[MotoGP™ Viewing & Touring] Enjoy the Japanese Grand Prix and More! Mobility Resort Motegi & Surrounding Touring Guide

The world's top motorcycle race, the "2026 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship Series Round 16 MOTUL Grand Prix of Japan," unfolds at Mobility Resort Motegi, nestled amidst the lush forests of Motegi Town, Tochigi Prefecture. While the thrilling races and events during race week are a must-see, there are actually numerous enjoyable touring spots in the surrounding area. By adding a touring experience to your MotoGP™ Grand Prix of Japan visit, you can make the event many times more enjoyable. Be sure to check this out along with the spectator guide!

Keep a Close Eye on Ai Ogura's Performance! New Spectator Areas and Events Abound

The "2026 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship Series Round 16 MOTUL Grand Prix of Japan" is held in the home country of Japanese manufacturers. This year's event will take place from October 2nd (Friday) to 4th (Sunday).

The event comprises three classes: MotoGP™, Moto2™, and Moto3™. In the premier MotoGP™ class, 1000cc machines reach speeds exceeding 300 km/h. This is a rare opportunity to witness the extreme battles fought by top riders with your own eyes.

Mobility Resort Motegi's racing circuit, the venue for the event, is 4.8 km long. It features a "stop-and-go" layout with corners following straights, characterized by many tight turns.This requires intense braking from full throttle, making rider skill paramount among the many MotoGP™ circuits. The strategic battles and the precise control of the machines are major attractions.

Mobility Resort Motegi, with its 4.8km circuit, has hosted countless legendary races.

The intense braking battles are one of Motegi's highlights.

Motegi also features many tight corners.

Furthermore, as it is held towards the end of the season, it is a crucial race that can influence the outcome of the annual championship battle.

Recently, Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team), the sole Japanese rider in the top class, has been in excellent form. He achieved his first victory in 22 years for a Japanese rider at the MotoGP™ Round 10 Dutch Grand Prix. Could Ogura also take the checkered flag first at the Grand Prix of Japan? As of the time of writing (early July), he is ranked 4th. If he maintains this strong performance, we might witness the crowning of the first Japanese MotoGP™ World Champion at Motegi!

Let's cheer for Ai Ogura, the only Japanese rider in the MotoGP™ class! ©MotoGP.com

New Group Viewing Seats & Stay Areas to Enrich Your Experience

Starting this year, Mobility Resort Motegi is expanding beyond traditional race viewing to enhance its function as a "place to spend time," offering enriched experiences. Various new elements have been introduced to evolve the spectator experience.

One of the highlights is the three newly established group viewing seats & stay areas. These areas maximize the unique banking of the oval course, offering unprecedented immersion close to the racing circuit.

Introducing the "Victory Corner Deck," a deck & dedicated lawn area offering a panoramic view of the final section, hinting at dramatic climaxes; the "T5 (Turn Five) Deck," which provides a direct view of the braking competition at Turn 5 and allows for tent setup; and the "Green Camp Site," a campsite designed for comfortable long stays, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Grand Prix for 24 hours.

All of these are located within the oval course, utilizing its sloped design to provide a downward view of the machines speeding past right in front of you.

Furthermore, a new premium hospitality area, the "GP Suite," is being introduced with a limited capacity of 10 seats. It includes breakfast, lunch, and light meals, and guests can also participate in grid walks and award ceremonies for each class.

A large special screen will be installed in the G seating area, and all reserved seats will be equipped with large screens. This year, all tickets include a park passport, allowing access to on-site attractions during the Grand Prix period. The "16-23 ZERO Yen Pass," offering free admission for young people aged 16-23, will continue this year.

Ticket details can be found here:https://www.mr-motegi.jp/ticket_m/motogp/

The "Victory Corner Deck" offers a view of the Victory Corner, which creates dramatic climaxes. It's a recommended deck site for group use. *Illustration is for image purposes only.

The "T5 (Turn Five) Deck" is a deck site located on the outside of Turn 5. You can witness the machines at breathtaking speed up close. *Illustration is for image purposes only.

The spacious and functional auto campsite, "Green Camp Site" (Grand Prix tickets sold out), allows direct vehicle access. Water and toilet facilities are also available nearby! *Illustration is for image purposes only.

