Ebisu Circuit
Location
Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
Current Local Time
Track Info
Ebisu Circuit - Nihonmatsu, Japan
Mountain motorsport complex in Fukushima Prefecture - internationally known for drifting, driver training and its wide variety of courses
When was the track built?
Ebisu Circuit opened in 1986 in the hills outside Nihonmatsu. Instead of being one continuous race track, it developed into a collection of separate courses spread across the mountains.
The facility is closely associated with professional drifter Nobushige Kumakubo and Team Orange. Its combination of steep terrain, accessible practice areas and professional competitions helped introduce Japanese drifting culture to drivers from around the world.
How did it become famous?
Ebisu became internationally recognised through the D1 Grand Prix and its Drift Matsuri festivals. The old South Course, often called Minami, was especially famous for cars becoming light or briefly airborne over a steep rise before entering the main drift section.
The former paved southern layout was converted into the dirt-surfaced Slide Park in 2022. Major drift competitions now commonly use the West Course, while other areas remain available for practice, smaller events and driver training.
What's the circuit like?
- Several tracks in one location: Drivers can move from large, fast circuits to compact practice areas without leaving the complex.
- Mountain terrain: Many courses climb, descend or cross uneven ground. This makes controlling the car's balance especially important.
- Drift-focused layouts: North, Touge and School courses contain linked corners designed to help drivers practise controlled slides.
- Grip racing too: Grip driving means following the fastest line without intentionally sliding. The East and West courses host this style of driving as well as motorcycle and endurance events.
Main courses and driving areas
- East Course: A 2.060 km circuit with fast corners, substantial elevation changes and timing equipment.
- West Course: The longest layout at 2.103 km. It combines fast sections, technical corners and space for major drift competitions.
- North Course: A compact 1.155 km drift course located near the highest part of the facility.
- Touge Course: A 1.2 km layout designed to resemble a Japanese mountain road, or touge.
- School Course: A short layout of up to 420 m that is useful for learning car control and linking corners.
- Kurukuru Land: An open beginner area where drivers can practise basic circles and figure-eight movements at lower speeds.
How has the circuit changed?
A strong earthquake off Fukushima in February 2021 caused severe damage to the West Course and cracks or collapses elsewhere in the complex. Supporters from Japan and overseas contributed to a major rebuilding effort, allowing the damaged areas to reopen.
The repairs and later course changes mean some older photographs and videos no longer match the current layout. Visitors should always check which courses are operating before travelling.
Why go?
Few motorsport venues offer this much variety in one place. During a large event, visitors may see beginners learning basic control, experienced drivers practising close tandem drifting and professional competitors attacking the faster courses.
Ebisu also shares its site and entrance with Tohoku Safari Park. This unusual setting, combined with the mountain scenery and relaxed paddock atmosphere, makes the venue feel very different from a modern international race circuit.
Where's the best place to watch?
- West Course: Best for major drift competitions, high speeds and close tandem runs when a public event is scheduled.
- East Course: A good choice for conventional racing, time attacks, motorcycles and views of the circuit's elevation changes.
- North and Touge courses: Best for seeing technical drifting and rapid direction changes at relatively close range.
- Drift Matsuri: The strongest option for variety because several courses operate during the same weekend.
Ebisu is approximately 15 minutes by car from the Nihonmatsu Interchange or around 20 minutes by taxi from Nihonmatsu Station. Course access and spectator areas vary by event, so check the official calendar before visiting.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Ebisu Circuit (Fukushima)
Ebisu Circuit is in the mountains outside Nihonmatsu, Fukushima. Driving is the easiest way to visit, while travellers using public transport should take the train to Nihonmatsu Station and finish the journey by taxi.
Getting there by train
Ebisu Circuit can be reached without a car, although there is no railway station directly beside the circuit. From Tokyo, a straightforward route is:
- Take a Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno Station to Koriyama Station.
- Change at Koriyama to the JR Tohoku Main Line heading towards Fukushima.
- Get off at Nihonmatsu Station.
- Take a taxi to Ebisu Circuit. The circuit states that the taxi journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Nihonmatsu is written 二本松 in Japanese. Saving the circuit name “エビスサーキット” on your phone can be useful when speaking with a taxi driver.
Taxi from Nihonmatsu Station
For visitors arriving by train, a taxi is the simplest way to complete the journey. Ebisu Circuit is located outside the town and uphill in a rural area.
- Journey time: approximately 20 minutes from Nihonmatsu Station.
- Do not plan to walk: the circuit is well outside the town centre and the route climbs into the surrounding hills.
- Plan the return journey: consider arranging your return taxi in advance, particularly when leaving after an event.
Bus travel may sometimes be possible, but services and circuit pickup arrangements are less straightforward than taking a taxi.
Driving to the circuit
For most visitors, driving is the easiest option. It also gives you much more freedom when travelling between accommodation, the circuit and nearby towns.
- Use the Tohoku Expressway: leave at Nihonmatsu IC.
- From Nihonmatsu IC: the circuit is approximately 15 minutes by car.
- Navigation tip: the circuit recommends setting your navigation system to Tohoku Safari Park, which shares the same site and entrance.
- Allow extra time: the final roads become more rural and winding as you approach the circuit.
