Autopolis International Racing Course
Location:
Kamitsue, Hita, Ōita, Japan, Japan
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Autopolis International Racing Course
|
AUTOPOLIS
Super GT
16 - 17 Oct
|
Track Info
Autopolis International Racing Course - Kamitsue, Ōita, Japan
High-altitude mountain circuit in Aso Kujū National Park - clockwise - 4.673 km Grand Prix course with 19 turns, ~52 m elevation change and a 902 m main straight
When was the track built?
Autopolis was built by financier Tomonori Tsurumaki at a reported $500m, opening in November 1990 with state-of-the-art facilities and grand ambitions to host Formula 1. Designed by ex-Honda F1 engineer Yoshitoshi Sakurai, the layout rolls over more than 50 m of elevation in the Aso mountains. The planned F1 "Asian GP" never materialised after financial troubles, but the circuit survived and thrives today under Kawasaki ownership.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race weekend accompanied the November 1990 grand opening. Its first major international was the 1991 430 km of Autopolis in the World Sportscar Championship, won by Michael Schumacher and Karl Wendlinger for Sauber-Mercedes. Domestic top tiers like All-Japan F3000 followed from 1991.
What’s the circuit like?
- Mountain-air rhythm: Thin air and elevation make power and downforce management a storyline, with a generally downhill opening sector and uphill run home.
- Linked braking tests: A long main straight into a heavy stop, then mid-lap sequences that reward rotation without cooking rear tyres.
- Old-school commitment: Blind crests and off-camber entries keep drivers honest; small mistakes snowball through the final sector.
- Benchmark pace: Super Formula’s 1:26.960 race-lap is the modern ceiling; GT500 race laps sit in the low 1:35s on long runs.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- Super Formula - race lap: 1:26.960 - Naoki Yamamoto, Dallara SF19, 2020.
- Group C - race lap: 1:30.615 - Yannick Dalmas, Peugeot 905 Evo 1 Bis, 1991 WSC.
- Formula Nippon - race lap: 1:29.994 - Hironobu Yasuda, Swift FN09, 2012.
- Super GT GT500 - race lap: 1:34.829 - Kenta Yamashita, Toyota GR Supra GT500, 2021.
- All-Japan F3000 - race lap: 1:34.225 - Mauro Martini, Lola T92/50, 1992.
- Super Formula - recent qualifying: 1:26.757 - Tomoki Nojiri, 2025 pole. Quali, not an official race-lap record.
Why go?
Autopolis serves up pure driver’s-circuit theatre: huge braking after long builds, medium-high speed sequences that reward commitment, and big strategic swings as tyres fade uphill late in stints. Super GT’s autumn date and Super Formula’s spring round bring stacked grids to a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Main straight - T1 braking: Starts, restarts and the heaviest stop of the lap set up classic divebombs with pit action opposite.
- Mid-lap switchbacks: Great view of who can rotate the car without torching the rears as the circuit rises and falls.
- Final sector: Mistakes here decide the launch to the line; perfect for late-race drama and photo finishes.
Not just one series - headline events at Autopolis
Super GT: Regular October stop, most recently a 3-hour race on the 4.674 km GP course.
Super Formula & Super Formula Lights: Japan’s fastest single-seaters set the modern pace each spring.
MFJ Superbike & Super Taikyu: National two-wheel and endurance headliners round out a busy calendar.
World Sportscar Championship history: 1991 430 km of Autopolis capped the Group C era here.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Autopolis International Racing Course - Hita, Ōita Prefecture
Best options are driving via the Oita Expressway Hita IC or Kyushu Expressway Kumamoto - Kikusui ICs, event shuttle buses from Hita City or Kumamoto on big race weekends, and on site parking with fees sometimes applied during major events. The circuit sits high in the mountains on the Oita - Kumamoto border, so plan extra time and check weather.
Public transport - primarily event shuttles, otherwise car or taxi
- Event shuttles: For big race or festival days, organizers operate special buses to the circuit, typically from Hita Station - Hita Athletic Field or Kumamoto area. Details vary by event.
- On normal days: There is no regular bus or rail to the gates. Reach the track by rental car or book a local taxi from Hita or Aso areas.
Always check your event page for that weekend’s shuttle timetable and pick up points.
Driving - mountain approach roads with signed routes from each side
- From Hita IC - Oita Expressway: Follow the signed mountain route toward Kamitsue - Route 387 - Prefectural Route 12 to the circuit. Typical time about 60 minutes in normal conditions.
