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.