Central Circuit
Location
Taka, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Current Local Time
Track Info
Central Circuit - Taka, Hyogo, Japan
Compact permanent circuit in the mountains of Hyogo - clockwise - technical, undulating and distinctive for its crossover section
When was the track built?
Central Circuit opened in September 1996 in the wooded hills of Hyogo Prefecture. The 2.804 km track was designed as a permanent venue where amateur racers and track-day drivers could enjoy a challenging circuit without travelling to one of Japan's much larger international venues.
The landscape plays an important part in the design. Rather than being completely flattened, the track rises and falls by around 20 metres and includes a crossover where one section passes underneath the main straight.
When was its first major race?
Only two months after opening, Central Circuit hosted the Nicos Cup GT All-Star Race on 17 November 1996. It was a non-championship round featuring stars and cars from the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship, now known as Super GT.
Masahiro Hasemi and Tetsuya Tanaka won overall in a Nissan Skyline GT-R, while Shinichi Yamaji and Haruhiko Matsumoto won GT300 in the RE Amemiya Mazda RX-7.
What's the circuit like?
- Short but busy: At under 3 km, the next corner is never far away. Accurate braking and good exits matter because mistakes quickly carry into the following section.
- Two useful straights: Central has two major acceleration zones, both ending in relatively tight right-hand corners where late braking can create overtaking opportunities.
- Unique crossover: Late in the lap, competitors pass underneath the main straight before immediately dealing with another right-hand turn. It gives the circuit an unusual three-dimensional layout.
The longest straight is approximately 677 metres and the track ranges from 11 to 15 metres wide. Gradients reach around 7%, so the circuit feels more undulating from inside a car than it appears on a map.
Lap records and benchmarks
- JGTC GT500 race lap: 1:16.167 - Aguri Suzuki, Nissan Skyline GT-R R33, 1996.
- Honda FF Time Attack: 1:23.109 - Usui, Honda CR-X EF8, 2026.
- Swift Time Attack: 1:23.587 - RYU1, Suzuki Swift Sport ZC33S, 2026.
- Radial Turbo Time Attack: 1:24.193 - Katsumi Yamashita, Mazda RX-7 FD3S, 2026.
- K-Car Time Attack: 1:28.150 - Takumi Ono, Daihatsu Copen, 2026.
The 1996 GT500 figure is an official race lap, while the modern figures are time-attack benchmarks from different classes and should not be compared directly.
Why go?
Central Circuit is a good example of Japan's grassroots motorsport culture. Instead of focusing on major international championships, its calendar is packed with club racing, one-make events, time attack, kei-car competition and open track sessions.
Current events include the SHIBATIRE Central Radial Challenge, K-Car Meeting, Honda one-make racing and regular driving days. That makes it a particularly approachable circuit for enthusiasts who want to see modified road cars competing rather than only professional race machinery.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main grandstand: A good choice for first-time visitors because it overlooks a broad section of the circuit as well as the start-finish straight and pit area.
- End of the straights: The heavy braking zones offer some of the clearest opportunities to see overtaking and differences in braking technique.
- Crossover and final sector: One of Central's most distinctive areas, combining elevation changes, linked corners and the section running beneath the main straight.
Available spectator areas can vary between race meetings and private track events, so follow event signage and circuit instructions on the day.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Central Circuit (Hyogo)
Central Circuit is in the countryside of Hyogo Prefecture, northwest of Kobe. Driving is the easiest option, but visitors without a car can travel to Nishiwakishi Station and complete the journey by taxi or local bus.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Central Circuit. The venue is surrounded by countryside rather than a large town, so public transport requires more planning than at circuits close to major cities.
If you are visiting Japan and staying in Osaka, Kobe or elsewhere in the Kansai region, hiring a car for the day is usually the simplest option.
Tip: Save the full circuit location in your navigation app before leaving. The final part of the journey uses local roads through a rural area.
Driving & parking
- Kasai IC: the circuit is around 14 km from the interchange; allow approximately 25 minutes for the final drive.
- Takino-Yashiro IC: around 16 km from the circuit, also approximately 25 minutes away.
- From the Kansai area: use the Chugoku Expressway before continuing onto local roads towards Taka.
- Parking: the circuit has several parking and paddock areas. Follow the instructions supplied for your event when you arrive.
- Local roads: drive carefully through the surrounding communities and keep noise to a minimum.
The circuit specifically asks visitors to respect traffic rules and avoid unnecessary vehicle noise on the roads around the venue.
Train & public transport
There is no railway station directly beside Central Circuit. Nishiwakishi Station is the most useful option for many visitors arriving by train.
- Nishiwakishi Station: on the JR Kakogawa Line, approximately 12 km from the circuit.
- Tanikawa Station: on the JR Fukuchiyama Line, approximately 17 km away.
