Check for peace of mind! '8-Hour Endurance Race Spectator FAQ'

Access to the Venue

How to get there from Nagoya by train?

There are two routes. Choose 1 if you take the bus from the nearest station, or 2 if you have the energy to walk.
 
1. Kintetsu Line + Bus
Take a train from Kintetsu Nagoya Station that stops at "Shiroko Station." It takes about 50 minutes by express train, and about 40 minutes by limited express train (additional limited express fee required).
 
After getting off at Shiroko Station, exit the ticket gate and turn left. There is a Mie Kotsu bus stop for the "SUZUKA CIRCUIT" bus, so just take that bus.
*One-way fare Adult: 500yen Elementary school student: 250yen
Mie Kotsu Bus usually increases the number of temporary buses every year, so please wait a moment for that information.
 
2. JR + Ise Railway + Walk
From JR Nagoya Station, take the "Kansai Main Line" "Rapid Mie" train and transfer to the "Ise Railway" at Yokkaichi. The travel time is about 1 hour.
* Ise Railway does not accept transportation IC cards, so please purchase a paper ticket from Nagoya Station to Suzuka Circuit Ino Station.
 
After getting off at Ise Railway, turn right, go under the railroad tracks to the main road (Circuit Road), then walk left and you will see the circuit. It takes about 20 minutes on foot to reach the 1st Corner Gate.

How to get there from Osaka by train?

If departing from Osaka Namba Station, there are two routes below. Choose route 1 if you want to go by bus from the nearest station, or route 2 if you feel like walking.

1. Kintetsu Line + Bus
Take the Kintetsu train heading towards Kintetsu Nagoya, and aim for Shiroko Station on the Nagoya Line.
 
After getting off at Shiroko Station, exit the ticket gate and turn left. There is a Mie Kotsu bus stop for the "SUZUKA CIRCUIT" bus, so just take that bus.
*One-way fare Adult: 500yen Elementary school student: 250yen
Mie Kotsu Bus usually increases the number of temporary buses every year, so please wait a moment for that information.
 
2. Kintetsu Line + Ise Railway + On Foot
Take the Kintetsu train heading towards Kintetsu Nagoya and aim for "Tsu Station" on the Nagoya Line.
You will take the Ise Railway from Tsu Station, but since the Ise Railway does not accept transportation IC cards, please exit the ticket gate once at Tsu Station and purchase a paper ticket to Suzuka Circuit Ino Station.
 
After getting off the Ise Railway, turn right and walk to the main street (Circuit Road), then turn left and walk, and you will see the circuit.

Going with the 16-23 ZERO Yen Pass, but is the bus from the station paid?

Paid service. One-way fare Adult: 500yen Elementary school student: 250yen

Can I use a transportation IC card at nearby stations?

IC transportation cards cannot be used at any Ise Electric Railway stations, so you need to purchase tickets "in advance."
If you are riding with a transportation IC card, please exit the ticket gate at a station where the transportation IC card is accepted (Nagoya Station, Tsu Station, Yokkaichi Station) and purchase a ticket to Suzuka Circuit Ino Station.
*If you use the "Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine" at JR Nagoya Station, you can purchase a round-trip ticket between Nagoya and Suzuka Circuit Ino. Buying a round-trip ticket is recommended because you won't need to purchase a ticket at Suzuka Circuit Ino Station on your return.

How long does it take to walk from Ino Station to Suzuka Circuit? Where should I enter the circuit?

It is about 1.2 km and approximately 20 minutes to the 1st Corner Gate, and about 2 km and approximately 30 minutes to the Main Gate.
For the 16-23 ZERO Yen Pass, you need to exchange your ticket on the first day, so head to the Main Gate.
If you have already exchanged your ticket, you can enter through the 1st Corner Gate.

About Parking Lots and Bicycle Parking

Is there parking available?

Motorcycle parking and 4 wheels parking are available, but all 4 wheels parking tickets are sold in advance, so prior purchase is required.

Can I use the parking lot on the day without a reservation?

The motorcycle parking lot can be used on the day without a reservation. The 4 wheels parking lot is located a little away from the circuit and has same-day parking, but the number of spaces is limited, so please be careful.

Is the parking reservation on a daily basis?

Advance parking tickets (2 wheels and 4 wheels) are valid for 3 days (Fri, Sat, Sun) with free entry and exit.

Where is the parking lot?

Located behind the "Park" next to the course.

What is the parking fee?

For advance tickets, the details vary depending on the type, so be sure to check here.
For parking on the day, please refer to here.

Can I park if I go by motorcycle? What are the fees?