The "GP Suite" is the top-tier premium area. It features a luxurious interior with a large screen, offering a true suite experience. *Illustration is for image purposes only.

The "16-23 ZERO Yen Pass" offers unlimited access to attractions for free, in addition to race viewing. Applications are accepted until October 4th, the race day.

"MotoGP™ Night Live" Featuring Rider Talk Sessions

"MotoGP™ Night Live," held on October 2nd and 3rd, is the Grand Prix of Japan's biggest event, combining the traditional eve-of-race festival with a music live performance by popular artists. MotoGP™ riders who have completed their practice sessions on Friday and Saturday will appear, offering insights and perhaps even behind-the-scenes stories that you wouldn't normally hear!?

The music live performance will feature artists leading Japan's pop culture scene: "Juice=Juice," "SWEET STEADY," and "MORE MORE MORE."

Additionally, on Friday and Saturday nights, visit "Over Night Square," Japan's only fan interaction space where you can camp or stay in your vehicle and discuss MotoGP™. It's a place to connect with fans from all over the country, so be sure to experience it!

Enjoy rare talk sessions with MotoGP™ riders that you can only hear here.

Juice=Juice and others will perform at the music live! Experience powerful vocals and high-level dance performances at Motegi.

Fans discuss the race's afterglow late into the night.

Plenty of Touring Spots Around Motegi!

The area around Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi Town, Tochigi Prefecture, offers numerous attractive touring destinations. Take advantage of your visit to the race to explore them!

Motegi Town is close to the border of Tochigi and Ibaraki Prefectures, making it easily accessible to both. Within an hour's ride from Mobility Resort Motegi, you'll find famous tourist spots like Kasama Inari Shrine, with over 1300 years of history, and Kairakuen Garden, known as one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. Further afield, you can reach popular destinations like Nikko, Nasu Highlands, and Oarai. Here, we've selected some slightly less mainstream spots that riders might particularly enjoy.

[Attractions/Facilities] From Mysterious Excavation Sites to Motorcycle History and Railway Relics

A variety of spots await, including vast underground spaces, a motorcycle shrine, and facilities showcasing the history of motorcycles. There's even a must-visit location for railway enthusiasts!

Oya History Museum (Approx. 50km from Mobility Resort Motegi)

This museum is located in a former quarry, featuring a vast underground space with a maximum depth of 30 meters and an area of approximately 20,000 square meters. It's a mysterious space resembling a dungeon or temple, used for concerts and film shoots. The museum also exhibits quarrying methods from the Taisho era to the present day. Admission is 800 yen.
https://www.oya909.co.jp/

Excavated since the Taisho era, a mystical underground space unfolds! (Photo courtesy of Oya History Museum)

Yasuzumi Shrine (Approx. 30km from Mobility Resort Motegi)

Known as the first "Motorcycle Shrine" in Japan, this is a famous spot where many riders visit to pray for safety. The shrine grounds feature a symbol of the motorcycle shrine, rider-specific amulets, and traffic safety prayers. On weekends, motorcycles with license plates from all over the country gather here. Stopping by at the start or end of your tour will add a special memory to your journey with your beloved bike.
https://www.yasuzumi.com/index.html

The enshrined deity is Nakatsutsunomikoto, who governs safety in navigation and traffic. Large-scale meetings are also held here. (Photo from Webike Community)

Nasukarasuyama Yamaage Kaikan (Approx. 20km from Mobility Resort Motegi)

Nasukarasuyama was once home to the factory of the historic motorcycle manufacturer "Meguro Manufacturing." The "Yamaage Kaikan," which introduces traditional events, exhibits historical motorcycles such as Meguro models, and sells original coffee "Meguro Blend" and stickers. The facility also showcases the "Karasuyama Yamaage Festival," a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here, you can enjoy the region's traditional culture and the history of motorcycling all at once. Admission is 300 yen (Meguro corner is free).
https://www.nasukarasuyama.com/watch/メグロの聖地・展示室/

You can enjoy coffee surrounded by Meguro models like the S2 Junior, Y2 Rex, Stamina K1, and 250SG. (Photo courtesy of Nasukarasuyama Town Tourism Association)

SL Kyurokukan (Approx. 30km from Mobility Resort Motegi)

