August 2025: Car Events in Japan

Cover Image for August 2025: Car Events in Japan

August is a hot month for car culture in Japan — and not just because of the weather. Here's a breakdown of the most exciting car events happening near Tokyo this August, including top-tier racing, international car festivals, and more.


🏁 Super GT Round 4 – Fuji Sprint Race

Super GT

  • 📅 Date: August 2–3, 2025

  • 📍 Location: Fuji Speedway (Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture)

  • 📝 Details:
    The 2025 Super GT season hits its fourth round at Fuji Speedway with a special sprint race format. Expect one race on Saturday and two more on Sunday — a high-adrenaline weekend of GT500 and GT300 action at the base of Mount Fuji.

  • 🔗 Official Info: supergt.net

  • Travel Tip: Fuji Speedway is roughly 2 hours from Tokyo by car or train+shuttle.


🎉 FuelFest Japan 2025

FuelFest Japan 2025

  • 📅 Date: Monday, August 11, 2025 (Mountain Day Holiday)

  • 📍 Location: Fuji Speedway

  • 📝 Details:
    FuelFest, co-founded by Cody Walker, returns to Japan with its signature mix of cars, music, and community. Expect modified cars, supercars, drifting exhibitions, drag runs, live DJs, celebrity appearances, and a full day of automotive culture celebration.

  • 🔗 Event Info: fuelfest.com


🏁 Ebisu Drift Matsuri – Summer Drift Festival

Ebisu Drift Matsuri

  • 📅 Dates: August 23–24 (Saturday–Sunday)

  • 📍 Venue: Ebisu Circuit, Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture (~1.5 hours north of Tokyo)

  • 📝 Details:
    Japan’s premier drift festival returns with full-day (and night) drifting sessions across multiple track configurations. Open to both pros and amateur “tsuiso” tandem drifting—spectators can enjoy driver parties after hours as well.

  • ⚙️ Why Go: Experience a true grassroots drift culture event in a storied venue. Very accessible from Tokyo via Tohoku Shinkansen + transfer.

  • 🔗 Event Info: ebisu-circuit.com


🏎 Super GT Round 5 – Suzuka Circuit

Super GT Round 5

  • 📅 Date: August 23–24, 2025

  • 📍 Location: Suzuka Circuit (Mie Prefecture)

  • 📝 Details:
    While not as close as Fuji, the legendary Suzuka Circuit hosts Round 5 later in the month. A technical and challenging layout, Suzuka provides dramatic GT racing just weeks before the return of the Suzuka 1000km in September.

  • 🔗 Info: supergt.net

  • Note: Travel from Tokyo takes about 3.5–4 hours by bullet train and local transport.


🧭 Getting There

  • Fuji Speedway: Accessible via JR Tokaido Line to Mishima or Gotemba, then shuttle bus or taxi (~2 hours total from Tokyo).
  • Suzuka Circuit: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, then Kintetsu Line to Shirako Station (~4 hours from Tokyo).

✅ Tips

  • 🎟 Tickets for Super GT and FuelFest often sell out—buy early via official sites or trusted resellers.
  • 🏨 For Fuji Speedway, look for hotels in Gotemba, Mishima, or Hakone. For Suzuka, consider Nagoya or local business hotels.
  • 📷 Both events are photography-friendly—bring your gear and arrive early for the best car access.
  • 🎌 August 11 is a national holiday (Mountain Day), so expect crowds at FuelFest.