Experience the Ultimate Fusion of People, Nature, and Mobility at Mobility Resort Motegi—Home to the Prestigious MotoGP™!
Mobility Resort Motegi is renowned for its international racing circuit, which hosts the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix. In addition to a variety of vehicle-themed attractions, the resort offers numerous activities that allow visitors to engage with nature and challenge themselves physically. This mobility-themed park is designed for everyone to enjoy, not just motorsports enthusiasts.
This article provides an in-depth look at how to enjoy the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix and the various ways to spend your time at Mobility Resort Motegi, ensuring fun for both adults and children throughout the day.
What Is Mobility Resort Motegi?
Established in 1997, Mobility Resort Motegi is a mobility-themed park nestled in the lush greenery of Tochigi Prefecture, located in the northern part of the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo. Tochigi is a popular area with tourist spots such as the Oya History Museum and Utsunomiya Zoo in Utsunomiya City, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Lake Chuzenji in Nikko City.
Spanning approximately 640 hectares, the resort comprises seven distinct areas. The highlight is the "Motorsports" area, featuring an international racing circuit constructed by Honda, following the Suzuka Circuit. This circuit hosts world-class motorcycle road races like the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix and the SUPER GT, Japan's most attended car race.
Adjacent to the circuit is the "Park" area, themed around the forest. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including the five-story 3D maze "Maze Palace in the Wood, ITADAKI," which represents the forest ecosystem; the tree-climbing athletic course "Athletic Course in the Wood, DOKIDOKI"; and vehicle attractions that children as young as three can operate. Notably, the "Moto Racer" attraction, which has been experienced by MotoGP™ riders during pre-events, allows both children and adults to challenge themselves in mini-bike time attacks. In "Hello Woods," designated as a "Nature Symbiosis Site" under the Ministry of the Environment's 30by30 initiative for biodiversity conservation, families can explore the forest through activities like the "Animal Research Laboratory," where they observe forest animals, and the "Spider Rope" challenge. The "TEKUTEKU" forest family walk offers numerous elements for children to enjoy.
For accommodations, guests can relax in spacious rooms at the on-site hotel or opt for the "Forest and Starry Sky Camping Village," which features glamping tents and log cabins, making it ideal for fully experiencing all that Mobility Resort Motegi has to offer.
Discover the Excitement of the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix!
The MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix is typically held from late September to early October at Mobility Resort Motegi. In 2025, the event is scheduled for September 26–28. This section provides insights into how even first-time attendees can enjoy the event, including activities beyond the races.
What Is the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix?
MotoGP™ represents the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing, comprising three classes: MotoGP™, Moto2™, and Moto3™. In the MotoGP™ class, bikes are equipped with 1000cc four-cylinder engines, reaching top speeds exceeding 360 km/h. During cornering, the bikes lean at angles up to 66 degrees, offering spectators thrilling races by top riders.
The 4.8 km racing course at Mobility Resort Motegi features 14 corners, including 90-degree turns and consecutive hairpin curves, creating a technical layout. The close battles resulting from riders' cornering and braking techniques are a major highlight of this circuit.
The Japanese Grand Prix Kicks Off with the Official Pre-Event: MotoGP in Tokyo 2025!
Before the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix, a major pre-event is held—so much so that you could say the Grand Prix truly begins here. In 2025, MotoGP in Tokyo 2025 is scheduled for September 24 in the Kabukicho district of Shinjuku, bringing excitement for the Grand Prix right into the heart of Tokyo. Last year, a similar event took place at Senso-ji Temple, where legendary champions like Marc Márquez, Francesco Bagnaia, and Fabio Quartararo joined fans for safety prayers and talk shows. One of the best parts of this event is the rare opportunity it offers to interact closely with your favorite riders—so don’t miss out!
Enjoy More Than Just the Races!
During the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix, the "Fan Zone" offers various events. In 2024, activities included a "Pre-Night Festival" featuring talks with all participating MotoGP™ riders, and "Motegi Night Live," showcasing live performances by renowned artists. The "Moto Stage" hosts talk shows discussing race highlights and recaps, DJ performances, and areas selling official and event-exclusive merchandise.
Additionally, premium events are available for certain ticket holders, such as "HERO WALK," where fans can meet riders in a special area within the paddock, and the "Celebration Arena," which opens the main straight after the final race, allowing fans to enjoy the awards ceremony from the track.
Maximize Your MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix Experience!
On race days, the area experiences heavy traffic, and nearby accommodations are expected to be fully booked. Therefore, it's recommended to arrive by car and consider staying overnight in your vehicle. The "Over Night Square," a large parking area, hosts food trucks offering local delicacies and craft beer. Purchasing food and drinks here and engaging in race discussions with MotoGP™ fans from across the country in the communal areas is a unique pleasure. As nights can be chilly, be sure to bring appropriate cold-weather gear.
Don't Miss the Honda Collection Hall!
Opened in 1998 to commemorate Honda's 50th anniversary, the Honda Collection Hall underwent renovations in March 2024, marking its 25th year. The museum now presents exhibits in four chapters, showcasing Honda's products by era. Inside, visitors can view iconic Honda products, including racing machines, along with explanations of their development backgrounds and historical contexts.
Interactive experiences are also available, such as assembling electric carts and boarding a full-scale interior mock-up of the HondaJet Elite II. During the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix, special events like starting the engines of past championship-winning machines are held.
Admission to the Honda Collection Hall is free with a race ticket or Mobility Resort Motegi entrance pass. For a thorough visit, it's advisable to arrive early and explore the museum before the races begin.
How to Access Mobility Resort Motegi
Mobility Resort Motegi is most conveniently accessed by car. If arriving by air, renting a car from the airport is recommended. Here are some common routes:
- From Narita International Airport: Take the Higashi-Kanto Expressway, then the Ken-o Expressway, and continue to the Joban Expressway, exiting at Mito IC.
- From Haneda Airport: Use the Shuto Expressway to reach the Joban Expressway, exiting at Mito IC.
- From Ibaraki Airport: Directly enter the Joban Expressway and exit at Mito IC.
From Mito IC, it's approximately a 40-minute drive to the resort. Set your car navigation system to "Mobility Resort Motegi South Gate" or "North Gate." During the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix, the South Gate tends to be crowded, so using the North Gate is advisable.
For those traveling from Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station (about 50 minutes), then transfer to a taxi for approximately 60 minutes to reach the resort.
During the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix, a reservation-only direct shuttle bus, the "Motegi GP Express," operates. It departs from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station, taking about 180 minutes; from Tsukuba Station via the Tsukuba Express, about 130 minutes; from JR Utsunomiya Station, about 70 minutes; and from Mooka Railway's Motegi Station, about 20 minutes.
Wrap-up
Mobility Resort Motegi offers enjoyment not only for motorsports fans but also for those seeking a diverse range of activities. However, if you're making the trip, experiencing the powerful engine sounds and the thrill of motorcycles racing past at high speed up close is an experience you won't want to miss.
Beyond the races, visitors can enjoy delicious local food and drinks, and a variety of exciting events held throughout the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix. Support world-class riders from around the globe and make the most of your time at this unforgettable motorsports festival.