- From Kumamoto IC - Kikusui IC: Use the Milk Road - Route 57 corridors as shown on the official access guide and follow Autopolis signs for roughly 70 minutes.
- Official access maps: The circuit publishes route diagrams for Fukuoka, Oita, Hita and Kumamoto approaches. Use these to avoid narrow shortcuts.
Parking - large on site areas, fees may apply on headline weekends
- General rule: On site parking is provided and clearly signed on approach. Major events may charge for parking or require specific parking passes.
- Tip: Arrive early and follow steward instructions - mountain roads can back up near gate opening on Super GT - Super Formula weekends.
Taxis - set downs
- Set destination: Autopolis, 1112-8 Kaminoda, Kamitsue-machi, Hita, Ōita 877-0312. Security and event staff direct drop off - pick up to active gates.
- From Hita Station: Road distance is on winding mountain routes - allow about 60 minutes by car depending on traffic and weather.
Walking from car parks - shuttles
- Inside the venue: Expect 5 - 20 minute walks from the main car parks to grandstands and fan zones, with event shuttles sometimes operating internally on headline weekends.
Airports - easiest gateways for the mountain location
- Kumamoto KMJ → Autopolis: official listings indicate about 50 minutes by car in good conditions.
- Fukuoka FUK - Oita OIT: viable alternatives with expressway access and signed mountain approaches shown on the circuit’s access guide.
About the venue - quick context
- Full course 4.673 km - FIA Grade 2: Hosts Super GT, Super Formula, Super Taikyu and MFJ Superbike. Elevation changes and variable mountain weather are part of the challenge.
Quick guide - closest options
- Drivers: choose Hita IC or Kumamoto - Kikusui ICs, then follow the official Autopolis route diagrams.
- Without a car on race week: look for event shuttles from Hita Station or Kumamoto when offered. Otherwise rent a car - book a taxi.
- Parking: on site - fees may apply during major events, so check your event page.
- Exact address: 1112-8 Kaminoda, Kamitsue-machi, Hita, Ōita 877-0312.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Autopolis International Racing Course - Aso Kuju Highlands - Oita - Kumamoto (Japan)
Whether you are here for Super GT, Super Formula, Super Taikyu endurance, All Japan Superbike, time attack festivals, club sprints or a trackday, this highland circuit sits inside the Aso Kuju region with volcano viewpoints, onsen towns and family parks to fill your non race time.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi: Japan’s tallest pedestrian suspension bridge with valley views and short forest walks.
- Kuju Flower Park: Seasonal fields with easy paths, cafés and soft serve stops. Good for strollers.
- Kyushu Natural Zoological Park African Safari - Usa: Drive through or bus tour with lions, giraffes and petting zones.
- Harmonyland - Hiji: Sanrio theme park for younger kids with parades and character shows.
- Umitamago Aquarium - Oita: Shorefront tanks and touch pools that pair well with the nearby monkey park on Takasaki Mountain.
- Beppu Hells district: Short walking circuits around colorful hot spring pools and steam vents. Plenty of snack stops.
Theme parks and popular family venues may use timed entry on weekends and holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Yufuin town stroll: Lake Kinrin, small museums and craft streets with cafés and foot baths.
- Hita Mamedamachi: Edo era storehouses, soy sauce breweries and quiet lanes for a heritage loop.
- Taketa - Oka Castle ruins: Hilltop stone walls with museum rooms and tea houses below.
- Aso Shrine precinct - Ichinomiya: Atmospheric shrine streets and local sweet shops. Check restoration area access.
- Beppu steam cuisine: Try onsen steam baskets for a tasty indoor - outdoor lunch experience.
Eat and drink like a local
- Oita specialties: Toriten chicken tempura, dangojiru miso soup and Bungo beef grilled plates.
- Kumamoto flavors: Kumamoto ramen, karashi renkon mustard lotus root and basashi horse sashimi at established restaurants.
- Onsen towns: Yufuin and Kurokawa Onsen offer ryokan kaiseki dinners and casual croquettes, puddings and soft serve between baths.
- Beppu street snacks: Jigoku mushi steamed buns, hot spring eggs and dango skewers near the Hells.
- Race week tip: Reserve Friday - Saturday dinners in Yufuin, Beppu and Kurokawa during headline events and holiday periods.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Kuju Mountains: Short hikes to Bogatsuru marsh or Chojabaru boardwalks with Kuju peaks in view.
