Have you heard of Suzuka Circuit, the hidden gem theme park near Nagoya that thrills kids and adults alike?

Located in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, this mobility-themed amusement park is just an hour's drive from Nagoya—super easy to reach! Spanning a massive area, it's packed with dozens of attractions, plus the incredible opportunity to drive on the actual Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix course. You'll also find excellent restaurants with views of the course, a summer water adventure pool, motorsports-themed hotel rooms, and even natural hot springs. It's essentially a full-day resort where the fun never stops!

Whether you're a family with kids, a die-hard race fan, or just curious about the world of motorsports, this spot is perfect for exploring something exciting and new.

All About Suzuka Circuit

Fun fact: Suzuka Circuit is actually owned by the iconic Honda brand! Honda's founder was passionate about advancing racing and wanted to spark interest in it from a young age. After building the circuit in Suzuka, he added a family-friendly theme park to make it enjoyable for parents and kids alike.

Unlike typical theme parks, most attractions here are custom-designed with racing, motorcycle, and aviation-inspired elements. It's not just about riding—many involve hands-on steering and aiming for goals, which amplifies the excitement and gives kids a real sense of accomplishment.

One cool thing is encouraging kids to try, try again. At the end of each ride, you will receive a score, rank, or level, and on some attractions staff may even give you short feedback. Kids can ride multiple times to improve and aim for higher ranks. For just ¥300 (tax included), you can turn your score sheet into a personalized license card with your photo—what a fun keepsake!

Must-See Attractions at Suzuka Circuit

The park is divided into six themed areas, tailored to different ages and interests, so everyone from babies to adults can join in. Here are some top picks that always wow visitors.

GP Racers

This was my first time on a motorcycle roller coaster—Japan's first of its kind! You lean forward like a real racer, gripping the throttle, and zoom off.

The centrifugal force and speed make you feel like you're banking through the air—pure adrenaline!

Duel GP

Take on another car in a thrilling race on a course inspired by the real track! It runs on rails, but your steering controls the direction. Master those curves or you'll slip and slow down—pro tip: if the car starts to drift into a spin, counter-steer by turning the wheel the opposite way.

The winner will be awarded with a Winner’s Card, which you can use at the License Center to create your custom License Card (¥300, tax included). Even if you lose, no worries—Suzuka's philosophy is all about challenging yourself again and again. Practice makes perfect, and victory could be just a few rides away!

Adven Boat Frontier

Take the helm of your own boat (riding solo from age 9; ages 2+ with a supervising companion aged 13+). No rails here—it's all about your steering skills! Navigate seven obstacles like waterfalls and bubbles, and hunt for a power ring to recharge, or you won't make it back.

Circuit Challenger: Drive the Course Where the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix Happens!

This is the absolute must-do experience at Suzuka Circuit!

It's the only place in the world where you can drive on the actual Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix course—no license required! Unlike standard go-karts, these EV karts were co-developed with racing driver Takuma Sato for an incredibly realistic experience. You control shifts and steering to manage speed—it's all about the thrill of truly "driving," not just riding.

What's particularly amazing is that young guests ages 9+ can get behind the wheel! Guests ages 11+ can ride alone, and younger guests ages 9+ can drive under supervision of another guest ages 13+. Ages 2+ can ride as passengers.

As someone who had never driven before, I was buzzing with excitement and nerves for my debut. Before starting, there's a Japanese video tutorial, plus English and Chinese handouts. My group consisted mostly of international tourists, including kids—language barriers aren't an issue!

Hop in and insert your data recording card—this records your entire driving performance, so no slacking off!

Controls are all on the wheel: accelerator, brake, and steering. Start like a pro—when the red lights go out, floor it!

Endless track, blue skies, wind in your hair...

"This is what racers experience!" I thought, totally immersed.

The Circuit Challenger cars have a top speed of 35 km/h (compared to a real Formula 1 car's 350 km/h), and it takes about 7 to 8 minutes to complete a lap—but you’ll be glad it’s not any faster. After all, this rare and exciting experience is one you’ll never want to end too soon!

It's not just pedal-to-the-metal; curves and hills demand concentration. Listen to the in-car announcements (available in Japanese, English, or Chinese) for shift cues—get it right for a top score!

At the end, plug your card into the Data Station for instant results. I got a C rank—not bad, considering I nearly went off-track!

Since this uses the real course, it's unavailable during competitions or events. Schedules are posted two months ahead, with web reservations starting one month prior.

The Circuit Challenger is extremely popular, and same-day slots are rarely available. Be sure to purchase your ticket online in advance (¥2,000 per car).

