Why You Need a Car Rental to Visit Fuji Speedway
Want to see it for yourself?
Fuji Speedway sits at the base of Mount Fuji in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture — a location that is breathtaking but notoriously inconvenient to reach by public transport. While train-and-bus combinations exist, they involve multiple transfers, limited schedules, and long wait times, especially on race weekends when shuttle services become overcrowded. Renting a car is by far the most practical and flexible way to visit the circuit, giving you full control over your schedule and the freedom to explore the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes area on the same trip.
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Car Rental Options Near Fuji Speedway
There are several approaches to renting a car for your Fuji Speedway visit, depending on your starting location and the type of experience you want.
Major Rental Chains in the Greater Tokyo Area
The most common approach is to rent from a major chain in Tokyo or Yokohama. Companies such as Times Car Rental, Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, and Orix Rent-A-Car all have branches near major train stations throughout Tokyo. Rates for a compact car typically start around ¥5,000–¥8,000 per day, while mid-size sedans and SUVs range from ¥8,000–¥15,000. These agencies offer straightforward booking through English-language websites and accept international driving permits (IDPs).
Renting Near Gotemba Station
If you prefer to take the bullet train or highway bus to Gotemba first, you can rent a car locally. Several agencies operate within walking distance of Gotemba Station, including Toyota Rent a Car Gotemba and Times Car Rental Gotemba. This reduces your driving time significantly — Fuji Speedway is only about 20 minutes from Gotemba Station by car. It also lets you avoid the stress of navigating out of central Tokyo.
JDM Rental Cars for Enthusiasts
For motorsport fans heading to Fuji Speedway, there is something uniquely satisfying about driving to a legendary circuit in a legendary car. Specialty JDM car rental services based in Tokyo offer vehicles like the Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34 and R35), Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7 — exactly the kind of machines that have made Japanese car culture famous worldwide. Cruising the Tomei Expressway toward Fuji in a proper JDM icon adds an unforgettable layer to the experience.
Driving from Tokyo to Fuji Speedway: Route and Toll Guide
The drive from central Tokyo to Fuji Speedway covers approximately 100–120 kilometers and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions. There are two main routes to consider.
Route 1: Tomei Expressway via Gotemba
This is the most popular route. Take the Tomei Expressway (東名高速道路) westbound from Tokyo and exit at the Gotemba Interchange. From there, follow Route 138 and local roads north toward the circuit. The expressway toll from central Tokyo to Gotemba is approximately ¥2,500–¥3,200 one way for a standard passenger vehicle. An ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card, which most rental cars come equipped with, can provide small discounts and faster passage through toll gates.
Route 2: Shin-Tomei Expressway via Oyama
The newer Shin-Tomei Expressway runs parallel to the Tomei and can be slightly faster during peak times. Exit at the Gotemba Junction area and follow signs to Fuji Speedway. Tolls are similar to the Tomei route.
Traffic Tips
- On race event days (SUPER GT, Super Formula, WEC), traffic near the circuit can be extremely heavy. Aim to arrive before 7:00 AM for major events.
- Weekend mornings and holiday periods see significant congestion on the Tomei Expressway, especially between Ebina and Gotemba. Departing before 6:00 AM can save you over an hour.
- Google Maps and Yahoo! Car Navi (available in English) both provide real-time traffic data for Japanese expressways.
Parking at Fuji Speedway
Fuji Speedway has extensive on-site parking, though availability and pricing vary by event. For regular non-event days or track day experiences, parking is generally free or included in the admission fee. During major race weekends, parking fees range from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 depending on the lot and proximity to the main grandstand.
The circuit has multiple gate entrances — the East Gate and West Gate being the primary access points. For most events, the East Gate parking area is the largest and easiest to access from the Gotemba direction. Arriving early secures you a spot closer to the paddock and pit areas.
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Requirements for Renting a Car in Japan as a Foreigner
Before booking your Fuji Speedway car rental, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- International Driving Permit (IDP): You must carry a valid IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, along with your home country's driving license. Permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention (common in some European countries) are not recognized in Japan.
- Passport: Required at the rental counter for identification.
- Minimum age: Most agencies require drivers to be at least 18, though some specialty and high-performance rentals may require drivers to be 21 or older.