- Aso caldera rim: Viewpoints at Daikanbo and Kusasenri offer easy walks and horse rides with crater scenery.
- Nabegataki Falls - Oguni: Short trail to a curtain waterfall with a behind the falls path. Wear grippy shoes.
- Yamanami Highland routes: Gentle photo stops at lookouts and grassland hills that work well at sunset.
- River walks - Hita: Riverside promenades and small bridges for a relaxed leg stretch between sessions.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Yufuin - 45 to 70 minutes. Lake Kinrin paths, cafés and galleries amid low rise onsen streets.
- Beppu - 60 to 90 minutes. Hells district, ropeway to Tsurumi-dake and seaside aquarium.
- Kurokawa Onsen - 40 to 60 minutes. Classic wooden inns and an outdoor bath pass that lets you try several rotemburo.
- Aso Volcano area - 60 to 90 minutes. Daikanbo lookout, Kusasenri grasslands and crater museum. Crater rim access varies with gas warnings.
- Takachiho Gorge - 120 to 150 minutes. Rowboats under columnar cliffs and shrine dances if you add a full day.
- Harajiri Falls - Bungo Ono - 70 to 100 minutes. Horseshoe falls with easy viewpoints and farm cafés.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Mountain roads can slow in fog or heavy rain. Some sites have last entry cutoffs and dated tickets in peak seasons.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring and autumn carry Super GT, Super Formula and endurance headliners, with bikes and club events across the season. Onsen towns nearby fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Highland climate. Cool mornings even in summer, strong sun at altitude and rapid changes. Typhoon influence is possible late summer - early autumn. Pack layers, sunscreen, a hat and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Cherry blossom late March - April and fiery grasslands in November make for busy weekends. Winter can bring icy verges and occasional snow on access roads.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Public experiences and circuit tours may pause or switch to special hours on major weekends. Check the weekly schedule.
- Highland driving: Expect fog banks, grazing areas and narrow farm lanes near viewpoints. Allow daylight buffers if you plan post race photo stops.
- Onsen etiquette: Rinse before soaking, keep towels out of the water and respect tattoo policies that vary by venue.
- Cash - cards: Cities take cards widely, but rural stalls and small onsen may prefer cash or local wallets.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light rain layer, warm evening fleece and quick dry footwear for boardwalks and falls.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, crater access, bridge - park ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit, attraction and park sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Kamitsue, Hita, Ōita, Japan, Japan
Track Info
Autopolis International Racing Course - Kamitsue, Ōita, Japan
High-altitude mountain circuit in Aso Kujū National Park - clockwise - 4.673 km Grand Prix course with 19 turns, ~52 m elevation change and a 902 m main straight
When was the track built?
Autopolis was built by financier Tomonori Tsurumaki at a reported $500m, opening in November 1990 with state-of-the-art facilities and grand ambitions to host Formula 1. Designed by ex-Honda F1 engineer Yoshitoshi Sakurai, the layout rolls over more than 50 m of elevation in the Aso mountains. The planned F1 "Asian GP" never materialised after financial troubles, but the circuit survived and thrives today under Kawasaki ownership.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race weekend accompanied the November 1990 grand opening. Its first major international was the 1991 430 km of Autopolis in the World Sportscar Championship, won by Michael Schumacher and Karl Wendlinger for Sauber-Mercedes. Domestic top tiers like All-Japan F3000 followed from 1991.
What’s the circuit like?
- Mountain-air rhythm: Thin air and elevation make power and downforce management a storyline, with a generally downhill opening sector and uphill run home.
- Linked braking tests: A long main straight into a heavy stop, then mid-lap sequences that reward rotation without cooking rear tyres.
- Old-school commitment: Blind crests and off-camber entries keep drivers honest; small mistakes snowball through the final sector.
- Benchmark pace: Super Formula’s 1:26.960 race-lap is the modern ceiling; GT500 race laps sit in the low 1:35s on long runs.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- Super Formula - race lap: 1:26.960 - Naoki Yamamoto, Dallara SF19, 2020.
- Group C - race lap: 1:30.615 - Yannick Dalmas, Peugeot 905 Evo 1 Bis, 1991 WSC.
- Formula Nippon - race lap: 1:29.994 - Hironobu Yasuda, Swift FN09, 2012.
- Super GT GT500 - race lap: 1:34.829 - Kenta Yamashita, Toyota GR Supra GT500, 2021.
- All-Japan F3000 - race lap: 1:34.225 - Mauro Martini, Lola T92/50, 1992.
