Suzuka has never really attracted the number of foreign fans other Grand Prix, like Singapore or Abu Dhabi get, the cost of being in Japan being a deterrent for many Formula 1 fans. But with the Japanese yen going seriously down in the last couple of years, it’s actually quite a good deal to buy a ticket to watch the fastest cars in the world going around the best circuit in the World Championship and then extend your stay in the country for a week or two – believe me, you’ll love it.
I am, of course, privileged to have been to Suzuka more than 30 times and I always stay in Japan for as long as I can before moving to the next race. This year I was treated to a bunch of new experiences in Tokyo, courtesy of the circuit’s management, including a seven-course typical Japanese lunch, a visit to Tokyo’s Skytree and a lovely cruise dinner in the Sumida river. To say I enjoyed the day would be an understatement, but even when I was on my own the whole trip was extremely enjoyable.
If you come to Japan, you’d better do a bit of homework before, avoid the most touristic venues and go for the full Japanese experience. Eat in an Izakaya – the more crowded it is, the more likely it is to be absolutely great – use the subway and train lines, as there are always indications in roman characters to help you find your way, spend a couple of days in a Hot Springs (Onsen) hotel, go hiking in one of the country’s many mountains, do what the Japanese do in their few days off, and on top of the delight of seeing what Formula 1 cars can do in a real track, you’ll get an experience you’ll never forget for the rest of your life.