When was the track built?

Okuibuki is different from a traditional race circuit because it was not constructed as one fixed track. The surrounding ski resort opened in 1970, and its large parking areas were later adapted for driving events during the snow-free season.

The main competition surfaces are wide areas of asphalt where organisers place cones, barriers and judging zones. Parking Area 4 was resurfaced and approved by the JAF for drift and gymkhana competitions.

How did it become famous?

Professional drifting brought Okuibuki international attention. Formula Drift Japan held an event here in 2016, while the venue joined the D1 Grand Prix calendar in 2020 and later hosted several championship-opening weekends.

The combination of powerful cars, heavy tyre smoke and green mountain scenery gives Okuibuki a distinctive appearance. Its flexible surface also allows organisers to adjust the course from year to year.

What's the circuit like?

• Temporary layout: There is no single permanent course. Corners and safety barriers are positioned specifically for each competition.
• Tight transitions: Drivers must quickly change the direction of the slide while keeping the car stable and moving forward.
• Limited runoff: Concrete barriers can sit close to the judged route, so small errors may cause contact or end a run.
• Changing grip: Mountain weather can produce wet, drying or cool asphalt, making the available traction difficult to predict.

How does drift competition work?

• Solo runs: Each driver is judged on speed, angle, accuracy and how closely the car follows the required route.
• Tandem battles: Two cars run together. The lead driver performs the judged line while the following driver tries to stay close and copy the movement.
• Clipping zones: Drivers must place the front or rear of the car near marked points without hitting barriers or leaving the course.
• No lap record: Drifting is judged rather than decided by the fastest lap, and the changing layouts make direct time comparisons unsuitable.

What else happens here?

• Gymkhana: Drivers compete against the clock around a course marked by cones, with penalties for mistakes.
• Practice days: Clubs and organisers hire individual parking areas for drift, motorcycle and car-control sessions.
• Vehicle testing: The private roads and open surfaces can be used for development work and driver training.
• Car gatherings: The site hosts modified-car shows, owners' meetings, motorcycle festivals and manufacturer events.

Why go?

Okuibuki lets spectators see professional drifting in a setting unlike a normal stadium. The surrounding hills provide a natural backdrop, while the compact competition area keeps the cars visible for much of each run.

Major events also include team displays, vehicle exhibitions and paddock areas where visitors can see the cars at close range between sessions.

Where's the best place to watch?

• Elevated grandstand: Usually the clearest choice for following the complete judged route and tandem battles.
• Near the first corner: Good for seeing the initial high-speed entry and the driver beginning the slide.
• Beside a transition zone: Watch the cars rapidly switch direction while the following driver attempts to remain close.
• Paddock and exhibition area: Best for viewing the cars, teams and equipment away from the competition surface.