- Super Formula - recent qualifying: 1:26.757 - Tomoki Nojiri, 2025 pole. Quali, not an official race-lap record.
Why go?
Autopolis serves up pure driver’s-circuit theatre: huge braking after long builds, medium-high speed sequences that reward commitment, and big strategic swings as tyres fade uphill late in stints. Super GT’s autumn date and Super Formula’s spring round bring stacked grids to a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Main straight - T1 braking: Starts, restarts and the heaviest stop of the lap set up classic divebombs with pit action opposite.
- Mid-lap switchbacks: Great view of who can rotate the car without torching the rears as the circuit rises and falls.
- Final sector: Mistakes here decide the launch to the line; perfect for late-race drama and photo finishes.
Not just one series - headline events at Autopolis
Super GT: Regular October stop, most recently a 3-hour race on the 4.674 km GP course.
Super Formula & Super Formula Lights: Japan’s fastest single-seaters set the modern pace each spring.
MFJ Superbike & Super Taikyu: National two-wheel and endurance headliners round out a busy calendar.
World Sportscar Championship history: 1991 430 km of Autopolis capped the Group C era here.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Autopolis International Racing Course - Hita, Ōita Prefecture
Best options are driving via the Oita Expressway Hita IC or Kyushu Expressway Kumamoto - Kikusui ICs, event shuttle buses from Hita City or Kumamoto on big race weekends, and on site parking with fees sometimes applied during major events. The circuit sits high in the mountains on the Oita - Kumamoto border, so plan extra time and check weather.
Public transport - primarily event shuttles, otherwise car or taxi
- Event shuttles: For big race or festival days, organizers operate special buses to the circuit, typically from Hita Station - Hita Athletic Field or Kumamoto area. Details vary by event.
- On normal days: There is no regular bus or rail to the gates. Reach the track by rental car or book a local taxi from Hita or Aso areas.
Always check your event page for that weekend’s shuttle timetable and pick up points.
Driving - mountain approach roads with signed routes from each side
- From Hita IC - Oita Expressway: Follow the signed mountain route toward Kamitsue - Route 387 - Prefectural Route 12 to the circuit. Typical time about 60 minutes in normal conditions.
- From Kumamoto IC - Kikusui IC: Use the Milk Road - Route 57 corridors as shown on the official access guide and follow Autopolis signs for roughly 70 minutes.
- Official access maps: The circuit publishes route diagrams for Fukuoka, Oita, Hita and Kumamoto approaches. Use these to avoid narrow shortcuts.
Parking - large on site areas, fees may apply on headline weekends
- General rule: On site parking is provided and clearly signed on approach. Major events may charge for parking or require specific parking passes.
- Tip: Arrive early and follow steward instructions - mountain roads can back up near gate opening on Super GT - Super Formula weekends.
Taxis - set downs
- Set destination: Autopolis, 1112-8 Kaminoda, Kamitsue-machi, Hita, Ōita 877-0312. Security and event staff direct drop off - pick up to active gates.
- From Hita Station: Road distance is on winding mountain routes - allow about 60 minutes by car depending on traffic and weather.
Walking from car parks - shuttles
- Inside the venue: Expect 5 - 20 minute walks from the main car parks to grandstands and fan zones, with event shuttles sometimes operating internally on headline weekends.
Airports - easiest gateways for the mountain location
- Kumamoto KMJ → Autopolis: official listings indicate about 50 minutes by car in good conditions.
- Fukuoka FUK - Oita OIT: viable alternatives with expressway access and signed mountain approaches shown on the circuit’s access guide.
About the venue - quick context
- Full course 4.673 km - FIA Grade 2: Hosts Super GT, Super Formula, Super Taikyu and MFJ Superbike. Elevation changes and variable mountain weather are part of the challenge.
Quick guide - closest options
- Drivers: choose Hita IC or Kumamoto - Kikusui ICs, then follow the official Autopolis route diagrams.
- Without a car on race week: look for event shuttles from Hita Station or Kumamoto when offered. Otherwise rent a car - book a taxi.
- Parking: on site - fees may apply during major events, so check your event page.
- Exact address: 1112-8 Kaminoda, Kamitsue-machi, Hita, Ōita 877-0312.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Autopolis International Racing Course - Aso Kuju Highlands - Oita - Kumamoto (Japan)
Whether you are here for Super GT, Super Formula, Super Taikyu endurance, All Japan Superbike, time attack festivals, club sprints or a trackday, this highland circuit sits inside the Aso Kuju region with volcano viewpoints, onsen towns and family parks to fill your non race time.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi: Japan’s tallest pedestrian suspension bridge with valley views and short forest walks.