This railway museum is adjacent to Moka Station on the Moka Railway, housed in an SL (steam locomotive) exterior. It allows you to see steam and diesel locomotives up close. The running demonstrations of the preserved 9600 type steam locomotive and the exhibited vehicles are impressive. Mechanics enthusiasts will lose track of time here. Unfortunately, SL operations on the Moka Railway are suspended until March 2027, but you can still fully enjoy the charm of railways and engine culture. Admission is free.
https://sl-96kan.com/

The 9600 type SL also operates on Saturdays and Sundays! (Photo courtesy of SL Kyurokukan)

Phantom Nagakura Line (Approx. 8km from Mobility Resort Motegi)

This is a little-known historical spot where remnants of a railway line, abandoned just before completion, can still be found. Bridge piers, tunnel entrances, and embankments are scattered throughout the quiet countryside, allowing you to ponder the grand railway plan of the past. With little traffic, it's also an ideal detour for a leisurely tour around the Motegi area. Recommended for railway fans as well as riders interested in history and civil engineering heritage.
https://motegi-k.com/nagakura/

Let's trace the romance of the "Nagakura Line" that might have been. (Photo courtesy of Motegi Town Tourism Association)

[Nature/Scenery] Relax with Waterfalls, Terraced Rice Fields, and Majestic Landscapes

The area around Mobility Resort Motegi is packed with spots to enjoy nature. It's characterized by many waterfalls and terraced rice fields, so we've focused on those.

Waterfalls (Fukuroda Falls / Ryumon Falls / Tsubobuchi Falls / Tsukimachi Falls)

From Fukuroda Falls, known for its seasonal beauty, to Ryumon Falls with its graceful 20m drop, Tsubobuchi Falls nestled in a quiet valley, and Tsukimachi Falls, popular for allowing visitors to walk behind the cascade, you can enjoy a variety of different scenic views. After enjoying some winding roads, taking a break surrounded by the sound of water is a unique pleasure of this area.

Fukuroda Falls boasts a height of 120m and a width of 73m, ranking it among Japan's three most famous waterfalls. (Photo courtesy of Daigo Town Tourism Association)

At Tsukimachi Falls, you can walk behind the waterfall without getting wet. (Photo courtesy of Kanko Ibaraki)

Terraced Rice Fields (Irigou Ishibatake Terraced Rice Fields, etc.)

The terraced rice fields spread across the slopes of the mountains are healing spots where you can feel the original landscape of Japan. Among them, the famous "Irigou Ishibatake Terraced Rice Fields" and "Tanada no Sato Kabuto" are known for their beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. During the Grand Prix of Japan, you can see the landscape covered in golden rice ears before harvest. The touring routes through the peaceful rural scenery offer a pleasant experience unique to the nature-rich Motegi area.

The "Irigou Ishibatake Terraced Rice Fields," selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields. (Photo courtesy of Motegi Town Tourism Association)

Mount Kamakura

Mount Kamakura is a scenic spot offering views of the Yamizo mountain range. When weather conditions are favorable, it is also famous for the mystical sea of clouds that spreads out below. As it's a short walk from the parking lot to the summit, you can easily enjoy the magnificent scenery. The landscape, shaped by clear air and the changing seasons, makes it a worthwhile viewpoint to visit.

The view from Mount Kamakura is superb. The sea of clouds season is from late October onwards; you might be lucky enough to see it! (Photo courtesy of Motegi Town Tourism Association)

Gozenyama Dam

Gozenyama Dam is a serene agricultural reservoir surrounded by rich forests, offering a spot to enjoy nature. The mountains reflected on the calm lake surface and the scenery of the changing seasons are beautiful, making it a popular resting place for touring. The surrounding routes allow for pleasant riding through nature, perfect for a relaxed ride while enjoying the scenery.

The dam height is a massive 52m! There is also a parking lot with an observation deck. (Photo courtesy of Hitachiomiya City)

[Touring Routes] Easy to Ride with Pleasant Scenery

The area around Mobility Resort Motegi is full of expansive agricultural roads and winding roads surrounded by nature. We've selected routes that are particularly enjoyable for motorcycle riding.

Beef Line

This is a classic agricultural road easily accessible from the north and south gates of Mobility Resort Motegi. With few traffic lights, moderate ups and downs, and rhythmic corners, it's popular among riders. The surrounding area offers rich rural scenery and numerous rest stops. If you're venturing out from Mobility Resort Motegi, this is a must-ride route.

