Check for Peace of Mind! ‘Suzuka 8 Hours Spectator FAQ’

Access to the Venue

How to get there by train from Nagoya?

There are two routes. Choose 1 if you want to take a bus from the nearest station, or 2 if you have the energy to walk.
 
1. Kintetsu Line + Bus
From Kintetsu Nagoya Station, take a train that stops at "Shiroko Station." It takes about 50 minutes by express train, or about 40 minutes by limited express (additional limited express fee required).
 
After getting off at Shiroko Station, exit the ticket gate and turn left. You will find the Mie Kotsu bus stop for the "SUZUKA CIRCUIT" bus, so just take that bus.
*One-way fare Adults: 500yen Children (elementary school): 250yen
Mie Kotsu usually increases the number of temporary buses during the event, so please wait for further announcements.
 
2. JR + Ise Railway + Walk
From JR Nagoya Station, take the "Rapid Mie" train on the Kansai Main Line, then transfer to the Ise Railway at Yokkaichi. The total travel time is about 1 hour.
* IC transportation cards cannot be used on the Ise Railway, so please purchase a paper ticket from Nagoya Station to Suzuka Circuit Ino Station.
 
After getting off the Ise Railway, head to the right, go under the railroad tracks, and reach the main road (Circuit Road). Then walk to the left, and you will see the circuit. It is about a 20-minute walk to the 1st Corner Gate.

How to get there from Osaka by train?

If departing from Osaka Namba Station, there are two routes below. Choose route 1 if you want to take a bus from the nearest station, or route 2 if you have the energy to walk.

1. Kintetsu Line + Bus
Take the Kintetsu train heading toward Kintetsu Nagoya and aim for Shirako Station on the Nagoya Line.
 
After getting off at Shiroko Station, exit the ticket gate and turn left. You will find the Mie Kotsu bus stop for the "SUZUKA CIRCUIT" bus, so just take that bus.
*One-way fare Adults: 500yen Children (elementary school): 250yen
Mie Kotsu usually increases the number of temporary buses during the event, so please wait for further announcements.
 
2. Kintetsu Line + Ise Railway + Walking
Take the Kintetsu train heading toward Kintetsu Nagoya and aim for "Tsu Station" on the Nagoya Line.
From Tsu Station, transfer to the Ise Railway, but since Ise Railway does not accept transportation IC cards, you need to exit the ticket gate at Tsu Station and purchase a paper ticket to Suzuka Circuit Ino Station.
 
After getting off the Ise Railway, head to the right to reach the main road (Circuit Road), then walk to the left, and you will see the circuit.

Is the bus from the station charged if I use the 16-23ZEROyen Pass?

It is charged. One-way fare Adult: 500yen Elementary school student: 250yen

Can you use transportation IC cards at nearby stations?

Transportation IC cards cannot be used at any Ise Railway stations, so you need to purchase a ticket in advance.
If you are riding with a transportation IC card, exit the ticket gate at a station where IC cards are accepted (Nagoya Station, Tsu Station, or Yokkaichi Station) and purchase a ticket to SUZUKA CIRCUIT Ino Station.
* At the JR Nagoya Station "Reserved Seat Ticket Machine," you can purchase a "round-trip ticket" between Nagoya and Suzuka Circuit Ino. Buying a round-trip ticket is recommended because you won’t need to buy a ticket at Suzuka Circuit Ino Station on your way back.

How far is the walk from Suzuka Circuit Ino Station? Where should I enter the circuit?

It is about 1.2 km and approximately 20 minutes to the 1st Corner Gate, and about 2 km and approximately 30 minutes to the Main Gate.
If you have a 16-23 ZERO Yen Pass, you need to exchange your ticket on the first day, so head for the Main Gate.
If you have already exchanged your ticket, you can enter through the 1st Corner Gate.

About Parking Lots and Motorcycle Parking

Are there parking lots available?

Motorcycle parking and 4-wheel parking are available, but all 4-wheel parking spots are sold in advance, so prior purchase is required.

Can I use the parking lots on the day without a reservation?

Motorcycle parking can be used on the day without a reservation. There is same-day 4-wheel parking a little away from the circuit, but the number of spaces is limited, so be careful.

Is parking reservation required by day?

Advance parking tickets (2 wheels and 4 wheels) are valid for 3 days (Fri, Sat, Sun) with free entry and exit.

Where is the parking lot?

It is located behind the “Park” next to the course.

What are the parking fees?

For advance tickets, fees vary by type, so be sure to check here.
For same-day parking, please refer here.

Is there parking for motorcycles? What are the fees?

For advance motorcycle parking, the fee is 2,500yen per bike (valid for 3 days from Fri to Sun).
Same-day motorcycle parking is limited to one bike, one time per day, no re-entry allowed, and costs 2,000yen.