- Kuju Flower Park: Seasonal fields with easy paths, cafés and soft serve stops. Good for strollers.
- Kyushu Natural Zoological Park African Safari - Usa: Drive through or bus tour with lions, giraffes and petting zones.
- Harmonyland - Hiji: Sanrio theme park for younger kids with parades and character shows.
- Umitamago Aquarium - Oita: Shorefront tanks and touch pools that pair well with the nearby monkey park on Takasaki Mountain.
- Beppu Hells district: Short walking circuits around colorful hot spring pools and steam vents. Plenty of snack stops.
Theme parks and popular family venues may use timed entry on weekends and holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Yufuin town stroll: Lake Kinrin, small museums and craft streets with cafés and foot baths.
- Hita Mamedamachi: Edo era storehouses, soy sauce breweries and quiet lanes for a heritage loop.
- Taketa - Oka Castle ruins: Hilltop stone walls with museum rooms and tea houses below.
- Aso Shrine precinct - Ichinomiya: Atmospheric shrine streets and local sweet shops. Check restoration area access.
- Beppu steam cuisine: Try onsen steam baskets for a tasty indoor - outdoor lunch experience.
Eat and drink like a local
- Oita specialties: Toriten chicken tempura, dangojiru miso soup and Bungo beef grilled plates.
- Kumamoto flavors: Kumamoto ramen, karashi renkon mustard lotus root and basashi horse sashimi at established restaurants.
- Onsen towns: Yufuin and Kurokawa Onsen offer ryokan kaiseki dinners and casual croquettes, puddings and soft serve between baths.
- Beppu street snacks: Jigoku mushi steamed buns, hot spring eggs and dango skewers near the Hells.
- Race week tip: Reserve Friday - Saturday dinners in Yufuin, Beppu and Kurokawa during headline events and holiday periods.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Kuju Mountains: Short hikes to Bogatsuru marsh or Chojabaru boardwalks with Kuju peaks in view.
- Aso caldera rim: Viewpoints at Daikanbo and Kusasenri offer easy walks and horse rides with crater scenery.
- Nabegataki Falls - Oguni: Short trail to a curtain waterfall with a behind the falls path. Wear grippy shoes.
- Yamanami Highland routes: Gentle photo stops at lookouts and grassland hills that work well at sunset.
- River walks - Hita: Riverside promenades and small bridges for a relaxed leg stretch between sessions.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Yufuin - 45 to 70 minutes. Lake Kinrin paths, cafés and galleries amid low rise onsen streets.
- Beppu - 60 to 90 minutes. Hells district, ropeway to Tsurumi-dake and seaside aquarium.
- Kurokawa Onsen - 40 to 60 minutes. Classic wooden inns and an outdoor bath pass that lets you try several rotemburo.
- Aso Volcano area - 60 to 90 minutes. Daikanbo lookout, Kusasenri grasslands and crater museum. Crater rim access varies with gas warnings.
- Takachiho Gorge - 120 to 150 minutes. Rowboats under columnar cliffs and shrine dances if you add a full day.
- Harajiri Falls - Bungo Ono - 70 to 100 minutes. Horseshoe falls with easy viewpoints and farm cafés.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Mountain roads can slow in fog or heavy rain. Some sites have last entry cutoffs and dated tickets in peak seasons.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Spring and autumn carry Super GT, Super Formula and endurance headliners, with bikes and club events across the season. Onsen towns nearby fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Highland climate. Cool mornings even in summer, strong sun at altitude and rapid changes. Typhoon influence is possible late summer - early autumn. Pack layers, sunscreen, a hat and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Cherry blossom late March - April and fiery grasslands in November make for busy weekends. Winter can bring icy verges and occasional snow on access roads.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Public experiences and circuit tours may pause or switch to special hours on major weekends. Check the weekly schedule.
- Highland driving: Expect fog banks, grazing areas and narrow farm lanes near viewpoints. Allow daylight buffers if you plan post race photo stops.
- Onsen etiquette: Rinse before soaking, keep towels out of the water and respect tattoo policies that vary by venue.
- Cash - cards: Cities take cards widely, but rural stalls and small onsen may prefer cash or local wallets.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light rain layer, warm evening fleece and quick dry footwear for boardwalks and falls.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, crater access, bridge - park ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit, attraction and park sites for your exact dates.
