I’m very jealous – enjoy!
i always stayed in Tsu near Suzuka when i did the races there. It's nice enough, few hotels, bars and restaurants etc.
There is a little train from Tsu that goes to Suzuka, for not much money at all (like a couple pounds). Takes maybe 20 minutes (few stops along the way). From the train station at the other side, it's a 25 minute walk up the hill to the track. It's been a good couple years since i was there so I can't remember how late it runs in the evenings, you'll have to look up the timetable.
There is a little train from Tsu that goes to Suzuka, for not much money at all (like a couple pounds). Takes maybe 20 minutes (few stops along the way). From the train station at the other side, it's a 25 minute walk up the hill to the track. It's been a good couple years since i was there so I can't remember how late it runs in the evenings, you'll have to look up the timetable.
Bump!!
Well, a year on, I've managed to book flights for 3 weeks in Japan for October this year!
Fortunately, this matches up with the Japanese Grand Prix. So my plan is to arrive in Tokyo on October 2nd, do 5 days in the city (including day trips) then on the Friday evening, bullet train down to Nagoya for my second stop.
From Nagoya I can travel into Suzuka on the Saturday and Sunday for the F1, do a few days there before continuing down to Kyoto / Osaka for my second week.
So, I'm looking at ticket prices, seems one can only buy full weekend tickets and not individual days? Anyway, prices ranging from £100 to £500, I guess I'd be happy to split the difference o attend quali and race.
So any new information or advice anyone can offer, much appreciated. Best place to watch from? Ideally a location with a screen opposite as any commentary will be in Japanese I would assume.
Cheers guys.
Well, a year on, I've managed to book flights for 3 weeks in Japan for October this year!
Fortunately, this matches up with the Japanese Grand Prix. So my plan is to arrive in Tokyo on October 2nd, do 5 days in the city (including day trips) then on the Friday evening, bullet train down to Nagoya for my second stop.
From Nagoya I can travel into Suzuka on the Saturday and Sunday for the F1, do a few days there before continuing down to Kyoto / Osaka for my second week.
So, I'm looking at ticket prices, seems one can only buy full weekend tickets and not individual days? Anyway, prices ranging from £100 to £500, I guess I'd be happy to split the difference o attend quali and race.
So any new information or advice anyone can offer, much appreciated. Best place to watch from? Ideally a location with a screen opposite as any commentary will be in Japanese I would assume.
Cheers guys.
Yeah I'll be doing at least a few days in Kyoto to visit the temples and takes trips out to the sights.
Flights was the first thing to arrange, now I want to get F1 tickets arranged while there's still good availability.
I'll more than likely get the JR Pass, though I've read that I might need to pay an upgrade to travel on certain trains / lines, but there's express trains to Suzuka on F1 weekend.
Just trying to figure out which grandstands have videoscreens now... S-curves and Dunlop are looking good so far.
Flights was the first thing to arrange, now I want to get F1 tickets arranged while there's still good availability.
I'll more than likely get the JR Pass, though I've read that I might need to pay an upgrade to travel on certain trains / lines, but there's express trains to Suzuka on F1 weekend.
Just trying to figure out which grandstands have videoscreens now... S-curves and Dunlop are looking good so far.
[quote=_MIKE_]I will also be there for the F1 weekend so let me know how you get on with tickets.
[/quote]
Well I had 3 tabs open to compare prices - official F1 site, Suzuka Circuits seller, and BookF1.
BookF1 were mid-way on price, but their reputation is good so I went with them.
Came to £439 total for B2 Upper, which is the upper tier of the turn 1 grandstand.
[/quote]
Well I had 3 tabs open to compare prices - official F1 site, Suzuka Circuits seller, and BookF1.
BookF1 were mid-way on price, but their reputation is good so I went with them.
Came to £439 total for B2 Upper, which is the upper tier of the turn 1 grandstand.
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