Mobara Twin Circuit
Location
Mobara, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Current Local Time
Track Info
Mobara Twin Circuit - Mobara, Chiba, Japan
Compact twin-circuit motorsport complex east of Tokyo - technical, versatile and especially popular for drifting, time attack, karting and motorcycles
When was the track built?
Mobara's site originally contained karting and dirt-racing facilities before being redeveloped into a paved mini-circuit around 2000. By 2001 the new venue was already being used regularly for driving schools and enthusiast track events.
The big advantage was having two separate tracks in one complex. The longer East Course developed into the main circuit for cars and larger motorcycles, while the compact West Course became particularly useful for karting, minibikes and smaller racing categories.
When was its first race?
A definitive first-race date is not widely published, which reflects Mobara's grassroots beginnings. Rather than opening with one famous international meeting, the circuit grew through club racing, driving schools, karting and motorcycle events during the early 2000s.
It later became a nationally recognised venue. The East Course has hosted the All Japan Kart Championship and remains part of the MFJ All Japan Supermoto Championship calendar.
What's the circuit like?
- Short and technical: The East Course is only a little over 1.1 km, so corners arrive quickly. Drivers spend much more time braking, turning and accelerating than simply travelling flat-out.
- Surprisingly undulating: The main straight climbs uphill and several corners sit at different heights, making the lap feel more three-dimensional than the circuit map suggests.
- Excellent for drifting: Tight hairpins and linked bends allow drivers to connect several corners sideways. The compact layout also keeps tandem drift battles close together for spectators.
The circuit rewards technique rather than horsepower. A lighter, well-balanced car can be extremely quick here, which helps explain why modified Honda Civics have produced some of Mobara's fastest grip times.
Lap records and benchmarks
- FF: 0:43.899 - Takumi Iwata, Honda Civic EG6, 2013.
- 4WD: 0:44.871 - Yuya Hirano, Subaru Impreza GC8, 2023.
- Radial Tyre: 0:44.956 - Takumi Iwata, Honda Civic EG6, 2011.
- MR: 0:45.234 - Hideyuki Izawa, Honda NSX NA1.
- FR: 0:45.387 - Kazuhiko Onda, Nissan Silvia S13, 2017.
These are the circuit's published four-wheel East Course class records. Kart, motorcycle and drift competitions use separate records or scoring systems.
Why is Mobara famous for drifting?
Mobara has become one of eastern Japan's best-known grassroots drift venues. The East Course combines enough speed for dramatic entries with tight corners that allow drivers to link long sequences together.
D1 regional competition regularly visits the circuit, while D1 Lights also uses Mobara. That puts amateur and developing drivers on the same asphalt used by some of Japan's strongest up-and-coming drift competitors.
Why go?
Mobara is a good place to experience several sides of Japanese motorsport in one visit. Depending on the weekend, you might see modified road cars, drifting, racing karts, minibikes or national-level Supermoto competition.
The venue also offers rental karting and beginner-friendly driving activities, so visitors do not necessarily need their own race car or motorcycle to experience the circuit.
Where's the best place to watch?
- East Course main straight: A good starting point for first-time visitors, with pit activity and cars accelerating uphill nearby.
- Technical corner sections: Best for grip and drifting events because the cars remain in view longer and differences in driving style are easier to see.
- West Course: Ideal during kart and minibike meetings, where the very short lap means competitors pass your viewing position frequently.
Mobara hosts many different types of events, so spectator areas and the course being used can change. Check the day's schedule and follow circuit signage when you arrive.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Mobara Twin Circuit (Chiba)
Mobara Twin Circuit is in Chiba Prefecture, southeast of Tokyo. Driving is the easiest option, but it is also one of the more manageable Japanese circuits to reach by public transport using a train to Mobara Station and a local bus.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Mobara Twin Circuit. The venue is outside central Mobara, but road access is straightforward and the circuit is only a short drive from the Ken-O Expressway.
Unlike many smaller Japanese circuits, public transport is also realistic. You can travel to Mobara Station and then use a local bus for most of the remaining journey.
Tip: Mobara has two separate circuits, so check whether your event is using the East Course or West Course before arriving.
Driving & parking
- Chonan-Mobara IC: the circuit's official guidance puts it around 7 minutes from the interchange.
- From Tokyo: travel east into Chiba Prefecture and follow the expressway network towards the Mobara area.
- Final approach: local roads lead from the main route towards the circuit entrance; watch for circuit signs as you get close.
- Parking: parking is inside the circuit grounds, although busy events may use specific areas or entrances.
- Navigation: use the full circuit name and address rather than simply entering Mobara.
Allow extra time for popular drift meetings and race events, when the entrance and surrounding roads can be busier.
Train & bus
Mobara Station is the main public transport hub for the circuit. It is on JR East's Sotobo Line and can be reached from the Tokyo and Chiba areas.
- Tokyo → Mobara: Limited Express Wakashio trains provide some direct journeys in around an hour.
