TOC
Twin Ring Motegi (Motegi Town, Tochigi Prefecture)
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Twin Ring Motegi is a motorsports and leisure complex built by Honda and located in Motegi Town, Haga County, Tochigi Prefecture. As the name "Twin Rings" suggests, it is centered around two circuits, an oval course and a road course, and is characterized by a variety of facilities, including motorsports viewing and experience, a museum, family attractions, and accommodation and camping facilities.
Its appeal lies in the high level of realism brought about by domestic and international races, the hands-on content that allows visitors to actually ride and interact with the cars (karting, test drives, viewing exhibits, etc.), and the fact that it combines valuable museums such as the "Honda Collection Hall" that look back on the history of automobiles and motorcycles.It can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from families to motorsport fans.
Highlights
- Circuit (road course/oval course): On race days, you can see some exciting racing. Grid walks and pit walks may also be held.
- Honda Collection Hall: A large number of historical models of classic cars, racing machines, two-wheeled vehicles, and four-wheeled vehicles are on display. You can learn at length through explanatory panels and special exhibits.
- Experience attractions: Karting, riding alongside others, mini circuits for children, etc. There are also plenty of programs for beginners (age and height restrictions apply).
- Mobi Park/Forest Area: A playground and nature experience area for families to enjoy. Seasonal events (fireworks, illuminations, etc.) are also popular.
- Events and Festivals: A wide variety of events including domestic races (SUPER GT, Super Formula, etc.), music events, and car events.
- Shopping and Food: There are cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops scattered throughout the venue. You can also enjoy food stalls and menus using local ingredients.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train + Bus/Taxi
- The nearest local line is the Mooka Railway (Motegi Station), from which you can access the area by bus or taxi (the journey takes about a few minutes to 20 minutes, and the number of buses running is limited except on event days, so it is recommended to check in advance).
- If you are taking the Shinkansen, Utsunomiya Station is convenient. From Utsunomiya, it takes about 40 to 70 minutes (depending on traffic conditions) by rental car, express bus, local bus, or taxi.
- car
- It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area via expressway (depending on the departure point and traffic conditions). There is a large parking lot on-site, but during events, paid parking may be required.
- Parking lots can fill up early during events, so if you are attending an event, we recommend arriving early, purchasing a reserved parking ticket, or using the shuttle bus.
- Shuttle bus: During races and large-scale events, special shuttle buses often run from major stations (Utsunomiya, Oyama, and surrounding cities), so please check the official website for the latest information.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Honda Collection Hall only: 1-2 hours
- Experience Attractions + Museum: Half Day (3-4 hours)
- Watching races or participating in events: 1 day (all day depending on the event)
- If camping and sightseeing in the area are included: 1-2 nights
Nearby spots
- Motegi Roadside Station: A rest stop where you can buy local specialties and snacks. Located within a few minutes' drive.
- Mashiko (Mashiko Town): Famous as a town of pottery, it has many galleries and workshops for Mashiko ware. Approximately 20-40 minutes by car.
- Nasu Highlands area: Hot springs, nature, and tourist facilities are plentiful. About an hour by car (convenient for combining sightseeing).
- Nikko (World Heritage Site, Temples and Shrines): Although it is a long tourist route, it is possible to make a round trip there and back in one day, making it easy to plan a trip that combines it with historical sightseeing.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Large race days and popular event days are extremely crowded. Be sure to purchase your admission and parking tickets early and arrive at the venue with plenty of time to spare. Traffic jams on the way back can also be long, so allow plenty of time.
- Noise/earplugs: The circuit produces loud vehicle noise, so we recommend bringing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, especially if you are traveling with small children.
- Restrictions on experience programs: Kart riding and passenger riding may require age, height, and weight restrictions, and advance reservations may be required. Please check the official information beforehand to confirm participation conditions.
- What to wear and bring: As there are many outdoor facilities and the temperature varies depending on the season, bring warm clothing and rain gear. Comfortable shoes are also useful when watching races at the circuit.
- Food and Drink/Garbage: The restaurants on-site will be crowded. Please take your trash home or dispose of it in the designated trash cans. Please observe good manners.
- Photography/Photography: General photography is permitted, but there may be restrictions on photography in the pits and in specific areas where competitors are present. Please follow the instructions of staff.
- Weather: In the event of rain, the event may be changed or canceled, and experience attractions may be suspended. Please check the official website or social media for information on the day.
When planning your trip, we recommend checking the official website in advance for the latest information on event schedules, admission fees, and access. Enjoy the diverse attractions of Twin Ring Motegi while taking safety into consideration.