A smooth riding route popular among many riders as a representative touring road in Ibaraki Prefecture. (Photo from Webike Community)

Green Furusato Line

This is a long touring route of approximately 70 km that runs through northern Ibaraki Prefecture. The winding roads that snake through the lush mountain areas offer a balanced mix of ups, downs, and corners, providing a satisfying ride. Along the way, you'll find natural spots like Tadasu Falls and Koyamadani Dam, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace. Combined with the Beef Line, it creates a highly satisfying touring course.

The Green Furusato Line is a great route offering both riding pleasure and scenic views. (Photo from Webike Community)

Apple Line

The Apple Line, which runs through the Okukuji area in northwestern Ibaraki Prefecture, offers gentle winding roads and open, scenic views. With its easy-to-ride corners, it's enjoyable for riders of all levels, from beginners to veterans. Along the route, you'll find apple orchards and peaceful rural landscapes, with the scenery becoming even richer in autumn. Incorporating this into your Motegi area tour creates a course that allows you to fully enjoy exhilarating riding and the beauty of nature.

The Apple Line offers pleasant riding through peaceful scenery and mountain roads.

[Gourmet & Souvenirs] The Highly Popular "Michi-no-Eki Motegi" Offers a Full Range of Specialties

There are numerous gourmet and souvenir options around Mobility Resort Motegi. Enjoy Yuzu Salt Ramen, Hitachi Aki Soba, and Naka River Ayu (sweetfish), among others. If you venture to Utsunomiya City, you can also try their famous gyoza.

A must-visit is "Michi-no-Eki Motegi," located about a 10-minute ride from Mobility Resort Motegi. Here, you can savor the signature Yuzu Salt Ramen and handmade ice cream made with luxurious ripe Tochihotome strawberries from Motegi. Additionally, the "Yuzu Dressing," made with local yuzu, and "Rice Flour Baumkuchen," made with local rice flour, are famous souvenirs. There's also a direct sales area where you can buy fresh local vegetables.
https://www.motegiplaza.com/

Michi-no-Eki Motegi is a highly popular roadside station visited by approximately 1.5 million people annually. It has also been selected as a "National Model Roadside Station" by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

The "Yuzu Salt Ramen," which won three consecutive championships at the regional gourmet festival "Do-1 Grand Prix" and was inducted into the hall of fame. (Photos 2 provided by Motegi Town Tourism Association)

[Rental Bike Information] Starting Your Tour from the Area is Also a Great Option

Another option is to travel to a major station by public transport and then rent a motorcycle locally for your tour. This can be particularly beneficial for those traveling from afar, helping to conserve energy. Here are some nearby rental motorcycle shops.

- Rental 819 Utsunomiya Chikurin
321-0974 682-5 Chikurin-cho, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture
https://rental819.com/store/138

- Honda Go Bike Rental Kasama
309-1615 65 Kanai, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture
https://hondago-bikerental.jp/store/detail/138

- Honda Go Bike Rental Mito Kita
312-0061 1285-1 Inada, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
https://hondago-bikerental.jp/store/detail/131

- Motoauc Bike Rental (Kawasaki Plaza Mito)
310-0841 5119 Sakamon-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
https://rental.moto-auc.com/shop/8539ec2f01d4cbc7a8d22723b230cfe9/00

Plenty to See Inside Mobility Resort Motegi Too

Mobility Resort Motegi itself offers numerous attractions. From the "Honda Collection Hall," which showcases a collection of Honda's legendary motorcycles, to attractions where you can ride electric bikes and forest-themed athletic courses, there's plenty to enjoy.

Honda Collection Hall

This is the world's only museum that brings together the history and challenges of Honda. It houses and exhibits everything from early legendary models to the latest mobility products, as well as historic MotoGP™ machines and F1 cars. You can experience the history of technological innovation that Honda has pursued, encompassing both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.

During the Grand Prix of Japan, special events such as engine starts of historic racing machines are held annually. This year, the collaborative exhibition "Two Passions, One Dream," featuring GP machines from Honda and Yamaha, is also ongoing (until October 18th).Admission is free with a Grand Prix ticket during the event, so be sure to visit.

You can experience Honda's "Story of Dreams and Challenges" from its founding to the present.