- Credit card: Nearly all rental companies require a credit card for the deposit and insurance hold.
- Insurance: Basic insurance (CDW — Collision Damage Waiver) is typically included in the rental rate. Additional NOC (Non-Operation Charge) waiver coverage is recommended and usually costs ¥1,000–¥2,000 per day.
Combining Fuji Speedway with Nearby Destinations
Reading vs. riding
One of the biggest advantages of renting a car for Fuji Speedway is the ability to explore the surrounding region. The circuit sits in one of the most scenic areas of Japan, and several world-class destinations are within easy driving distance.
Gotemba Premium Outlets
Located just 15 minutes from the circuit, this is Japan's largest outlet shopping center with stunning views of Mount Fuji. It makes for a convenient stop before or after your speedway visit.
Lake Kawaguchiko and the Fuji Five Lakes
About 40 minutes north of Fuji Speedway, the Fuji Five Lakes area offers iconic Mount Fuji views, hot spring resorts, and scenic lakeside drives. Staying overnight at a ryokan with a view of the mountain is a perfect complement to a day at the track.
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Hakone
The famous Hakone mountain resort area is approximately 30–40 minutes south of the speedway. Known for its onsen hot springs, the Hakone Turnpike driving road, and the Open Air Museum, it pairs naturally with a Fuji Speedway trip.
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Fuji Speedway Hotel
For those who want to stay as close to the action as possible, the Fuji Speedway Hotel — part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt — sits directly on the circuit grounds. It features rooms overlooking the track, a motorsport museum, and fine dining. Driving to the hotel eliminates the need for shuttles and gives you the flexibility to come and go as you please.
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Cost Breakdown: Fuji Speedway Car Rental Day Trip from Tokyo
Here is an approximate cost breakdown for a day trip from Tokyo to Fuji Speedway by rental car in 2026:
- Car rental (compact, 24 hours): ¥6,000–¥10,000
- Insurance (NOC waiver): ¥1,000–¥2,000
- Expressway tolls (round trip): ¥5,000–¥6,500
- Fuel (round trip, approx. 250 km): ¥2,500–¥4,000
- Parking at Fuji Speedway: ¥0–¥3,000 (event dependent)
- Total estimated cost: ¥14,500–¥25,500 (approximately $95–$170 USD)
When split among two to four travelers, a rental car becomes significantly cheaper than buying individual train tickets and shuttle bus fares — and vastly more convenient.
Fuji Speedway Events Worth Driving To in 2026
Having a car opens up the full calendar of Fuji Speedway events, including those held on weekdays or at unusual hours when public transport options are limited. Key events to watch for in 2026 include:
- SUPER GT Series: Japan's premier touring car championship, held at Fuji multiple times per year. The atmosphere is electric, with tens of thousands of fans camping in the paddock.
- Super Formula: Japan's top open-wheel series featuring blistering lap times on Fuji's long main straight.
- FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC): The 6 Hours of Fuji is one of the highlights of the global endurance racing calendar.
- Track days and driving experiences: On non-race weekends, Fuji Speedway offers various track day sessions where members of the public can drive their own or rented vehicles on the circuit.
Tips for a Smooth Fuji Speedway Car Rental Experience
To make your trip as hassle-free as possible, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Book early for event weekends: Rental car availability in the Gotemba and Fuji area drops dramatically during major race events. Book at least two to three weeks in advance.
- Get an ETC card: Most rental cars include an ETC device, but you need to rent the ETC card separately (around ¥300–¥500 per day). This allows cashless, faster toll booth passage.
- Fill up before returning: Gas stations near the circuit and along the Tomei Expressway are easy to find, but fuel up before reaching the rental return location to avoid surcharges.
- Check your IDP validity: Japanese police occasionally conduct checks. Ensure your IDP is valid for the duration of your trip and that it matches your home license.
- Use a navigation app: Rental car GPS systems sometimes lack English support. Google Maps works reliably in Japan and provides accurate real-time navigation.
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Important Information
- The tour begins and ends at the same location (Shibuya).
- If the Daikoku Parking Area is closed, we will instead guide you to another car meet further away.
- The consultant is a cultural expert and navigator, not a taxi service.
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