- Mobara Station: leave from the South Exit when continuing towards the circuit by bus.
- Local bus: take a service towards Otaki and get off at the 台田堰 bus stop.
- Bus stop → circuit: the remaining walk is approximately 3 minutes.
Check the bus timetable before travelling. Rural services are less frequent than trains in central Tokyo, particularly when planning your return journey.
Taxi & private transfers
- From Mobara Station: a taxi is the simplest alternative if the bus timetable does not suit your event.
- For groups: sharing a taxi or rental car can be easier than coordinating bus connections.
- Return journey: consider arranging your taxi before the event ends rather than expecting one to be waiting outside the circuit.
- Show the address: use 640 Daida, Mobara, Chiba if there is any confusion about the destination.
Coming from Tokyo
- By train: Limited Express Wakashio services can take you from Tokyo Station directly to Mobara on selected departures.
- From Mobara: continue by local bus or taxi to the circuit.
- By car: hiring a car is useful if you are attending an early track day or carrying equipment.
- Day trip: Mobara's location in Chiba makes returning to the Tokyo area after an event practical, although traffic should be allowed for.
Event-day tips
- Check your course: Mobara Twin Circuit has separate East and West courses used for different types of motorsport.
- Check the schedule: the venue hosts cars, motorcycles, karting, grip driving and drift events.
- Arrive early: allow time to find the correct entrance and parking area for your event.
- Food: the venue has food facilities, but availability may depend on the day and event.
- Plan your return: check your bus and train times before the final track session if travelling without a car.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free access or assistance at Mobara Twin Circuit, contact the circuit or event organiser before travelling. The best parking and viewing arrangements may depend on whether your event uses the East Course or West Course.
Train and bus timetables, parking arrangements, event entrances and spectator access can change. Check the official Mobara Twin Circuit information and your event details shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Mobara Twin Circuit (Chiba, Japan)
Mobara Twin Circuit sits in the countryside of Chiba’s Boso Peninsula, within easy reach of the Pacific coast. Whether you’re visiting for drifting, grip driving, motorcycles or karting, nearby parks, surf beaches, museums and Japanese countryside attractions make it easy to fill the rest of your weekend.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Mobara Park: A relaxing local stop built around Benten Pond, with walking paths, bridges and seasonal flowers. Spring is particularly popular when thousands of cherry trees bloom.
- Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach: Head east to the Pacific for a look at one of Japan’s best-known surfing beaches. The area hosted Olympic surfing and has surf schools and cafés nearby.
- Mother Farm: If you have a full day, this large countryside attraction offers animal encounters, seasonal flowers, farm activities and rides that work particularly well for families.
Culture & slower-paced stops
- Hoki Museum: An excellent rainy-day option in Chiba City, combining striking modern architecture with one of Japan’s leading collections of realist painting.
- Tamasaki Shrine: Visit this historic Shinto shrine in nearby Ichinomiya before heading towards the coast. It has long been associated with good fortune, family and prosperity.
- Kominato Railway: For something completely different from motorsport, ride a rural diesel train through fields, small stations and the countryside of central Chiba.
Eat & drink like a local
- Namero: A traditional Chiba dish made by finely chopping fresh fish with miso, ginger and green onion. It is especially common in coastal areas.
- Chiba peanuts: The prefecture is Japan’s leading peanut-producing region, so look for roasted peanuts, peanut sweets and creamy peanut spreads in local shops.
- Kujukuri seafood: Head towards the Pacific coast for sashimi, seafood rice bowls, grilled fish and seasonal shellfish after your track day.
Get outdoors around Mobara
- Mobara Park: The easiest outdoor option if you only have an hour or two, with space for walking, picnics and a quieter break after the circuit.
- Ichinomiya coast: Walk along the Pacific, watch experienced surfers or book a beginner lesson at one of the surf schools around the area.
- Yoro Valley: Head deeper into the Boso Peninsula for forest walks, waterfalls and hot springs. The main waterfall walking route is an easy way to experience rural Chiba.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Mother Farm: Allow most of a day for animal shows, seasonal gardens and farm activities rather than treating it as a quick stop.
- Yoro Valley & Kominato Railway: Combine the scenic railway with waterfalls, woodland walks and an overnight hot-spring stay for a slower side of Japan.
- Chiba City: Visit the Hoki Museum, city attractions and shopping before continuing towards Tokyo or Narita.
Good to know on event weekends
- Check which circuit is being used: The East and West courses operate independently, so a drift event, kart meeting and motorcycle session can offer very different experiences.
- Drifting is a big part of Mobara: The 2026 programme continues to include organised drift events and regular drift and grip driving sessions.
- Public transport is possible: Buses run from the south side of JR Mobara Station towards the circuit, followed by a short walk, although a car remains easier for sightseeing.
- Prepare for the weather: Chiba summers can be hot and humid, so bring water and sun protection. Lightweight rain gear is useful during the wetter months.
Event schedules, spectator access, track-day availability, bus services and attraction opening hours can change - check current information before you travel.