For advance bike parking, 2,500yen per vehicle (valid for 3 days from Fri to Sun).
The motorcycle parking on the day is limited to one bike per day, no re-entry allowed, and costs 2,000yen.

How congested will the surrounding roads be on the day?

Since tens of thousands of people will be traveling, the surrounding roads inevitably become congested. Therefore, consider using public transportation or spending time inside the park to avoid peak congestion times.

Where is the bicycle parking area?

Bicycle parking is available near each entrance gate. Please note that bicycles cannot be used beyond the entrance gates.

About the Venue

Where is the entrance to Suzuka Circuit?

On the weekend when the Suzuka 8 Hours is held, in addition to the regularly open Main Gate, several temporary gates exclusive for the race event will also be open.

We will later release a map showing the temporary gates opening for the Suzuka 8 Hours, their opening times, and locations, so please refer to it.

Which spectator seats can be accessed with the ZERO yen pass?

Access to A seats, B seats, Q2 seats, and general admission seats.

Seat A is located at the end of the home straight, where you can enjoy the thrilling sight of machines running at their highest speeds. On August 3 (Sun), it will be a special seat exclusively for visitors with the 16-23 ZERO Yen Pass called 'Gather! 16-23 Seat (Seat A) supported by NANKAI.'

Section B is a stand located in front of turns 1 and 2, offering a great view.

Q2 seats are popular spots located right in front of the Astemo Chicane, where many overtakes can be seen.

The West Course area is all general admission, so you can watch from any seat you like.

Where are the seats with large monitors?

Grandstand, seats A, B, Q, R, and S are located in front.
There is also a large screen on top of the pit building facing the S-curve corner, but it is somewhat distant from the S-curve corner.

Where is the best place to watch with a ZERO yen pass?

Recommended seats: A section.

Reason 1: Close to GP Square (an area where many events are held).
Reason 2: Located facing the home straight, it is one of the seats where you can feel the full power of the racing machines.
Reason 3: There is a dedicated large monitor in front, making it easy to follow the race situation.
Reason 4: On the final day, it becomes a dedicated seat for visitors with the 16-23 ZERO Yen Pass, called 'Gather! 16-23 Seat (A Seat) supported by NANKAI,' where people of the same generation can come together and have fun!

Recommended photo spots?

The East Course has many reserved seats, and taking photos can sometimes disturb other spectators, making it difficult to focus on photography.
The west area is relatively uncrowded and spacious, making it recommended for taking photos from various locations.

Can you not participate in the Pit Walk with a ZERO yen pass?

You cannot participate with only the ZERO yen pass; you need to purchase a Pit Walk pass or Paddock Pass separately.

Can't I enter the paddock with a ZERO yen pass?

The viewing areas accessible with the 16-23 ZERO yen pass are seats A, B, Q2, and general admission seats (C, D, E, R seats, West area). Admission to the paddock is not allowed, so a separate purchase of Paddock Passes is required.

Is it okay to bring my own tent, set it up, and take a break?

Tents, parasols, and handheld sunshades are only allowed in unreserved seats (C, D, E, R seats, West Area).
Please note that it cannot be used in reserved seats (V1, V2, S, S-BOX, R-BOX, GRANVIEW) and area seats (B1, B2, Q2).
* Setting up tents or parasols overnight is not allowed
*The allowable tent height and area are "Height 130cm or less, within 2㎡ per person"

I can't hear the commentary well, what should I do?

Live commentary will be broadcast inside the venue on FM radio, so a small radio is convenient to have.
*Details will be announced as soon as they are decided

Is there a place to rest in the shade?

Let's introduce spots where you can find shade and cool down.

▼8 Fest! Cool Down Area Inside the Zone

8 Fest! (Traffic Education Center) A large tent located in the center of the area. You can also enjoy various beverages, so be sure to stop by when you visit the 8 Fest! area.

▼Under the Grandstand, B Stand, and Q Stand

The area under the large spectator stands is naturally shaded. However, since it is also a passageway, laying out leisure sheets or resting there is not allowed.

▼Restaurants in the Park

"Bun Bun Pancake Shop" and "Putti Town Kitchen" offer dining and rest in a cool indoor environment.

▼SUZUKA CIRCUIT HOTEL Restaurant THE DINING

By reservation only, it is a bit away from the Racing Course, but here you can also enjoy meals in a cool indoor setting.

▼Honda RACING Gallery

The Honda RACING Gallery near the final corner and Circuit Wheel (Ferris wheel) offers a cool indoor space where you can enjoy valuable exhibits of Honda's F1 cars.

▼Circuit Wheel

Each cabin is now equipped with air conditioning, so although there is no shade, you can enjoy the spectacular view while staying cool.

