For many travellers, Japan’s car culture is synonymous with late-night expressways, tuned Japanese performance cars and the mountain roads made famous by Initial D. In the hills of Fukushima Prefecture, however, drifting is not simply something to watch on screen. At Ebisu Circuit, visitors can see it up close, ride alongside a professional driver or even learn the basics behind the wheel.

Located near Nihonmatsu in central Fukushima, Ebisu Circuit is one of Japan’s best-known motorsport destinations and a place of pilgrimage for drifting enthusiasts from around the world. Spread across a forested mountainside, the enormous facility contains multiple circuits with different layouts, difficulty levels and elevation changes.

A drift paradise in the Fukushima mountains

Ebisu Circuit is closely associated with Nobushige Kumakubo, a former D1 Grand Prix champion who has played a major role in introducing Japanese drifting culture to international audiences. Over the years, drivers from around the world have travelled to Ebisu to practise, compete and learn from experienced professionals.

Part of the circuit’s appeal is its variety. Rather than driving around one conventional racetrack, visitors can experience courses ranging from wide practice areas to narrow mountain-style layouts.

The Kita, or North Course, brings spectators close to cars accelerating along its back section. The Nishi, or West Course, is known for its short layout and long trains of cars drifting together, while the Higashi, or East Course, is normally used for grip racing but opens for drifting during festival periods. The Touge course recreates the feeling of a Japanese mountain pass, with tight corners, narrow sections and dramatic elevation changes.

Between runs, drivers gather in the paddocks to change tyres, adjust their cars and help one another with repairs. This informal and supportive atmosphere is an important part of the experience. International visitors, local enthusiasts, beginners and professional drivers mix together, often communicating through a shared appreciation for cars even when they do not share the same language.

Experience drifting without driving

You do not need to be an experienced driver—or even hold a driver’s licence—to experience Ebisu Circuit.

The Drift Taxi Experience places visitors inside a specially modified drift car driven by a professional. Once your helmet and seatbelt are secured, the driver takes you through several laps across three of the circuit’s courses. Expect rapid changes of direction, tyre smoke and the unusual sensation of travelling sideways through a corner while the driver remains completely in control.

The experience generally takes around 45 minutes and can accommodate up to three passengers in one vehicle. Participants must be over 140 centimetres tall, and anyone with a heart condition or other relevant health concerns should consult a doctor before taking part. Helmets, seatbelts and additional insurance are mandatory. The experience is generally offered between April and November, as winter snow affects circuit operations from December to March.

Another option is a Hot Laps experience, which places one passenger beside a professional driver for several high-speed laps. Drift schools operating at the circuit also offer lessons for visitors interested in learning the techniques themselves, with options ranging from beginner instruction to more advanced training.

Experience the Ebisu Drift Matsuri

For the full Ebisu experience, plan your visit around the Ebisu Drift Matsuri, or Ebisu Drift Festival.

Held three times a year—typically in spring, summer and autumn—the two-day festival opens multiple courses to drivers and attracts everyone from first-time participants to experienced professionals. Visitors can attend as drivers, passengers or spectators, making it accessible even to travellers who simply want to watch the action.

Unlike a conventional race meeting centred on one competition, the Drift Matsuri is a circuit-wide celebration of drifting. Cars move between courses throughout the weekend, giving spectators the opportunity to explore different parts of the complex and see a wide variety of driving styles.

Some courses continue operating into the evening, creating a particularly atmospheric experience as headlights, engine noise and clouds of tyre smoke fill the mountain circuit. Other areas are designed for practising tandem drifting, warming up or performing doughnuts on dedicated skid pads.

The festival also highlights the international character of Ebisu. The G1GP, a competition specifically for overseas drivers, is usually held on the Friday before the festival weekend.

The tentative 2026 Drift Matsuri dates are 9–10 May, 22–23 August and 14–15 November, although travellers should confirm the final schedule directly with the circuit before making arrangements.

Practical tips for visiting

Ebisu Circuit is a large facility built across steep mountain terrain. Although it is technically possible to walk between some courses, travelling around the grounds by car is considerably easier.

One of the most convenient options from Tokyo is to take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station, a journey of approximately 75 to 80 minutes, and rent a car there. Several major rental companies have branches near the station and accept bookings in English. Australian visitors planning to drive in Japan should arrange an appropriate International Driving Permit before leaving Australia.

Travellers who do not wish to rent a car can continue by local train from Koriyama to Nihonmatsu Station and take a taxi to the circuit. Bus access may also be available, but arrangements should be confirmed with the circuit in advance because the bus stop is located near the entrance gate rather than the individual courses.

During festival weekends, arrive early, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for changing mountain weather. Full-face helmets are required for drivers and passengers and may be available to rent at the circuit. Ticket prices, operating times and participation requirements may change between events, so check the latest official information before visiting.

More than motorsport

A visit to Ebisu Circuit can also be combined with several days exploring the Nihonmatsu area.

Nearby Mt Adatara offers hiking and expansive mountain views, while Dake Onsen provides a relaxing contrast to a day spent beside roaring engines. Visitors can also explore Kasumigajo Castle Park, sample locally brewed sake or try traditional washi papermaking at a local workshop.

Ebisu Circuit is certainly a bucket-list destination for dedicated drift fans, but its appeal extends beyond motorsport enthusiasts. The combination of Japanese car culture, mountain scenery and welcoming international community makes it one of Fukushima’s most distinctive travel experiences.

Whether you are watching from trackside, riding beside a professional or attempting your first controlled slide, Ebisu offers a side of Japan that few conventional itineraries ever reach.