- From the station: a taxi is the simplest way to complete the journey, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area.
- Local buses: Shinki Bus services stop near the circuit at Sakamoto Higashi and Kojiya, but timetables vary depending on the day.
Check both your outward and return connections before travelling, as rural services are less frequent than trains and buses in central Osaka or Kobe.
Taxi & private transfers
- From Nishiwakishi: taking a taxi for the final 12 km is generally the easiest public-transport combination.
- From Tanikawa: a taxi or pre-arranged transfer is recommended because there is no convenient local bus connection from the station.
- For groups: sharing a rental car or private transfer can be easier than coordinating rural bus services.
- Return journey: arrange your pickup in advance if you are relying on a taxi after the event.
Event-day tips
- Check the event schedule: opening times, entrance arrangements and parking areas can differ between race meetings and track days.
- Leave early: large events can create extra traffic on the smaller roads approaching the circuit.
- Bring food and water: the circuit is in a rural area, so there are fewer shops and restaurants immediately around the venue than at an urban circuit.
- Prepare for the weather: bring sun protection in summer and warm or waterproof clothing when conditions require it.
- Respect nearby residents: keep speeds and vehicle noise down when travelling through the local communities.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at Central Circuit, contact the circuit or your event organiser before travelling. Parking and spectator arrangements can vary depending on the event.
Travel times, bus timetables, parking areas and event entrances can change. Check the official Central Circuit information and your event details shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Central Circuit (Hyogo, Japan)
Central Circuit sits among the wooded hills of rural Hyogo, away from the crowds of Osaka and Kobe. Whether you’re visiting for club racing, endurance events, one-make championships or a track day, nearby Taka, Nishiwaki and Tamba offer dinosaurs, traditional crafts, castle-town streets and excellent regional food.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Japan Heso Park: Nishiwaki is promoted as the geographical centre or “belly button” of Japan. The park is an easy stop for a walk, photos and a break from the circuit.
- Tambaryu-no-Sato Park: Meet the local dinosaur story in Tamba, where fossils of the giant plant-eating Tambatitanis were discovered. Children can enjoy dinosaur displays and play equipment.
- Tamba dinosaur attractions: Nearby fossil exhibitions explain what lived here around 110 million years ago, making the area especially good for younger visitors interested in dinosaurs.
Culture & rainy-day stops
- Tamba Traditional Craft Park: Discover Tamba-yaki, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. Around 50 potteries are represented, and visitors can try pottery-making or decorating their own piece.
- Sasayama Castle Town: Walk through traditional streets lined with former samurai homes, merchant buildings, cafés and craft shops around the remains of Sasayama Castle.
- Banshu-ori textiles: The Nishiwaki area has produced Banshu woven fabric for more than 200 years. Local workshops and shops offer a look at this lesser-known side of Japanese craftsmanship.
Eat & drink like a local
- Tamba black soybeans: Kuromame are one of the region’s best-known foods and appear in bread, sweets, snacks and traditional dishes.
- Tamba chestnuts: Visit in autumn and you will find chestnuts used in cakes, desserts and seasonal meals throughout the Tamba area.
- Botan nabe: For something more traditional, try wild boar arranged like peony petals and cooked in a miso-based hotpot - a speciality associated with Tamba-Sasayama.
Get outdoors around the circuit
- Rural Taka: The circuit is surrounded by forested hills, farmland and small communities, so even the drive to and from the track provides a quieter view of Japan.
- Kurotaki Falls: This small waterfall near Miki is an easy scenic stop if you are travelling south towards Kobe or the expressways.
- Tamba countryside: Seasonal cycling, woodland walks and temple visits make the wider Tamba region a good choice when you want a slower day outdoors.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Tamba-Sasayama: Combine the castle town with pottery, cafés and regional food for an easy full day away from the circuit.
- Kobe: Head south for the harbourfront, Chinatown, museums and a much larger choice of restaurants. Treat it as a separate sightseeing day rather than a quick trip between sessions.
- Osaka: Central Circuit is within driving range of Osaka, making the city a practical base or extension for visitors wanting nightlife, shopping and major attractions.
Good to know on event weekends
- Check the calendar: Central hosts many privately organised races and driving events, so spectator access and entry charges can differ from one weekend to another.
- Expect a compact circuit: The 2.804 km layout has a 677 m longest straight and up to 20 m of elevation change, so spectators can see plenty of action in a relatively small area.
- A car is recommended: The nearest rail option is around Nishiwaki, but buses are limited. Driving makes reaching the circuit and surrounding attractions much simpler.
- Prepare for the season: Summers can be hot and humid, while the wooded inland location can feel cold during winter and early-morning events.
Race schedules, spectator access, admission charges, attraction hours and seasonal activities can change - check current information before you travel.