As motor-heads, one of the enjoyable aspects about visiting Japan is the vast array of race circuits one can find and explore. There are the famed Formula One tracks such as Suzuka Circuit and Fuji Speedway, but also plenty of smaller racing playgrounds – Tsukuba Circuit, Sportsland Sugo, Ebisu and Autopolis to name a few.

Before touching down in Japan, I had already knew that a visit to Twin Ring Motegi was a must. I’ve always admired the red-stiched, black leather Honda driving gloves a friend back in Adelaide wears each and every time he takes his NSX-R out. Attempting to source a pair online proved difficult so upon getting a tip off from him that they were purchased at Twin Ring Motegi – plans to visit the Honda-owned circuit were cemented.

Upon studying Motegi’s website for instructions on how to get there, I quickly realised that more than a two way bus ticket from Tokyo Station was required. Thanks to the tourist lady at the aforementioned station, instructions were scribbled down and handed to me – this will be an easy trip – or so I thought. The reality of getting to Twin Ring Motegi was a different story so to assist fellow travellers, I’ve left some simple instructions at the bottom of this post.

Visiting the circuit on a Sunday, I had no idea what to expect. The temperature was an icy 5 degree Celsius with crystal clear blue skies (my favourite kind of weather) so the day was already off to a good start. After a beeline to the info centre, a map was acquired and the day’s attack plan was formed. First stop would be the renown Honda Collection Hall. Upon my stroll there and within the distance, I heard a distinctive electrifying soundtrack that could’ve only been played by one particular Honda automobile. My thoughts were confirmed when a silver NA1 NSX appeared, cruising past me in second gear – the owner probably on his way to the road course, ready for some Sunday fun.

I’ll save the contents of what my DSLR captured at the Honda Collection Hall for a future post as there was so much to soak in. Some of the things below were what my wondering eyes caught upon the casual walk to the Honda museum.

By the time I finished the Honda Collection Hall, my stomach was grumbling quite a bit. To please it, I decided to have lunch at one of Motegi’s restaurants – the delightful Gran Turismo Cafe.

The food was average but my seat time playing Gran Turismo 6 on one of the pods made up for this. There was also a souvenir shop (one of three at Motegi) that could be found at the Gran Turismo Cafe.

Taking time to explore the pit area after lunch proved worthwhile. As Twin Ring Motegi is owned by Honda, the circuit’s safety-car would always be from the same marque but it was exciting to see that race control opted for a FK2 Civic Type R. With customer deliveries of the newer 2017 FK8 Civic Type R currently taking place globally, it’s a shame that most have already forgotten about the FK2’s existence.

Sunday racing is a familiar concept to most car enthusiasts who reside in Japan. The concept is literally in the words and on the day, I saw the NSX and Insight below – ready to prove this axiom. A Mugen body kit complete with combined rear Mugen lexan windscreen and intake piece adorned the NSX; the first and probably last time I’ll ever witness these exceptionally rare parts in the flesh.

Go-karting was next on the agenda. I had to cut my session short as on Sundays, the only bus returning to Tokyo comes once a day and I was already pressed for time. Nevertheless, tackling the Moto Racer circuit was great fun. Cost was about AUD $20 for a 15 minute session.

Twin Ring Motegi has three souvenir shops scattered throughout the venue. They all stocked predominately the same items but there were subtle differences between them – for example, the store located at the entrance sold Motegi circuit themed treats.

Upon departing Twin Ring Motegi, I was unable to acquire those elusive Honda driving gloves as none of the stores had stock. There seems to be a common occurrence with this holiday and stores not having stock of items I yearn for. Nonetheless, I had a ball at Twin Ring Motegi and can only urge fellow Honda enthusiasts to stop by the next time they visit the Land of the Rising Sun.

 

Tips on getting to Twin Ring Motegi:

• The bus only runs on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Below’s instructions are based on visiting Twin Ring Motegi on a Sunday.
• We took a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Shinjuku Station to Utsunomiya Station. There are regular trains that make the same trip but we had a JR pass and wanted an excuse to ride a Shinkansen.
• Once at Utsunomiya Station, take the bus that leaves only once a day at 8.59am (strange time, I know) from Bus Stop 3. However, things may change since this post so best to confirm inside with the information counter.
• Bus only leaves Twin Ring Motegi once a day at 3:40pm back the opposite route to Utsunomiya Station with arrival time at 5:11pm.
• Note that you can take the same bus from Motegi Station at 10:02am (arriving back at 4pm) but we found that Motegi Station was more difficult to get to i.e. more transfers which is why we went from Utsunomiya Station.

Kudos to my other half for collating the above.