Is there a detailed map of the venue?

*Scheduled for release in July
 

Heat Measures and What to Bring

Is it quite hot?

Of course, it depends on the weather, but basically, prepare yourself assuming it will be "hot."

The average temperature over the three days of last year's Suzuka 8 Hours (July 19-21, 2024) was 35.0°C.
Take sufficient measures against heat and sunburn, and enjoy the Suzuka 8 Hours!

Is it okay to use umbrellas or parasols?

Umbrellas are not allowed when watching the race, so bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain.

Parasol use is only allowed in general admission seats (C, D, E, R seats, West Area). Please note that parasols cannot be used in reserved seats (V1, V2, S, S-BOX, R-BOX, GRANVIEW) or area seats (B1, B2, Q2).

What items should I bring?

The following are standard items, so please use them as a reference.

①Sunscreen
②Parasol *Usage restricted in certain admission areas
③Heat relief items (handheld fan, neck cooler, cooling towel, antiperspirant sheets, etc.)
④Towel (larger ones with a hood are also useful for sun protection)
⑤Raincoat/Poncho (recommended over umbrellas as they take up less space and leave your hands free)
⑥Plastic bags (useful for storing towels or clothes wet from sweat or rain; bring several large, durable ones as they come in handy)
⑦Seat cushion (considering long periods of sitting, bring a portable foldable type)
 
The following items are also convenient to have, so if you have room, be sure to put them in your bag.

①Water bottle (Fill with plenty of ice, and you can also put drinks purchased inside SUZUKA CIRCUIT!)
②Change of clothes (For when you sweat or use the pool)
③Swimsuit (At the Suzuka 8 Hours, you can also use the pool! Some attractions can be enjoyed while wearing a swimsuit!)
④Mobile battery
⑤Earphones

Are any shoes okay?

Since you will be walking around, choose shoes you are comfortable wearing.
Sneakers and walking shoes that are easy to walk in even when it's hot are recommended.

If you are also considering using the pool, it is a good idea to bring sandals separately.
* Don't forget to apply sunscreen on the top of your feet!

What kind of clothes should I wear?

The following are recommended.

①Hat (wide-brimmed hat)
②Sunglasses
③Backpack (a backpack that leaves both hands free is recommended)
④Jacket to protect from the sun (short sleeves + arm covers, etc.)
⑤Bottoms to protect from the sun (shorts + leg covers, etc.)
⑥Sneakers prioritizing comfort for walking

About the Race

Please briefly explain the rules of the 8-hour endurance race.

▼Team
・Each team consists of 2 or 3 Riders who take turns running.
・About 50 teams can participate. These include the top finishing teams from the previous year's Suzuka 8 Hours and teams that placed highly in the 8 Hours Tryout race, which grants entry rights to the 8 Hours.

▼Qualifying
・Held on Friday, it determines the grid (starting positions) for the Suzuka 8 Hours final race.
・Within the designated time, the teams that complete one lap of Suzuka Circuit the fastest (in the shortest time) will determine the top grid positions.

▼TOP 10 Trial
- The second qualifying session held on Saturday, only for teams that placed within the top 10 in Friday's qualifying.
・Each person runs one by one, and in the final race, teams with better times line up at the front of the grid in order.

▼Final
・The main event of the Suzuka 8 Hours held on Sunday.
・Compete to see how long a distance (number of laps) can be covered within 8 hours. In other words, the team that covers the longest distance in 8 hours wins.
・The race start time is set at 11:30, and the checkered flag (finish) is at 19:30.
・At the start, the riders line up in a single row on the Grandstand side of the home straight, and at the race start, they run across the course to their bikes on the opposite side, mount them, and then each starts individually (Le Mans-style start).

Here are the key points to enjoy the race

The TOP 10 Trial on August 2 (Sat) is an event where one Rider from each of the top teams performs a time attack (to see how fast they can complete one lap). You can easily see which team and Rider is the fastest, so be sure to watch it.

For the final race on August 3 (Sun), be sure to watch the start scene at 11:30 from the spectator seats.
At that time, it is recommended to find a spot where you can easily see the various ceremonies held on the home straight (starting from 10:40).

Also, from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM, highlights of the Suzuka 8 Hours will be shown until the checkered flag (finish).
During the gradually darkening time, the sight of spectators cheering on the Riders with light sticks in various colors as they continue to race passionately is truly moving, so be sure to experience it.

Who are the favorites to win?

*Scheduled to be updated after the entry list announcement

Which team is in the spotlight?

*Scheduled to be updated after the entry list announcement

Which players are in the spotlight?

*Scheduled to be updated after the entry list announcement