Renewed in 2024, the floors are divided into four eras, with features clearly displayed.

During the Grand Prix of Japan, special events such as engine starts of historic racing machines are held.

The special exhibition "Two Passions, One Dream" features 1960s GP machines from Honda and Yamaha, as well as recent MotoGP™ machines. https://www.mr-motegi.jp/collection-hall/event/exhibition.html#WGP

Attractions/Activities

Mobility Resort Motegi offers a variety of attractions that take advantage of its natural surroundings. There are many motorcycle and car-related attractions, with the "RINDO BIKE," which opened this spring, being a particular highlight. Here, you can ride electric bikes on an off-road course designed to resemble a rural village.

In addition, there are plenty of activities to captivate both adults and children, including the giant athletic course "DOKIDOKI," the maze "Meikyu Mori-dono ITADAKI," zip-lining, and "Hello Woods Forest" for nature experiences.

The "RINDO BIKE" is available for riders aged 1st grade and up. You can easily experience the fun of riding on a varied course with ups, downs, and bridges, including a "Motocross Racer" that lets you feel like a MotoGP™ rider!

The "Mega Zip Line Tsubasa," with a total length of 561m, offers a view of the racing circuit while you glide.

Access Information to Mobility Resort Motegi

Mobility Resort Motegi is conveniently located for access by motorcycle or car. While arriving by your own vehicle is enjoyable, the on-site hotel is on a waiting list and the campsite is already sold out for the Grand Prix period. Therefore, for overnight stays, you will need to use accommodation facilities in nearby areas such as Utsunomiya or Mito.

In such cases, using the train or direct bus to access the venue is recommended, and the availability of these options is a characteristic of the Grand Prix of Japan. Direct buses from Tokyo and major stations will also be operating during the Grand Prix period, so choose the most convenient way for you to get there.

Motorcycle/Car

Mobility Resort Motegi is located in an area that allows for comfortable access from the North Kanto and South Tohoku regions. It is approximately 60 minutes from the "Moka IC" on the Kita-Kanto Expressway, about 40 minutes from the "Mito Kita Smart IC" on the Joban Expressway, and about 50 minutes from both the "Mito IC" and "Tomobe IC." From the "Yaita IC" on the Tohoku Expressway, it is about 90 minutes. It is also convenient to use the North, South, or East gates depending on your destination.

Starting this year, a new "Park & Ride" system has been introduced, connecting off-site parking lots to the circuit. The "Honda Motor Co., Ltd. External Parking Lot," located 30 minutes from the Moka IC, can be used as an off-site parking facility, with free shuttle buses to Mobility Resort Motegi.

It takes about an hour to reach Mobility Resort Motegi from the nearest interchange.

"Honda Motor Co., Ltd. External Parking Lot"

Train (LRT Smart Access)

If you're using public transportation, "LRT Smart Access" is recommended. Take the Haga Utsunomiya LRT (Light Line) from the east exit of JR Utsunomiya Station, get off at "Haga Town Industrial Park Management Center Front," and then take a dedicated shuttle bus to reach Mobility Resort Motegi in about 30 minutes. This allows for smooth access while avoiding congestion around the station.

Haga Utsunomiya Light Line

You can smoothly access Mobility Resort Motegi from Utsunomiya Station.

From July 4th, a MotoGP™ wrapped vehicle is also in operation!

Reserved Direct Shuttle Bus "Motegi GP Express"

Direct buses "Motegi GP Express" are also operating, allowing access from major stations without transfers. They depart from Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, TX Tsukuba Station, JR Utsunomiya Station, and the LRT Haga area, offering a comfortable journey to your destination. Furthermore, the shuttle bus from Haga to Mobility Resort Motegi is free for those aged 16-23.

Additionally, the direct bus "Motegi GP Express Mito" has started operating, connecting Mito Station South Exit and Mobility Resort Motegi in approximately 60 minutes. All services are reservation-based, ensuring you have a seat.

The direct bus "Motegi GP Express" is also recommended for access from stations. All seats are reserved, so you are guaranteed a seat.

You Can Enjoy More Than Just the Grand Prix at Motegi!

As detailed above, Mobility Resort Motegi offers numerous spots to enjoy both inside and outside the venue. Why not combine your Grand Prix viewing with exploring the surrounding tourist attractions and activities?

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