[2023] The Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix will once again be held at Suzuka Circuit! We will provide information on tickets and events.

・What is the F1 Japanese Grand Prix?
・Ticket Prices for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2023
・Spotlighted Drivers for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2023
・About the Event
・About Access and Parking
・Sights to Visit in Conjunction with the F1 Japanese Grand Prix
・Cuisine to Try in Conjunction with the F1 Japanese Grand Prix

The F1 Japanese Grand Prix is a race that captivates motorsports fans worldwide.
Following the event last year, which was held after a three-year hiatus, free practice sessions for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix this year are scheduled to take place on September 22nd (Friday) and 23rd (Saturday). The qualifying session will be on September 23rd (Saturday), and the final race is planned for September 24th (Sunday).

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2023. We will cover the spotlighted drivers and event information of the F1 Japanese Grand Prix, as well as access information for the Suzuka Circuit, which is the venue for the race. We will also include information about tourist spots and gourmet food in the vicinity of the Suzuka Circuit. Be sure to check it out!

Since you've come all the way to Mie, why not fully enjoy all that Mie has to offer?

During the period of September 22 (Friday) to September 24 (Sunday), when the F1 Japanese Grand Prix is held, a ticket for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix is required for entry to the Suzuka Circuit. Even if you have a discounted ticket or benefits that grant free park admission, please note that entry is not allowed without a race ticket.

Regarding seating, there are viewing areas located throughout the circuit, with the stands around the start and finish line being particularly competitive. Tickets have been on sale since May 14 (Sunday), and popular seats are filling up quickly. Therefore, we recommend purchasing tickets early.

Here, we introduce the spotlighted drivers for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2023! If you're a motorsports fan, you might already be familiar with them, but it's a good refresher. And for those who are attending a race for the first time, this is a must-check!

① Japanese Driver
Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) is a Japanese driver who graduated from the Suzuka Circuit Racing School in 2016 and is set to compete again this year. Let's look forward to the performance of this young driver who is attracting attention not only in Japan but also worldwide!

② Reigning Champion Red Bull

Max Verstappen (Red Bull), who recorded the highest number of victories in a single season in F1 history with 15 wins last season, continues to dominate the points ranking this season. Sergio Perez (Red Bull), currently in 2nd place in the points ranking, will also be chasing closely. (As of June 29, 2023)

③ Legendary Drivers to Watch

While the performances of young drivers are noteworthy, we must also pay attention to the legendary drivers. Keep an eye on Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who boasts five victories at Suzuka, and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), currently in 3rd place in the points ranking and a two-time champion in F1. (As of June 29, 2023)

During the F1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, special events will be held, including merchandise sales and talk shows by drivers and guests.
Last year, there were exciting talk shows featuring current drivers, team personnel, and former drivers, as well as the traditional "Drivers' Parade" event where F1 drivers parade on the racing circuit in iconic cars from around the world.
As of June 29, the events for this year are still undecided, but we will update the details as soon as they become available. Stay tuned and look forward to it!

The following schedule is tentative and subject to change depending on the weather and other factors on the day of the event. Please note this.

September 21 (Thursday):

8:30 - Main Gate Opens

September 22 (Friday): Free Practice

8:30 - Main Gate Opens
11:30-12:30 - [F1] Free Practice 1
15:00-16:30 - [F1] Free Practice 2

September 23 (Saturday): Qualifying

8:00 - Main Gate Opens
11:30-12:30 - [F1] Free Practice 3
15:00-16:00 - [F1] Qualifying

September 24 (Sunday): Race Day

8:00 - Main Gate Opens
14:00 - [F1] Race (53 laps or 120 minutes)

As congestion is expected, we recommend using public transportation to visit the venue!

＜Access by public transportation＞
From Shiraishi Station on the Kintetsu Nagoya Line:
・Take the Mie Kotsu bus (approximately 20 minutes) ← Recommended!
Adult: 450 yen / Child (up to elementary school): 230 yen
・Take a taxi (approximately 15 minutes)
From Inae Station on the Ise Railway at Suzuka Circuit:

・Walk (approximately 25 minutes)

＜Access by Car＞
During the F1 Japan Grand Prix, Suzuka IC on the Tomei Expressway is expected to be heavily congested.
For those coming from Tokyo, Shizuoka, Nagoya, and the Koshinetsu Hokuriku regions:
We recommend getting off at the Ise Bay Coast Road "Mie Kawagoe IC" or the Tomei Expressway "Yokkaichi Higashi IC" and coming via National Route 23.

For those coming from the Kansai region:
We recommend getting off at the Tomei Expressway "Kameyama IC," Shin-Meishin "Tsuchiyama IC," or the Meihan National Highway "Seki IC," and coming via the Goen Industrial Park.

＜Parking＞
Suzuka Circuit and its surrounding areas are expected to be heavily congested. Additionally, it is anticipated that the parking lots will be full on Saturdays and Sundays. We recommend making a reservation at a private parking lot in advance or using public transportation to visit.

＜Park & Ride Information＞

Suzuka Circuit and its surrounding areas are expected to be heavily congested.
For those arriving by car, we also recommend Park & Ride (parking and then using public transportation) from nearby parking lots.
Parking lots nearby include those at Kintetsu and JR Yokkaichi Station (approximately 18 minutes to the nearest station), Kintetsu Tsu Station (approximately 11 minutes to Shiraishi Station), and Kintetsu Hisai Station (approximately 21 minutes to Shiraishi Station).