Book here

Check schedule

Aqua Adventure – A Summer Splash Paradise for All Ages!

Beat the summer heat with this seasonal splash zone, operating from early July to late September! It's a family water playground themed around nature and challenges, divided into six zones by age—most are accessible to preschoolers.

Adventure Mountain recreates volcanoes, waterfalls, and rivers for free exploration.

Advenbaby features a shallow pool (under 30 cm deep) for toddlers—swim diapers required for safe splashing.

Course-View Terrace, Gran View

After a day full of fun, take a break at one of the restaurants or shops within the Suzuka Circuit. I highly recommend the course-view terrace restaurant, Gran View, which truly embodies the spirit of Suzuka Circuit. The establishment features both indoor seating and a terrace, allowing you to enjoy your meal while gazing out at the stunning racetrack.

The pasta, pizza, gelato, and other dishes are all authentically delicious and Instagram-perfect. Whether you want to enjoy the scenery, savor delicious food, or capture great social media shots, this spot delivers on all fronts.

Relax in Style: Circuit View Lounge – VIP Suite

Formerly used as an exclusive premium seating for race spectators, Circuit View Lounge – VIP Suite became accessible to general visitors in 2025, is quickly becoming a popular spot for those looking to relax in style. Perched atop the Grandstand, this exclusive lounge normally serves as premium seating during races—where tickets for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix can cost over ¥600,000 each!

When races aren't being held, it opens as a paid lounge for general visitors. Adults pay ¥2,500, elementary/middle school students ¥1,500, ages 3-preschool ¥500, with free entry and exit during operating hours. Drinks are unlimited, and you can relax in comfort. Plus, the exclusive Suzuka Circuit History Gallery features precious racing photographs you can't see anywhere else.

Book heres

Family-Friendly Hotel

Just a short walk from the park, you can stay and enjoy Suzuka Circuit’s official hotel with three buildings, each offering a unique style and amenities for families and visitors. Some rooms even feature fun motorsports themes, letting the day's excitement carry over into dreamland.

Race fans, go for the North Racing Room!

With headlight-style lamps, a speedometer-inspired clock, and tool chest drawers, this room brings racing to life in every corner. Perfect for guests who live and breathe motorsports.

This room is perfect for families with young children. Everything is set at kid-height, from low bed frames and tables to special peepholes in the doors.

The room comes equipped with baby gear like high chairs and bottle sterilizers, so parents can relax, too.

Guests staying at Suzuka Circuit Hotel can enjoy Natural Hot Spring THE SPA, a modern hot spring facility that features both indoor and open-air baths. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of excitement. The lobby uses local Mie Prefecture wood, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

At the hotel’s buffet-style Circuit Dining restaurant, guests can enjoy a wide range of dishes made with local ingredients—Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine all in one spot.

The buffet also includes fun, interactive elements for kids, like build-your-own mini hamburgers!

Hotel booking

Ticket Options

Suzuka Circuit uses a flexible pricing system that varies by season and date. Several ticket types are available:

• Admission Ticket
• Park Passport: Includes admission + unlimited ride access
• One-Day Pass: Includes admission + unlimited rides + water park access
Choose what fits your needs. Booking hotel packages offers even better value.

Booking your tickets online is always ¥500 cheaper than buying on-site, so plan ahead for the best savings.

Buy tickets online

How to Get to Suzuka Circuit

From Nagoya Station to Suzuka Circuit takes about 1 hour by car. Using public transportation takes approximately 1.5 hours.

By Public Transport

Take the train from Kintetsu Nagoya Station to Kintetsu Shiroko Station (about 40 minutes). Transfer to a Mie Kotsu bus for the final 20-minute ride to Suzuka Circuit.

While a day trip from Nagoya is perfectly doable, if you want to explore more of Mie Prefecture the next day, staying at a Suzuka Circuit hotel is recommended.

Nearby Attractions

Around Suzuka Circuit, there are several tourist spots perfect for next-day exploration.

About 55 minutes by car, the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum offers ninja shows using authentic tools, tours of the trick-filled Ninja House, and shuriken-throwing experiences. You can also rent ninja costumes nearby—sure to delight the kids!

Wrap-up

Suzuka Circuit anticipates and addresses those little inconveniences parents often face while traveling, with thoughtful attention to detail throughout.

It proves that learning through play isn't just a slogan. Watching children's faces light up as they learn traffic rules through attractions and get to drive racing cars themselves, you realize that theme parks can be more than just entertainment - they're seeds of learning too.

If you're traveling to Nagoya or the Central Japan region with children, definitely spend a day at Suzuka Circuit. I wholeheartedly recommend it!