The thrilling Suzuka circuit has been a favourite for drivers ever since it hosted its first Japanese Grand Prix in 1987.

As the venue for round three of the FIA Formula One World Championship, there’s plenty to do if you’re visiting Japan and planning on heading to Suzuka. Once you’re there, don’t forget to cheer for Reserve Driver Ryō Hirakawa, who will drive the A525 for the BWT Alpine Formula One Team during Free Practice 1.

Travel to Suzuka in style

Situated in the Mie prefecture, Suzuka might have an urban backdrop, but it’s actually in a fairly remote location close to the shoreline of Ise Bay. Suzuka is around 250 miles from the capital, Tokyo, but the best way to travel there is via the famous high-speed Shinkansen. From the moment you board the sleek-looking train, you’ll travel in luxury at speeds of 285km/h (178mph). After about 90 minutes, disembark at Nagoya and switch to the Kansai line for a second train that takes about 45 minutes to get to Yokkaichi. From there, it’s a short taxi ride to one of the greatest race tracks in the world.

But before you leave Tokyo…

There’s a buzz to the Japanese capital that is unlike anywhere else on the planet. Simultaneously disorientating and captivating, Tokyo resembles a sci-fi film set. We recommend exploring the streets of the densely populated city on foot. And while walking, you have to make your way across the famous Shibuya Crossing, where numerous intersections hold the traffic at once to allow hundreds of pedestrians to crisscross the road. Close by is the curious, yet poignant statue of the dog Hachiko. Famed for his loyalty, Hachiko would wait outside Shibuya train station each day for his owner to return home from work.

On the way, stop off at Mount Fuji

From the right-hand side of the Nozomi train windows, Mount Fuji is unmissable. Rising high into the clouds, the dome of Japan’s highest peak is perfectly symmetrical. The dormant volcano is synonymous with the country’s art and culture. Fuji also attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who climb to its snow-capped summit. In the foothills of this famous natural beauty lies Fuji Speedway, the circuit that hosted the Japanese Grand Prix in 1976 and 1977, and more recently in 2007 and, when Fernando Alonso was victorious for Renault, in 2008. And last September at Fuji, Alpine scored their first-ever podium in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Mick Schumacher piloting the A424 to third alongside Nicolas Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxiviere.

Ride the Ferris Wheel at the theme park

Aside from the iconic, distorted figure-of-eight Suzuka circuit, within its confines lies a theme park, complete with vehicle-themed rides and Ferris wheel. Rising 50 metres high, it offers great views of the track as well as the nearby bay. Also located here is the Suzuka Circuit Hotel, where the teams stay during the weekend. In the evenings you might even spot drivers who head to the hotel’s bowling alley for a competitive game of ten-pin bowling.

Party with the locals

In the springtime, Japan’s many cherry trees burst into white and pink flowers, prompting locals to enjoy hanami (viewing parties) along riverbanks and in parks, complete with food and drinks. Across the country, the popular cherry blossom (Sakura) season draws visitors to famous locations in Kyoto and Tokyo. And be sure to find time for a bit of karaoke before you head home.