Arrival day
Thursday 14 OctoberNothing on track that matters yet. Check in, then use the afternoon.
- Half-dayHonda Collection Hall
- EatMasashi
Japanese MotoGP (Motegi) 2027: race weekend guide and things to do nearby
15 to 17 October 2027 · ProvisionalMotegi and Tochigi, Japan
Japanese MotoGP (Motegi) fills Motegi and Tochigi with fans for three days, but the track only runs for a few hours a day. Practice starts around lunchtime, qualifying leaves the morning free and the day after the race is open. This guide fills those gaps.
Know before you go
- Stay in Utsunomiya (gyoza capital, 50 minutes from Tokyo by shinkansen) and take the shuttle.
- Mid-October is the start of autumn colours in Nikko, an hour from Utsunomiya.
Airport to Mobility Resort Motegi
Fly into Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), then take the Tohoku shinkansen to Utsunomiya in 50 minutes.
Motegi is in rural Tochigi. Shuttle buses run from Utsunomiya and Mito stations, about 1 to 1.5 hours; from Tokyo allow 2.5 to 3 hours each way.
Public transport directions to Mobility Resort Motegi
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Utsunomiya station hotels | Business hotels with the circuit shuttle nearby. |
| Mid-range | Mito | Plum gardens city with shuttles. |
| Splurge | Hotel Twin Ring at the circuit | On-site hotel; book far ahead. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Toyoko Inn Utsunomiya Eki Higashi-guchi
- Mid-range: Hotel Higashinihon Utsunomiya
- Splurge: Hotel Twin Ring Motegi
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual MotoGP weekend schedule for 15 to 17 October 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Practice day
Friday 15 OctoberFirst practice rarely starts before lunchtime, so the morning is free.
- Half-dayMashiko pottery workshop
- EatMinmin
Qualifying day
Saturday 16 OctoberSupport races fill the morning. Skip them for a slow start in town and reach the track after lunch.
- Easy outingUtsunomiya gyoza tour
- FreeKinugawa river walks.
Race day
Sunday 17 OctoberGo to the track early and stay after the flag: leaving straight away means the worst of the traffic.
- After darkUtsunomiya cocktail bars.
The day after
Monday 18 OctoberA full free day before the flight home. This is the best day for a longer trip out of town.
- Full dayNikko shrines day trip
- EatMasashi
Family-friendly picks
- Edo Wonderland in Nikko.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Utsunomiya cocktail bars.
5 tours worth booking for Japanese MotoGP (Motegi)
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Collection Hall | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Nikko shrines day trip | Full day | Families |
| Mashiko pottery workshop | Half day | Bad weather, Families |
| Oya stone museum | Half day | Bad weather |
| Utsunomiya gyoza tour | Evening | Food lovers, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Oya History Museum.
Getting around on event days
- Race-day shuttles run from Utsunomiya and Mito stations; book seats early.
- A Suica or PASMO card (or Apple Pay) works on trains, buses and convenience stores.
- Shinkansen tickets can be booked on smartEX; reserved seats sell out on holidays.
Day trips from Motegi and Tochigi
- Nikko: 1 hour
- Tokyo: 50 minutes by shinkansen from Utsunomiya
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Japanese MotoGP (Motegi).
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Japanese MotoGP (Motegi) 2027?
The next edition is 15 to 17 October 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Mobility Resort Motegi?
Fly into Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), then take the Tohoku shinkansen to Utsunomiya in 50 minutes. Motegi is in rural Tochigi. Shuttle buses run from Utsunomiya and Mito stations, about 1 to 1.5 hours; from Tokyo allow 2.5 to 3 hours each way.
Where should I stay for Japanese MotoGP (Motegi)?
For most visitors the best base is Mito: Plum gardens city with shuttles.
What can we do between sessions at Japanese MotoGP (Motegi)?
Good short outings in Motegi and Tochigi include Mashiko pottery workshop, Oya stone museum, Honda Collection Hall. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Japanese MotoGP (Motegi)?
Family-friendly picks: Nikko shrines day trip, Mashiko pottery workshop, Honda Collection Hall. Edo Wonderland in Nikko.
How far is Mobility Resort Motegi from Motegi and Tochigi centre?
About 31 km in a straight line. Motegi is in rural Tochigi. Shuttle buses run from Utsunomiya and Mito stations, about 1 to 1.5 hours; from Tokyo allow 2.5 to 3 hours each way.
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