It’s important to get a good night's rest before a busy race weekend! These are the best places to stay if you are headed to Suzuka for the Japanese GP!
Before we get started! Planning also includes buying tickets to the actual race! Check out our seating guide so you can best choose where to sit.
AND when you’re ready, head over to P1 Travel to see what’s available!
The Japanese Grand Prix is held at the iconic Suzuka International Circuit located in Ino, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. The circuit was initially used as a test track but after a redesign and revamp of certain parts, it was added back to the Formula 1 Calendar in 1987. The circuit is home to the only Grade 1 ‘figure eight’ layout, making it a favorite for the teams and drivers.
In comparison to other tracks, the Suzuka Circuit is considered fairly easy to reach but there are some logistical things to note in order to make sure that your race weekend is seamless!
First, hardly anybody actually stays within Suzuka for the race weekend. It is a really small town and there aren’t too many accommodation options available. The closest city is Nagoya, and this is where most people choose to stay. While this is the most popular place to reside during the race weekend, some people choose to commute from Osaka or Tokyo.
The most popular train station that is closest to Suzuka is the Shiroko train station. The station is located a 15 minute drive away from the circuit, and on the race weekend, there are shuttle buses provided by the circuit to take you right to the track. Once you reach the circuit entrance, you will have to purchase the ticket for the shuttle bus. To clarify, you don’t pay when you board the bus, you pay when you arrive at the circuit.
There is an option to pay with a Suica card or pay in cash. When paying with cash, you have the option to purchase return tickets for the entire weekend.
Adult One-way: ¥450 ($2.88 USD)
Adult Return: ¥900 ($5.75 USD)
Adult 3-day return: ¥2,700 ($17.25 USD)
Child One-way: ¥230 ($1.47 USD)
Child Return: ¥460 ($2.94 USD)
Child 3-day return: ¥1,380 ($8.82 USD)
When booking accommodation options for the race weekend, there are a couple important things to keep in mind to ensure you have seamless travel days and a comfortable stay!
First, you must take into account where the main train station is. It would be a shame to book a place that is located way too far away from the station that you need to get to each morning of the race weekend. For example, if you are staying in Nagoya, it is smart to book a place close to Nagoya station to eliminate the need for longer travel times.
With that in mind, the second most important thing would be to make sure you have an understanding of how to get to the station and what modes of transportation you will use. The metro system in Japan is excellent and very reliable. It is the preferred mode of transportation but sometimes taking a taxi cab or bus might make more sense depending on your situation. This is something you must factor in when choosing an accommodation option to make sure that you are taking into account the extra time it will take to get to the circuit.
The next thing to keep in mind would be being aware of the different price options and making sure to book ahead so that you don’t have to pay more for a last minute booking. Many of the accommodation options throughout Japan are very affordable, but places book up quickly for the dates of the race weekend which may make it difficult to find a reasonably priced place.
Now that you know what to expect when arriving in Suzuka and the important things to keep in mind when booking accommodations, this comprehensive guide will delve into the most convenient locations to stay in during the race weekend!
Nagoya is the closest big city in relation to Suzuka. Most people who attend the race weekend in Japan choose to stay in Nagoya as it has lots of accommodation options and takes the least amount of time to reach the circuit.
In comparison to other cities in Japan, Nagoya doesn’t have too many ‘tourist’ attractions to visit. If you have time for some exploration throughout the city, the Nagoya castle is definitely worth seeing and learning some of the history behind it. Another historical landmark that would be worth visiting is the Atsuta Shrine. Lastly, if you have time, Nagoya is home to Legoland Japan which would be a fun day trip activity!
If you plan to reside in Nagoya, here are three different accommodation options for you to stay in during the race weekend.
Price: ¥2,800 - 10,000 ($19 - $60 USD) per night
Distance to Station: 10 minute walk
Website: 9 Hours Nagoya Station
This is where I stayed during the race weekend and I thought that it was a perfect accommodation option. It was located a ten minute walk from Nagoya Station and was priced very reasonably. I had never stayed in a capsule hotel before so there were a couple things that surprised me.
