Auto Race is one of Japan’s official public sports betting events — alongside Boat Race, Keirin (bicycle racing), and Horse Racing.
It features professional riders racing on custom-built 600cc motorbikes that have no brakes and no starters, reaching speeds of up to 150 km/h.
Often described as “motorbike martial arts,” Auto Race is a thrilling sport where power, precision, and courage collide.
Race Overview
Each race takes place on a 500-meter oval asphalt track, typically lasting 6 to 10 laps.
Up to eight riders compete at once, and because there are no brakes, riders drift through corners with remarkable balance and throttle control.
The race is a battle of precision and nerve, not just speed.
Machines and Rules
Auto Race bikes are specially designed for this sport — no brakes, no clutch, and only one gear.
All machines are strictly managed by the Japan Auto Race Foundation, ensuring complete fairness.
The races also use a handicap system, where highly skilled riders start from the back and less experienced ones from the front, making each race unpredictable and exciting.
Famous Riders
Auto Race has attracted remarkable figures over the years.
Some riders are former MotoGP professionals who switched careers to take on this highly technical challenge.
One former member of Japan’s legendary boy band SMAP also became an Auto Racer, drawing national attention to the sport.
Today, female riders are also gaining popularity, showcasing both strength and grace in this intense competition.
Main Circuits
Kawaguchi (Saitama) – easy access from Tokyo
Kawaguchi is easily accessible from Tokyo. The nearest station is Nishi-Kawaguchi Station, from which a free shuttle bus takes you directly to the race track.
After the race, we recommend heading to Akabane, where you’ll find plenty of local, affordable, and delicious izakaya — perfect for enjoying drinks and snacks in a lively neighborhood atmosphere.
Isesaki (Gunma) – famous for powerful night races
You can reach Isesaki Auto Race directly by bus from Busta Shinjuku, located next to Shinjuku Station.
Known as the birthplace of night races, Isesaki offers a fun and lively atmosphere — perfect for dates, families, and first-time visitors alike.
Hamamatsu (Shizuoka) – historical and scenic venue
You can reach Hamamatsu Auto Race easily by free shuttle bus from Hamamatsu Station.
When in Hamamatsu, don’t miss the city’s famous unagi (grilled eel) and gyoza dumplings — two local specialties loved by both residents and visitors.
Iizuka (Fukuoka) – vibrant crowd and lively atmosphere
Surprisingly, there’s a direct bus from Fukuoka Airport to Iizuka Auto Race.
While the area around the track is fairly quiet, you can easily reach Hakata from Iizuka Station — just one train ride away.
In Hakata, enjoy the city’s signature dishes such as yatai street food stalls, mizutaki (chicken hot pot), and other local Fukuoka favorites after the races.
Sanyo (Yamaguchi) – western Japan’s iconic circuit
Sanyo Auto Race is located in Sanyo-Onoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, just a 2-minute walk from JR Habu Station on the Sanyo Main Line.
It’s also about 5 minutes by car from the Habu IC on the Sanyo Expressway, and there’s free parking for over 3,000 cars.
Inside the venue, the Sanyo Shokudo offers local comfort food such as tonkotsu ramen, curry udon, and wakame rice balls.
If you’re exploring nearby, stop by the famous Drive-in Michishio for its kaijiru (clam soup), or try Unagi Takeda, a popular eel restaurant in town.
Sanyo is also known for hosting Midnight Races, offering an exciting night-time motorsport experience unique to western Japan.
Responsible Betting
Auto Race is a government-regulated sport, and betting is legal in Japan.
Enjoy the thrill responsibly and treat it as part of your cultural experience in Japan.
