From Tokyo streets to Suzuka seats
If you love Formula 1, Suzuka is one of those must-see circuits. But what if the Japanese Grand Prix could be more than just a weekend at the track? There’s something special about pairing a Formula One race with a true travel experience. Japan delivers both in full. It’s a bucket-list trip waiting to happen.
Whether you’re planning for next season or just dreaming for now, this is what a Grand Prix week in Japan could look like. The roar of F1 cars at Suzuka. Neon nights in Tokyo. Riding the bullet train past Mt. Fuji. Quiet moments in ancient temples. Sake poured fresh in a 300-year-old brewery. It’s the kind of adventure that blends speed with culture, chaos with calm.
Whether you’re planning for next season or just dreaming for now, this is what a Grand Prix week in Japan could look like. The roar of F1 cars at Suzuka. Neon nights in Tokyo. Riding the bullet train past Mt. Fuji. Quiet moments in ancient temples. Sake poured fresh in a 300-year-old brewery. It’s the kind of adventure that blends speed with culture, chaos with calm.
Days 1 & 2: TokyoWelcome to Tokyo.
Kick things off in Japan’s fast-moving capital. On Day 1, head straight to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world and a classic photo stop. Grab some Japanese snacks from a depachika food hall tucked under the city, then escape the crowds at Meiji Shrine. It’s calm, peaceful, and a surprising break from the noise. Finish the day with a walk through Harajuku’s colourful streets and quirky fashion scene. 
Barrels of Sake at Meiji Shrine
Day 2 is all about traditional Tokyo. Wander through Asakusa, with its snack-filled Nakamise Street leading to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. In the afternoon, make your way to Ueno Park. It’s home to museums, markets, and quiet gardens where you can slow things down.
Senso-ji Temple
Day 3: MishimaLeave Tokyo behind and board the Shinkansen, Japan’s famous bullet train. It’s just 45 minutes to Mishima using your JR Rail Pass.
Here, the big draw is Mishima Skywalk, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan with views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Spend time in local parks, visit the historic Mishima Shrine, and take a relaxed walk through the waterways that run through town. 
Mt. Fuji
Optional Day: KawanehonIf you’ve got the time and love the outdoors, add a detour to Kawanehon Village. This peaceful spot is great for hikes around Sumatakyo Gorge and soaking in an onsen. It’s a quiet, off-the-beaten-path stop that shows a different side of Japan.
Days 4–7: Nagoya & Suzuka (Japanese Grand Prix)From Mishima, head to Nagoya by bullet train, just over an hour. From there, it’s race time.
Suzuka is one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits. It’s seen championship wins by Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen, and Sebastian Vettel. With high-speed corners like the Esses, Spoon curve, and the legendary 130R, it’s a true driver’s circuit. 
Michael Schumacher on the Suzuka podium in 2000
Plan to spend three days at the track, from Friday to Sunday. Friday is all about F1 practice and support series action. Saturday ramps up with Porsche Carrera Cup qualifying, final F1 practice, more support races, and the all-important qualifying session. Sunday is race day, complete with the drivers’ parade, support races, and the Grand Prix itself. Travel Tip: The easiest way to get from Nagoya to Suzuka is by direct bus. It takes about two hours and cuts out the need to change trains or queue for connections. It’s less flexible than the train but much more straightforward on race weekend. Where to Sit: Each stand at Suzuka gives a different view. V1 and V2 are great for race starts and dramatic finishes. B, C, and D let you watch the flow through the ‘S’ curves. Grandstand I is the spot if you want to see overtakes at the hairpin. 
The 'S' curves (Grandstands B, C and D)
Days 8 & 9: Kyoto
Hop back on the bullet train and in just 34 minutes, you’re in Kyoto.
Start with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its endless rows of bright red torii gates. Then head to a 300-year-old sake brewery, Kyoto’s oldest, for a deep dive into sake production and tasting. 
Fushimi Inari Taisha gates
In the afternoon, walk the Path of Philosophy, a cherry tree-lined route that passes temples like Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji. Or, swap that for a visit to Kinkaku-ji, the famous Golden Pavilion, or a wander through Kyoto’s preserved wooden streets. 
Kinkaku-Ji Golden Pavilion
Day 10: Departure or HiroshimaIf you’ve got a bit of time left, Hiroshima is just two hours away by train. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and the haunting A-Bomb Dome. If not, wrap up your trip and catch your flight home from Osaka or Nagoya.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