You weren’t allowed to talk within the dorms out of respect for the other patrons. There was a shared bathroom with showers on a different floor than the dorms and when you check in, you are given a ‘welcome’ basket with a pair of pajamas, towels, slippers and a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Price: ¥16,400 - 25,000 ($105 - $160 USD) per night
Distance to station: 5 minute walk
Website: Mitsui Garden Hotel
This 4 star hotel is sure to be a comfortable place to stay in if you are traveling to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix. It is located a 5 minute walk to Nagoya Station and has many different amenities to offer their guests such as a pool, free wifi, a lounge area and an in house restaurant making it convenient for guests who don’t have time to search for food options.
There are numerous room options to choose from ranging from a room with two double beds to rooms with one king sized bed. It is on the pricier side, but if you book in advance, you will get a better deal than if you book closer to your travel dates.
Price: ¥5,800 - 10,000 ($38 - $65 USD) per night
Distance to station: 30 minute walk
Website: Travelodge Nagoya Sakae
This hotel is located slightly further from Nagoya Station in comparison to the other two options but it is still a great choice. It is roughly a 30 minute walk to Nagoya Station from the hotel, which is still very close.
After returning from the circuit, there are numerous restaurants and shops to browse in the evenings.This hotel will be a comfortable stay and is priced very reasonably for the amenities it has to offer.
Osaka is another great city to stay in if you are traveling to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix. There are many affordable hotels, Airbnbs, hostels or homestays scattered around the city to choose from. Osaka is further away from Suzuka in comparison to Nagoya, but it is an incredible city with lots of things to do and see.
If you are staying in Osaka for a long period of time, I would recommend booking a food tour because it is a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and cuisine. It’s amazing to learn more about the history of Osaka and the importance that food has on their community.
Now, here are some accommodation recommendations for the best areas to stay in Osaka!
Price: ¥2,800 - 3,000 ($19-$25 USD) per night
Distance to station: 30 minute metro ride
Website: Orange Hotel - Through Airbnb
When I was in Osaka, I stayed at the Orange Hotel located in the Shinsekai area. I loved being situated in this area because it was fairly central and there were lots of things to do and see which were all within walking distance of each other.
The Shinsekai area was very lively and the nightlife was amazing - not in terms of clubbing or bars, but there were countless restaurants and food stands that provided an incredible atmosphere for anybody in the vicinity.
The Orange Hotel was very modest but it served the purpose of what I needed! I had a single bedroom to myself with one double bed, a bathroom with a shower and a mini fridge. The concept of the hotel was all self-service which meant self-check in. I booked it through Airbnb and the host was very responsive and helpful for any questions I had. The self check in and check out was very convenient and once again, I felt as though the location was perfect despite it being further from Osaka station.
Price: ¥6,000 - 20,000 ($38-$130 USD) per night
Distance to station: 2 Minute walk
Website: APA Hotel Shin Osaka Ekimae
APA Hotels are a common Japanese hotel chain that is seen in all of the major cities. It is known to be very affordable and usually located near the main train stations. APA hotel has many different amenities to offer their guests such as different breakfast options, free wifi, a parking lot for if you rent a car, wheelchair friendly rooms and even a hot tub to relax in after a long day.
There are many different APA hotels located all throughout Osaka but the Shin Osaka Ekimae one is the closest to Shin Osaka Station which makes it very convenient for guests who are traveling to Suzuka for the Grand Prix.
Price: ¥14,000 - 30,000 ($90 - $200 USD) per night
Distance to station: 30 minute metro ride
Website: Osaka Ryokan Kuramoto - Through Agoda
Looking for a more authentic accommodation type? Try staying in a typical Japanese Ryokan. Ryokans are typical Japanese-style inns that allow guests insight into the Japanese lifestyle and hospitality. Ryokans usually offer their guests an elaborate dinner followed by a home cooked breakfast the next morning. Guests are able to indulge in typical Japanese cuisine while also being offered futon beds to sleep on, tatami rooms (authentic Japanese ceremony rooms), and Japanese style baths. Because this is a more traditional accommodation style, it is significantly more expensive than other options. Keep in mind that you are paying for the entire experience rather than just a place to stay!
