Seven things to do and see in Suzuka as Formula 1 visits this iconic race track

Suzuka has been on the F1 calendar since 1987 and is a favourite of many drivers, past and current, with its high speeds and ‘S’ curves.

The city is a three to four hour train ride away from Tokyo, allowing you to explore this racing spectacle.

Here, Travel News Blitz explores seven things to do and see in Suzuka.

Suzuka Circuit Park Motopia

Just outside the circuit is an amusement park with rides that are all vehicle themed and a ferris wheel that can be seen from the race track.

There are also many restaurants and food stands in the park serving dishes such as pancakes, chicken, ramen, curry, yakisoba, dim sum and popcorn.

Aeon Mall Suzuka

If you wish to get some shopping done in your free time visit this local mall to explore Japanese and international shops.

Japan is especially good for finding clothes and shoes for smaller people, with shops such as ABC-MART SPORTS, MURASAKI SPORTS, Mega Sport and Hoteiya (buy your own kimono as a souvenir to take back home).

Koyasu Kannon-ji Temple

This red and white temple is three stories high topped with a spire, (welcoming you with a gate) modeled in a traditional Japanese architecture style with its famous roof shape.

Visitors come from all over the nation to this 6th century temple (with gold and artwork inside) to pray for a safe childbirth and good child rearing.

READ MORE: Seven things to do and see in Shanghai as Formula 1 returns to China

Watch the Japanese Grand Prix

Formula 1 races at Suzuka Circuit, from April 4 to 6, as the third round of the 2025 F1 season with its 18 turns for 53 laps.

Japanese fans are known for their elaborate costumes, accessories and signs, so join in on the fun by creating your own race day clothes to cheer on your favourite driver.

Suzuka Forest Garden

Spring is the perfect time to visit Suzuka as it is cherry blossom season (sakura), so Suzuka Forest Garden will be a hot spot as it is full of cherry trees.

With mountains in the distance, admire this stunning garden with water features and all different shades of cherry blossoms, making it a picture perfect moment (with it also being open at night where around 200 trees are lit up beautifully).

Suzuka Karting

In addition to the many rides at Motopia, there is also a karting track, where you can use your imagination and adrenaline to become a race car driver (as well as opportunities for motorcycle or sports car driving).

More advanced drivers can tackle the Acro-X Evolution, a bumpy road with 12 different challenges, such as the extreme hill climb and water cannon.

Ryukoji Temple

This Buddhist temple built in the 14th century stands on the site of the former Tatsukuchi Execution Grounds, where the Nichiren (Buddhist sect) were to be executed, but were spared.

Some of the buildings at the temple are a hondō (main hall which enshrines the main object of great respect), a five-story pagoda, a stupa (sharitō which is a hemispherical structure containing relics that is used as a place of meditation) and the Shichimendō. 

Summary

In Suzuka, there is much to explore related to motorsports, but also to the area’s history with its temples, shops and parks that are both ancient and modern.

Suzuka is a short train ride away to Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka but to immerse yourself in the racing spirit, it will be hard to find a better place in Japan to visit compared to Suzuka.

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