Information on Parking at Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station:

We recommend parking near Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station and transferring to trains or buses.

Kusunoki Parking：5-B1 Hamadacho, Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture　TEL：059-355-3369

JA Parking：2-1-2 Yasuijma, Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture  TEL:059-353-7602

*Please note that the parking lots "Kusunoki Parking" and "JA Parking" mentioned here are not operated by Suzuka Circuit and do not guarantee secure parking. For details, please contact each parking lot directly.

When you come to Mie Prefecture for the F1 Japan Grand Prix, we would like to introduce some spots you might want to visit. In addition to tourist attractions, we will also introduce cuisine options that you might want to try before or after the race!

<Tsubaki Shrine>

Tsubaki Shrine enshrines Sarutahiko Okami, known as the deity of guidance and good fortune, and attracts visitors from all over the country. Within the solemn precincts surrounded by trees, there is a tea house called "Suzumatsu-an," which was donated by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Matsushita Electric (now Panasonic). It is open to everyone, regardless of their tea ceremony school or even if they don't practice tea ceremony.

Name:Tsubaki Shrine
Address:1871 Yamamoto-cho, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture
Phone Number:059-371-1515
Official URL:http://www.tsubaki.or.jp/
Parking:500 spaces (free)
Access by Public Transportation:
Take a bus bound for Tsubaki Shrine from Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station and get off at Tsubaki Shrine stop (approx. 50 minutes).
Access by Car:
Approximately 7 minutes from the Suzuka Interchange on the Tomei Expressway, Suzuka IC.

For more details, please click here!
https://www.kankomie.or.jp/en/spot/detail_2917.html

<Yokkaichi Factory Night View>

The cluster of petrochemical complexes and factories in Yokkaichi, known as the industrial hub of the region, is famous for its beautiful night view. How about spending a special evening by taking a night cruise on a large sightseeing boat over the weekend? The factory cluster that emerges in the darkness is a must-see sight.

<Tokaido Sekijuku>

Sekijuku is the 47th post town on the Tokaido Fifty-Three Stations, and it still retains the atmosphere of the olden days. You can learn about history and enjoy gourmet food, and recently it has become a popular spot for Instagram-worthy photos.
Strolling through Tokaido Sekijuku - Introducing a sightseeing route tracing the Edo period post town.

Name:Tokaido Sekijuku

Address:Seki-cho Kizaki, Nakamachi, Shinjo, Kameyama City
Phone Number:0595-97-8877
Official URL: https://www.city.kameyama.mie.jp/soshiki/seibun/chiikikanko/kankokoryu/docs/2014112312294/
Parking: 
Please park at Sekijuku Tourist Parking (approximately 5 minutes on foot)
Tourist Parking: Large vehicles - 4, Regular vehicles - 16, Barrier-free parking - 1 (Free)
Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/ygWQ5A
Access by Public Transportation:
Approximately 5 minutes' walk from JR Seki Station
Access by Car:
Approximately 5 minutes from Meihan National Highway Seki IC

For more details, please click here!

https://www.kankomie.or.jp/en/spot/detail_1840.html

<Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima>

Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima is Japan's largest outlet mall boasting approximately 300 stores of famous domestic and international manufacturers and select shops. In addition to shopping, there are also plenty of dining options, including restaurants where you can enjoy cuisine unique to Mie Prefecture.

For detailed information such as business hours, please visit the following page: 
Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima.
https://www.kankomie.or.jp/en/spot/detail_6637.html

<Yokkaichi Tonteki>

Yokkaichi's local gourmet dish, "Tonteki," is a specialty of Yokkaichi. Thick pork slices are sautéed with garlic in a rich sauce and served with plenty of shredded cabbage. The cooking method and seasoning can vary greatly from one restaurant to another. Enjoy Yokkaichi's specialty, "Tonteki", and boost your stamina! Here are eight recommended shops for Mie and Yokkaichi's famous Tonteki, along with a brief explanation of what Tonteki is.

<Unagi in Tsu city>

There are over 20 specialty unagi (eel) restaurants in the city. In the past, the per capita consumption of unagi in Tsu was the highest in Japan, making it home to a variety of shops renowned for their delectable unagi. 

<Seafood Bowl>

The "Maguro Restaurant" in Yokkaichi was renovated and reopened in November 2018, offering fresh ingredients and affordable prices, making it a beloved establishment.

<Kuwana's Clam Cuisine>

Kuwana's clams were a well-known specialty nationwide since the Edo period, to the extent that there is a saying, "The best clams are from Kuwana."
These clams have a glossy and beautiful shell, reaching up to 8cm in size. In fact, they are large and tender, and when you taste them, you'll experience a subtle sweetness and unique flavor.
The tender and flavorful clams from the original region are simply delicious. Boiled clams, known as Shigure clams, make an excellent souvenir as well.

In this article, we provided a thorough guide to the F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2023. We covered the key players, event information, the venue at Suzuka Circuit, as well as access, parking, nearby tourist spots, and gourmet recommendations around Suzuka Circuit.
We hope you enjoy exploring Mie Prefecture while attending the F1 Japanese Grand Prix!