SPECTATOR GUIDE
Spectator guide (English)
A model plan from the Attack organizers for enjoying a full day of spectating at Attack Tsukuba. 日本語
Important notice for admission and spectating
- This event is run with drivers and team members as the top priority, with the sole aim of challenging lap times.
- Any behavior that interferes with race preparation or running is strictly prohibited.
- The paddock has narrow walkways and complex traffic flow, and announcements can be hard to hear over engine noise. Please stay aware of your surroundings and take care not to obstruct team members or vehicles.
If you do not follow these rules, we may refuse admission or ask you to leave. Anyone found interfering with a team's run or the running of the event, or acting in a way judged to endanger others, including other spectators, will be asked to leave immediately.
ABOUT
Share the same air as the challengers
Attack Tsukuba is built around drivers and teams, and focused on one thing: the challenge of the lap time. It is not a show staged for spectators as customers, but it is not an event that keeps spectators away, either.
For time attackers, running a Super Lap in front of packed stands is a stage like no other. That tension and energy can produce times even the drivers and teams never expected.
MODEL CASE
Our recommended day
-
6:00
Head to Tsukuba for the gate opening
Mornings at Tsukuba start early: competitors begin preparing from first light. We recommend arriving early, but waiting overnight or arriving too early disturbs local residents. Aim to arrive around the time the car park opens.
-
7:00
Grab breakfast at the food stalls
The food stall area is under the grandstand. Most stalls open early, so fuel up over breakfast. The area under the grandstand also has exhibitor booths and car displays.
-
8:00
Morning ceremony at the grandstand
The morning ceremony is the heart of Attack Tsukuba. With the machines lined up in the pit lane behind them, drivers, tuners and legends share talk and stories you won't hear anywhere else. Watch it, and you'll see the runs that follow in a completely different light.
-
AM
Watch from the B paddock and the stands
After the ceremony, watch the action from the grandstand or the final corner stand, or head to the B paddock to see a wide range of classes preparing up close. To ease congestion, the A paddock is closed to general admission ticket holders in the morning.
-
Noon
Lunch at the food stalls
The event runs Super Laps only, with no fixed time slots, so the schedule can be hard to predict. That is part of Attack Tsukuba's character. Before you know it, it's nearly noon. Have lunch and get ready for the afternoon.
-
PM
Feel the real attack at the A paddock and the 1st hairpin stand
In the afternoon (after the morning Super Laps), the A paddock opens to the public and you can see the time attack machines up close. From the area above the pits, you can safely watch the cars lined up in the pit lane. For the driving, head to the 1st hairpin stand: watching cars sweep down through the esses and dive in under full braking is breathtaking.
Times are typical and may change. Always check each event page for the latest information on car park and gate times, prices and admission.
YOUR STYLE
Enjoy it your way
-
Taking photos
For action shots, try the outside of the 1st hairpin or the 80R stand, where you can go for panning shots and dramatic angles. The pits during race preparation are also worth capturing.
-
Visiting the booths
Morning: under the grandstand and the B paddock. Afternoon: the A paddock and the infield grass area. Some items only go on sale in the afternoon.
-
Seeing the cars up close
Morning: the B paddock. Afternoon: the A paddock and the area above the pits. Take in everything from preparation to the moments before an attack.
BEFORE YOU GO
Before you go
-
Dress warmly
February mornings at Tsukuba are bitterly cold, and the wind is chilly too. Bring a heavy jacket, gloves, hand warmers and a blanket: everything you need to spend a full day outdoors.
-
No re-entry
Re-entry is not permitted once you leave. Please make sure you bring everything you need for the day.
-
Circuit rules
Pets, drones and other camera equipment, alcohol and smoking are subject to Tsukuba Circuit's rules. Please take your rubbish home.
-
Bring cash
Admission tickets and car park fees are payable in cash only. Please bring enough Japanese yen with you. We recommend buying an advance admission pass and advance parking ticket on the Attack website before the day. The advance pass also lets you into the A paddock from the morning.
ACCESS
Getting to Tsukuba Circuit
-
By car
From Bando IC on the Ken-O Expressway, take Prefectural Route 20 toward Yuki. From Yawara IC on the Joban Expressway, take National Route 294 toward Joso. See Tsukuba Circuit's access page for detailed directions.
-
By train
From Akihabara, take the Tsukuba Express to Moriya. Change to the Kanto Railway Joso Line (for Shimodate) and get off at Sodo Station. The circuit is about 15 minutes (about 6 km) by taxi.
-
Circuit map
See Tsukuba Circuit's guide map for the location of the stands, paddocks and food area.
MANNERS
Spectator etiquette
- Please don't queue overnight or arrive too early, and drive with extra care on your way.
- The pit lane is off-limits. Watch the cars in the pit lane from the area above the pits.
- Tsukuba's paddocks are tight, and modern machines carry large aero. Keep a good distance from the cars when looking around and when vehicles are moving.
- The event is run with drivers and teams as the top priority. Please choose your moment before talking to a team at work.
INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT
Visiting from overseas?
Our official international support desk, JDM Tour, is run by our official sponsor CarShopGLOW. It is the contact point for overseas fans and sponsors, with service in English.
- Ticket arrangements for Attack Tsukuba
- Official Attack tour packages, including accommodation and transportation
- Sponsorship and supporter registration for individuals and companies
- Event schedules, updates and general information
LIVE
Follow the live stream while you watch
We plan to stream the event live on our official YouTube channel. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you can follow the stream while watching at the circuit.
YouTube channelFor the latest dates, ticket prices and admission details, see each event page from the event list (Japanese). For common questions, see the spectator FAQ.