The Osaka Ryokan Kuramoto is located 30 minutes (by metro) from Shin Osaka station, but it is a unique experience for anybody visiting Japan for the first time. It is a 2 minute walk to the Dotonbori area which has numerous shops, restaurants and food stalls to peruse.
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is arguably the most famous and well known city in the country. Although it is located about 3 hours away from the Suzuka International circuit, it is definitely a city worth visiting if you have time!
There are so many different areas within Tokyo that are unique and showcase authentic Japanese culture. Visitors should visit the infamous Shibuya crossing, the busiest crosswalk in the world, Asakusa Sensoji Temple and the Shinjuku area for some lively nightlife! If you have time in Tokyo, I would recommend visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market which is the oldest fish market in the world. There are countless food stalls that allow visitors to taste typical Japanese snacks and learn more about authentic Japanese cuisine.
If you are visiting Tokyo before the Japanese Grand Prix, be sure to visit the Tokyo Fan Fest! Here you will have the opportunity to see some historical Formula 1 cars and hear different F1 personnel speak about their roles and the part they play during the race weekend. The past two years, F1 drivers such as Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, Sergio Perez and Yuki Tsunoda have made appearances!
Keep in mind that Tokyo is a slightly more expensive city to stay in but it is so worth visiting! Now that you know some of the top areas and things to see in Tokyo, here are three different accommodation options for you to stay in if you are visiting for the Japanese GP.
Price: ¥2,300 - 3,000 ($14 - $20 USD) per night
Distance to station: 25 minute metro ride
Website: Arakawa City Hostel - Through Airbnb
When I visited Tokyo, I stayed in the Tokyo E Joy Inn located in Arakawa City. I really enjoyed this hostel but it definitely was a little bit out of the way. Despite being at least a 30 minute metro ride to all the main areas, I really enjoyed being located in a more quiet and 'lowkey' neighborhood.
The hostel offers male / female dorms as well as mixed dorms which I liked because as a solo female traveler, I felt more safe and comfortable in a female only dorm. The beds were very comfortable and there were shared bathrooms within the dorm rooms. There was also a 24 hour reception area that was helpful for check in and check out. If you are traveling alone to Tokyo and looking for a cheap option, I definitely would recommend this hostel!
Keep in mind that it takes about 30 minutes to get to Tokyo Station which adds more travel time to your journey to the Suzuka International Circuit.
Price: ¥20,000 - 30,000 ($130 - $200 USD) per night
Distance to station: 16 minute metro ride
Website: Hotel Villa Fontaine
This hotel is located very close to Tokyo station making it a convenient spot for any visitors looking to stay in Tokyo for the Japanese GP. There are many attractions that are within walking distance of the hotel and being located close to the station allows visitors to easily get anywhere in the city just from riding the metro!
Hotel Villa Fontaine is a chain hotel and there are many different options located around the city if you are hoping to stay in a different area. If you don’t mind staying a little bit further from Tokyo Station, I would recommend staying in the Shinjuku area since it has a great nightlife and tons of restaurants to choose from!
Price: ¥19,000 - 25,000 ($120 - $160 USD) per night
Distance to station: 5 minute metro ride
Website: Ici Hotel
Ici hotel is located only a 5 minute metro ride from Chiyoda which makes it a perfect location for someone looking to stay relatively close to Tokyo Station. The hotel is very affordable and its central location makes it a great place to stay for visitors who are hoping to tour around the city and see other tourist attractions.
The hotel offers guests a breakfast buffet as well as eco-certified duvets, towels and pajamas ensuring the comfort of their visitors. The space is also a concept hotel taking on the shape of water and emphasizing the importance of relaxation.
Curious on how to get to the Suzuka circuit? Check out our comprehensive guide on the best ways to reach the Suzuka International Circuit!
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If you are looking to purchase tickets for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, check out P1 Travel as they have the best seats and prices for all of the grandstands and seating options.
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