If you are hiring a car in Japan, remember that expressways normally have tolls.
Arriving at Ebisu
Ebisu is unusual because it is not simply one circuit. Several different tracks and driving areas are spread across a large mountainside.
- Use the Safari Park entrance: Ebisu Circuit and Tohoku Safari Park share the same main gate.
- Check your event or course: East, West, North and the other driving areas are in different parts of the complex.
- Follow signs after entering: you may still need to drive some distance inside the grounds before reaching the course you need.
Knowing the name of the course or event you are visiting before you arrive will make finding the correct area much easier.
Coming from Tokyo
Ebisu Circuit is considerably farther from Tokyo than circuits such as Tsukuba, so it is worth planning the journey before race day.
- By train: take the Shinkansen to Koriyama, continue by local train to Nihonmatsu and then use a taxi.
- By car: the Tohoku Expressway provides the most straightforward route north towards Nihonmatsu.
- Staying overnight: Nihonmatsu is convenient, while nearby Fukushima and Koriyama provide a wider range of hotels and transport connections.
Race-day tips
- Check the calendar: different courses can be used for different events on the same day.
- Arrive early: the circuit is large, so allow time to enter the grounds and find the correct course.
- Check opening times: normal hours can change for races and special events.
- Winter visitors: Ebisu is in a mountainous part of Fukushima where snow, ice and freezing roads are possible.
- Save the address: 1 Sawamatsukura, Nihonmatsu, Fukushima 964-0088, Japan.
For a first visit, travelling by car is generally the simplest option. If you prefer public transport, Nihonmatsu Station followed by a taxi is the easiest route.
Transport arrangements, opening hours and event access can change. Check the official Ebisu Circuit calendar and your individual event information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Ebisu Circuit (Nihonmatsu, Japan)
Ebisu Circuit is one of Japan’s most famous drifting destinations, set across forested hills outside Nihonmatsu in Fukushima Prefecture. It is more like a motorsport park than a single racetrack, with several different courses - and nearby you’ll find a safari park, hot springs, mountain scenery, historic sites and excellent local sake.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Tohoku Safari Park: The easiest attraction to combine with the circuit because it occupies the same large complex. Visitors can see animals in the drive-through safari area plus additional animal attractions.
- Kasumigajo Castle Park: The ruins of Nihonmatsu Castle sit inside a large park with stone walls, walking paths and views across the city. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn colours make it especially attractive.
- Dake Onsen: A small hot-spring town at the foot of Mount Adatara. Choose a ryokan stay or look for a day-use bath after a noisy day at the track.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Nihonmatsu sake breweries: The city has four established breweries, making it an excellent place to discover Japanese rice wine. Some offer shops, tastings or tours - check ahead before visiting.
- Chieko Memorial Museum & birthplace: Learn about artist Chieko Takamura through her artwork, personal belongings and preserved family home.
- Dake Onsen: Hot-spring bathing is an easy option when the weather turns bad. If you have never used an onsen before, check bathing etiquette and tattoo policies before entering.
Eat & drink like a local
- Nihonmatsu city centre: Head toward the station area for ramen, soba, sushi, izakaya and relaxed Japanese set meals.
- Local sake: Nihonmatsu has a strong brewing tradition supported by local rice and water from the Mount Adatara area. Daishichi, Okunomatsu, Ninki and Himonoya are the city’s four breweries.
- Try zaku-zaku: A traditional Nihonmatsu soup containing ingredients cut into small pieces - a simple regional dish worth looking for on local menus.
If you are driving, leave sake tasting to someone else in your group or arrange a taxi.
Get outdoors in the mountains
- Mount Adatara: One of the area’s major natural attractions. Experienced walkers can hike the mountain, while casual visitors can use the seasonal ropeway for easier access to high-level views.
- Adatara Ropeway: The ride climbs to around 1,350 metres, with a short walk from the upper station leading to panoramic viewpoints.
- Okudake no Yu: A day-use hot spring at Adatara Resort - a convenient reward after walking or sightseeing in the mountains.
Mountain weather can change quickly, and ropeway operations can stop in strong winds or poor conditions.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Fukushima City: A practical option for shopping, restaurants and a more urban evening after time in rural Nihonmatsu.
- Bandai-Azuma area: Volcanic scenery and mountain roads make this a memorable extension for anyone who enjoys driving and landscapes.
- Aizu-Wakamatsu: Allow a full day for one of Fukushima’s best-known historic cities, with its castle, traditional streets and sake culture.
Good to know during race weekends
- Ebisu is not one single track: East, West, North, Touge, School Course, Slide Park and practice areas sit across a large hillside complex. Check which course your event uses before arriving.
- Use the correct entrance: Ebisu Circuit and Tohoku Safari Park share the same main gate. The circuit specifically recommends setting Tohoku Safari Park as the destination when using some navigation systems.
- Do not rely on old track maps: The complex has changed over the years, so older videos and guides may show layouts or facilities that are no longer current.
- Check before travelling: Spectator admission, course access and opening times can change for major competitions, private bookings and seasonal conditions.
Circuit schedules, course availability, admission, attraction opening hours and mountain operations can change - check current information before travelling.