Suzuka - advice pls

[mwp]

I'm thinking of going to Suzuka for f1 race.

Flying into Osaka or Nagoya. If anyone has been how difficult are the transport arrangements to the circuit etc ?

And any advice on hotels either in those cities or near circuit itself ?

Thanks, mark.

[foreverdriving]

I've not yet had the chance to attend a race at Suzuka, but I live in Osaka, so can hopefully help.

Having a brief look around, it seems that most of (if not all) the local Suzukan hotels are already booked. I'd suggest staying in an area of Osaka called Namba, which is the main southern transport and entertainment hub, with a direct(ish) train to Suzuka. The most convenient hotel would be the Swiss Hotel (it's part of the train terminal building) but there are many others nearby if that's too costly.

I found a little guide to help you get from the station to the circuit...

guide said:

There are two limited express train connections per hour from Osaka-Namba Station to Shiroko Station (100 minutes, 3030 yen one way, covered by the Kintetsu Rail Pass). One is direct, while the other requires a transfer at Tsu Station along the way. Seat reservations are mandatory. From Shiroko Station, it is a 20 minute bus ride to the circuit (380 yen one way).

The train journey from Osaka-Namba to Shiroko Station can also be done by slower express trains, in which case the one way fare is only 1750 yen, but the trip takes about 2.5 hours and usually requires two transfers along the way.

Note: the Limited Express train will be bright orange and look like the pic underneath. Getting on any other train will result in either going to the wrong place or stopping at every station.



I think it'd be best to change at Tsu station and head to the Suzuka Circuit Inou station, as the track is only 1.5km away and walkable. Going to Shiroko station will mean a bus journey and probably plenty of waiting/being squeezed in.

Oh and finally, here's a googlemap link to the circuit to help navigate from Inou station (it's just off to the east)

Edited by foreverdriving on Thursday 29th August 11:36