How congested are the surrounding roads on the day?

Since tens of thousands of people will be moving around, the surrounding roads will inevitably be crowded. Therefore, please consider using public transportation or spending time inside the park to avoid peak congestion times.

Where is the bicycle parking area?

Bicycle parking is available near each entrance gate. Please note that bicycles cannot be used beyond the entrance gates.

About the Venue

Where is the entrance to SUZUKA CIRCUIT?

On the weekend of the Suzuka 8 Hours, in addition to the regularly open Main Gate, several temporary gates exclusive for race days will also be opened.

A MAP showing the temporary gates that will open during the Suzuka 8 Hours, their opening times, and locations will be released later for your reference.

Which spectator seats can be accessed with the ZERO yen pass?

You can enter A Seats, B Seats, Q2 Seats, and general admission seats.

A Seats are located at the end of the home straight, where you can enjoy the thrilling sight of machines passing at their highest speeds. On August 3 (Sun), these seats will be reserved exclusively for visitors with the 16-23 ZERO yen pass as the “Gather! 16-23 Seat (A Seats) supported by NANKAI.”

Section B is a grandstand located directly opposite Turns 1 and 2, offering a great view.

Section Q2 is a popular spot right in front of the Astemo Chicane, where many overtakes can be seen.

The West Course area is all general admission seating, so you can watch from any seat you like.

Where can you watch the large monitors?

They are installed in front of the Grandstand, A Seats, B Seats, Q Seats, R Seats, and S Seats.
There is also a large screen on top of the pit building facing the S Curves, but it is somewhat distant from the S Curves.

Where is recommended to watch with the ZERO yen pass?

A Seat is recommended.

Reason 1: It is close to GP Square (an area where many events are held).
Reason 2: It faces the home straight and is one of the seats where you can feel the full impact of the racing machines.
Reason 3: There is a dedicated large monitor in front, making it easy to follow the race situation.
Reason 4: On race day, it becomes the exclusive seating area for 16-23 ZERO Pass holders called 'Gather! 16-23 Seat (A Seat) supported by NANKAI,' where you can get together and have fun with people of the same generation!

Recommended photo spots?

The East Course has many reserved seats, and photography can sometimes disturb other spectators, making it difficult to focus on shooting.
The West Area is relatively less crowded and spacious, so it is recommended as you can take photos from various locations.

Can I participate in the Pit Walk with a ZERO yen pass?

You cannot participate with only a ZERO yen pass, so you need to purchase a separate Pit Walk Pass or Paddock Pass.

Can I enter the paddock with a ZERO yen pass?

The admission areas available with a 16-23 ZERO yen pass are A seats, B seats, Q2 seats, and unreserved seats (C, D, E, R seats, West Area). You cannot enter the paddock, so purchasing a separate Paddock Pass is required.

Can I bring my own tent, set it up, and take a break?

Tents, parasols, and handheld umbrellas are only allowed in the unreserved seating areas (C, D, E, R seats, and West Area).
Please note that they cannot be used in reserved seats (V1, V2, S, S-BOX, R-BOX, GRANVIEW) or area seats (B1, B2, Q2).
* Setting up tents or parasols overnight is not allowed.
* Allowed tent height and area: "Height under 130 cm, within 2㎡ per person."

I can’t hear the commentary well, what should I do?

Commentary will be broadcast inside the venue via FM radio, so having a small radio is convenient.
*Details will be announced as soon as they are decided

Are there places to rest in the shade?

Let us introduce spots where you can find shade and cool down.

▼8 Fes! Cool Down Area Inside the Zone

A large tent located in the center of the 8 Fes! (Traffic Education Center) area. You can enjoy a variety of beverages here, so be sure to stop by when you visit the 8 Fes! area.

▼Under the Grandstand, B Stand, and Q Stand

The area under the large spectator stands is naturally shaded. However, since it is also a passageway, laying out leisure sheets and resting there is not allowed.

▼Restaurants inside the park

At Bun Bun Pancake Shop and Putti Town Kitchen, you can enjoy meals and take a break indoors in a cool environment.

▼SUZUKA CIRCUIT HOTEL Restaurant THE DINING

Reservation required. Although it is a bit far from the racing course, you can also enjoy meals indoors in a cool environment here.

▼Honda RACING Gallery

Located near the final corner and the Circuit Wheel (Ferris wheel), the Honda RACING Gallery offers a cool indoor space where you can enjoy viewing valuable machines, mainly Honda’s F1 cars.

▼Circuit Wheel

Each cabin is now equipped with air conditioning, so although it’s not shaded, you can enjoy the spectacular view while staying cool.

