2021 Japanese Grand Prix Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Suzuka for this year's Japanese Grand Prix? Make sure you read our handy travel guide for what to do, where to go, and how to get around.

ARRIVING IN SUZUKA

If you're arriving in Japan from the United Kingdom, you can enter and stay in the country for up to 90 days without a VISA providing you have a valid British passport, but you may need to provide evidence of a return or onward ticket once there.

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), situated just outside of Nagoya, is the closest airport to the Suzuka circuit. From there, you're around 22 miles (35 kilometres) to the centre of Nagoya and around 45 miles (73 km) to the track.

HOW TO GET AROUND NAGOYA AND SUZUKA

As the Suzuka circuit is not located centrally within or near a major city, you're best off staying in the city of Nagoya and commuting to and from the circuit each day.

Getting around Nagoya is relatively easy, and you can reach most places on foot or via the subway. If you're travelling in a group, it's worth considering a taxi as it may prove more convenient and cost-effective.

Getting to and from the circuit requires a little more pre-planning as you can take a few different routes. One way is to take a taxi, but at nearly an hour each way, it's probably more advisable to travel by train as it will work out a lot cheaper over the course of the grand prix weekend.

You'll find Japan's transport system faster, more punctual, and cheaper than most trains in the United Kingdom. Tourists can even purchase a ticket called a JR PASS that offers unlimited travel for one, two or three weeks - worth considering if you're sticking around for a while after the grand prix.

A regular service runs from Nagoya to Suzuka Ino station (a 20-minute walk to the Suzuka circuit) and it takes around 90 minutes to get there. You'll need to make a change en-route depending on where your particular route is scheduled to end, but you'll get a reserved seat, and with a JR Pass and you'll save around 70% off the standard price.

Alternatively, if you've invested in a JR Pass, you'll probably be best off seeking out the special 'Suzuka Grand Prix' express train. At around 60 minutes in total, it's a lot quicker than the standard service as it travels directly with no changes required. You'll need to reserve a seat in advance, but you'll save around 75% with a JR Pass, so it's a no-brainer for F1 fans.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE SUZUKA CIRCUIT

There are some campsites near the Suzuka circuit, but you're probably better off staying in Nagoya. Accommodation can be pricey around race weekend, however, so it's always best to plan and book your accommodation as far in advance as you can.

In terms of where in Nagoya to stay, it's advisable to find somewhere close to the train station or subway if you can, or aside from that, Sakae central business district is a good option as that's where you'll find the best selection of food and nightlife.

The area around Nagoya Station has some large department stores to explore as well as some underground malls in the station itself. You'll find plenty of places to eat here, and pretty much all budgets are catered for here, from fast food right up to fine dining.

Sakae district features some of the best restaurants in Nagoya, and for those seeking some nightlife, you'll find a wide selection of bars and clubs here too. There's plenty of options in Sakae for shoppers too, including several major department stores such as Sunshine Sakae and its 52-metre-tall Ferris wheel, and Matsuzakaya, which occupies almost three blocks with bridges connecting its multiple buildings.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO AWAY FROM THE TRACK IN SUZUKA

Aside from the racing action, there's plenty to see and do at the Suzuka Circuit and nearby Nagoya.

No trip to the Japanese Grand Prix would be complete with a ride on the famous Suzuka Ferris wheel. You'll get an unbelievable view of the circuit up there, but remember, queues can be pretty long on race days, so try to go earlier in the weekend if you can.

Away from the track, there's plenty to explore in the areas surrounding Suzuka. The circuit is located within the heart of Japan's automotive industry, with Toyota's headquarters about 90-minutes from Nagoya by train.

Elsewhere, Nagoya Castle is well worth a trip if you're intrigued by Japanese history and culture, and if you have the time, a visit to the city of Osaka makes for a day well spent. Japan's third-largest city features plenty for tourists to see and do, including Osaka Aquarium and the first Universal Studios theme park built in Asia.

BEST PLACES TO GET FOOD AND DRINK NEAR SUZUKA

As you're more likely to be stationed in Nagoya than Suzuka for the duration of the Japanese Grand Prix, our advice would be to research the offerings there rather than trying to find places to eat and drink close to the circuit.

An excellent place to start in Nagoya is the JR Central Tower; you'll find a wide selection of restaurants there with most prominent Asian and Western cuisines catered for.

If you're looking to sample some traditional Japanese cuisine, Kitaichi is recommended for the variety of sushi it offers, including the famous Nagoya cochin chicken sushi, a special breed of Japanese chicken prized for its flavoursome eggs and meat.

Elsewhere, vegetarians will enjoy a trip to Mameya Genge which use Tofu as the main ingredient for most of its dishes, with its most famous being soymilk shabu-shabu (pork slices fondue with hot soybean milk sauce).

TRAVEL TIPS FOR ATTENDING THE JAPANESE GP

Language: Aside from major cities like Tokyo, Japanese is the only language widely spoken throughout Japan, and in some places, English is rarely spoken to anywhere near a fluent level. It's not essential to speak Japanese as the locals tend to be very patient and understanding of tourists, however, it's probably advisable to learn a few basic phrases ahead of your trip to avoid any confusion if you happen to get lost.

Time zone: At the time of this year's race in October, Japan will be eight hours ahead of the United Kingdom, so allow yourself some time to adapt to the time difference when you arrive.

Currency: The main currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen. If you're travelling from the UK, it's worth changing your money before you travel, although you'll still be able to do so at Chubu Centrair International Airport. Cash is still the most widely used form of payment in Japan, especially for smaller amounts, so bear that in mind when you're out and about.

Weather: During October, Nagoya's climate is usually dry and mild, with average temperatures ranging between 14-23°C. Japanese GPs have traditionally tended to be dry at that time of year, but there have been a few isolated instances down the years of torrential rain arriving, sometimes in the form of a typhoon, but these are rare.

Power sockets: The most common sockets in Japan are Types A and B, similar to those used in North America, but not quite identical. You'll probably need an adaptor, and if you forget to pack one in advance, you'll be able to pick one up at the airport when you arrive.

ATTEND THE 2021 JAPANESE GP WITH GRAND PRIX EVENTS

One of Formula 1's most legendary circuits, the Japanese Grand Prix makes a welcome return to Suzuka this October, and right now you can secure your access early with an Official Ticket Package from F1 Experiences. Get closer to F1 at Suzuka with unique activities such as a Guided Track Tour, Exclusive Pit Lane Walk and Paddock Club Reception with Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN driver Antonio Giovinazzi.