Is there a detailed map of the venue?

*Scheduled for release in July
 

Heat Measures and What to Bring

Is it very hot?

Of course, it depends on the weather, but basically, prepare assuming it will be "hot."

The average temperature over the three days of last year’s Suzuka 8 Hours (July 19–21, 2024) was 35.0°C.
Make sure to take plenty of heat and sunburn precautions and enjoy the Suzuka 8 Hours!

Can I use umbrellas or parasols?

Umbrellas are not allowed for race viewing, so bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain.

Regarding parasols, they are only allowed in the general admission seats (C, D, E, R seats, West Area). Please note that they cannot be used in reserved seats (V1, V2, S, S-BOX, R-BOX, GRANVIEW) or area seats (B1, B2, Q2).

What items should I bring?

The following are standard items, so please use them as a reference.

① Sunscreen
② Sun umbrella *Usage restricted to certain admission areas
③ Heat relief items (handheld fan, neck cooler, cooling towel, sweat wipes, etc.)
④ Towel (a larger one with a hood is also useful for sun protection)
⑤ Raincoat or poncho (recommended over umbrellas as they take up less space and leave your hands free)
⑥ Plastic bags (useful for storing towels or clothes wet from sweat or rain. It’s best to bring several large, durable ones as they come in handy in many situations)
⑦ Seat cushion (considering long periods of sitting, bring a portable, foldable type)
 
The following items are also convenient to have, so if you have room, be sure to put them in your bag.

① Water bottle (fill with plenty of ice, and you can also put drinks purchased inside SUZUKA CIRCUIT in it!)
② Change of clothes (for when you sweat or use the pool)
③ Swimsuit (you can use the pool at the Suzuka 8 Hours! Some attractions can be ridden while wearing a swimsuit!)
④ Mobile battery
⑤ Earphones

Are any shoes okay?

Since you’ll be walking around a lot, choose shoes you’re used to wearing.
Sneakers or walking shoes that are easy to walk in even when it’s hot are recommended.

If you’re planning to use the pool, it’s also a good idea to bring sandals separately.
* Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet!

What kind of clothes should I wear?

The following are recommended.

① Hat (wide-brimmed hat)
② Sunglasses
③ Backpack (a backpack that leaves both hands free is recommended)
④ Outerwear that blocks the sun (short sleeves + arm covers, etc.)
⑤ Bottoms that block the sun (shorts + leg covers, etc.)
⑥ Sneakers focused on comfort for walking

About the Race

Briefly explain the rules of the Suzuka 8 Hours race

▼ Teams
・Each team consists of 2 or 3 Riders who take turns riding during the race.
・About 50 teams can participate. These include top-ranking teams from the previous year’s Suzuka 8 Hours and teams that placed high in the 8 Hours Tryout race, which grants entry rights to the Suzuka 8 Hours.

▼Qualifying
・Held on Friday, it determines the grid positions (starting positions) for the Suzuka 8 Hours final race.
・Within the allotted time, teams that complete a lap of SUZUKA CIRCUIT faster (in a shorter time) earn higher grid positions.

▼TOP 10 Trial
・The second qualifying session held on Saturday, only for teams that placed within the top 10 in Friday’s qualifying.
・Each rider runs individually, and teams with better times line up at the front of the grid for the final race in order.

▼Final
・The main event of the Suzuka 8 Hours, held on Sunday.
・The competition is based on how far (number of laps) teams can ride within 8 hours. In other words, the team that covers the longest distance in 8 hours wins.
・The race starts at 11:30 a.m., and the checkered flag (finish) is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
・At the start, riders line up in a single row on the Grandstand side of the home straight. When the race starts, they run across the course to their bikes on the opposite side, mount them, and then each rider begins the race (Le Mans-style start).

Here are the key points to keep in mind so you can enjoy the race.

The TOP 10 Trial on August 2 (Sat) is an event where riders from the top teams each perform a time attack (to see how fast they can complete one lap). You can easily see which teams and riders are the fastest, so be sure to check it out.

For the final race on August 3 (Sun), be sure to watch the start scene at 11:30 from the spectator seats.
At that time, it is recommended to find a spot with a good view of the various ceremonies held on the home straight (starting at 10:40).

Also, from 19:00 to 19:30, until the checkered flag (finish), is another highlight scene of the Suzuka 8 Hours.
During the gradually darkening hours, the sight of Riders running their hardest while the audience cheers them on with light sticks of various colors is truly moving, so be sure to experience it.

Who are the favorites to win?

*To be updated after the entry list is announced

Which teams should we watch?

*To be updated after the entry list is announced

Which riders should we watch?

*To be updated after the entry list is announced