Ebisu Drift Taxi: Thrills on Track

For motorsport enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, Japan offers a unique and exhilarating experience: the Drift Taxi at Ebisu Circuit. Nestled in the scenic highlands of Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Ebisu Circuit has earned its reputation as the undisputed 'Home of Drifting'. This iconic venue attracts petrolheads from across the globe, drawn by the opportunity to witness and participate in the art of drifting – a high-octane driving technique where a car intentionally oversteers, losing rear-wheel grip. The Drift Taxi experience allows you to immerse yourself in this world, offering a passenger ride with a professional drift driver, providing an unforgettable taste of competitive drifting.

What is the Drift Taxi Experience?

The Drift Taxi experience is your chance to feel the raw power and precision of professional drifting without needing to be behind the wheel yourself. You'll be seated in a specially prepared car, designed to mimic a taxi, and driven by an experienced drift school instructor. This isn't your average taxi ride; it's a high-speed journey through one of Ebisu Circuit's renowned tracks, showcasing the techniques and G-forces that define professional drifting. Even if you've never driven a car, or certainly never drifted one, this experience is designed for you to enjoy the sheer thrill of it all. The experience is conducted in English, although proficiency may be limited, ensuring a degree of accessibility for international visitors.

Key Features of the Drift Taxi Experience:

• Passenger Ride: Sit comfortably in the passenger or rear seats of a drift car.
• Pro Driver: Be driven by a skilled drift school teacher.
• Multiple Courses: Navigate through three different circuits, experiencing varied turns and speeds.
• Top Speeds & Techniques: Witness and feel the precision of professional drifting manoeuvres.
• Up to Three Passengers: The vehicle can accommodate up to three passengers, allowing you to share the excitement and cost with friends.

Unfortunately, as of a May 2025 update, the tour operator has been facing challenges, primarily due to staff shortages, which has temporarily suspended bookings. This means the Drift Taxi experience is currently unavailable, though the operator deeply apologises for any inconvenience caused. It's always advisable to check for the latest updates before planning your visit.

Ebisu Circuit: A Drifting Paradise

Ebisu Circuit is not just a single track; it's a sprawling complex dedicated to motorsport, particularly drifting. It boasts an impressive seven race circuits and two skid pans, with four of these tracks specifically designed for drifting: the North Course, South Course, School Course, and the Touge (mountain pass) Course. The remaining tracks are primarily used for grip racing and time attack events. This extensive layout makes Ebisu a true haven for drifters, offering a diverse range of challenges and environments.

Drifting at Ebisu: Options for Everyone

Ebisu Circuit is famously open to the public for drifting, with tracks available most days of the year, barring major competitions like D1GP or Formula D Japan, private rentals, or essential maintenance. This accessibility means you can potentially drift at Ebisu almost any time you visit. However, it's crucial to remember that winter months (December to March) can bring snow, potentially leading to track closures. Checking the track availability in advance is highly recommended.

For those looking to get involved in drifting at Ebisu, there are numerous options:

• Bring Your Own Car: If you're a seasoned drifter, you can bring your own vehicle.
• Buy a Car at Ebisu: Powervehicles, located within the circuit, offers cars for sale. You can also find private sellers through Facebook groups like 'Gaijin Ebisu Drift cars'.
• Drifting Lessons: For a structured learning experience, you can take lessons from professional drift drivers, such as those from Team Orange, who can provide a practice car and all necessary equipment.
• Passenger Rides: This is where the Drift Taxi comes in, offering an accessible way to experience drifting. As mentioned, you can share the ride with up to three people. Additionally, if you bring your own helmet, you might be lucky enough to snag a passenger ride with a local driver practising, usually requiring a small insurance fee at the gate.
• Spectating: Even if you don't wish to drive or ride, Ebisu Circuit is a fantastic place to spectate. With locals, foreigners, and professional drivers constantly utilising the tracks, there's almost always something exciting to watch.

Drift Matsuri: The Ultimate Drifting Festival

Twice a year, Ebisu Circuit hosts 'Drift Matsuri' events – massive festivals that open up all seven tracks, including those usually reserved for grip racing, for public drifting. These events run over an entire weekend, offering around 44 hours of continuous, free drifting. Drift Matsuri weekends attract huge crowds, with over 100 car and driver entries, a significant portion of which are international participants. The week leading up to each Matsuri is often called 'drift heaven week' as drivers prepare and practice, also in anticipation of the foreigner-only G1Gp drift competition held the Friday before each event.

Getting to Ebisu Circuit

Reaching Ebisu Circuit involves a journey, typically from Tokyo. Here are the most common methods:

Method 1: Rent-a-Car

Hiring a car in Tokyo or at Narita Airport is often considered the most convenient option. The drive north on the Tohoku Highway to the Nihonmatsu I.C. takes approximately 3.5 hours. From the exit, it's about a 20-minute drive to the circuit. Rental cars in Japan are equipped with Sat Nav systems, and using Google Maps on your smartphone with a data plan will make navigation straightforward.

Method 2: Trains

An alternative to driving is using Japan's efficient train system. From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Koriyama Station (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes). From Koriyama, switch to a local train on the Tohoku Main Line to Nihonmatsu Station (approx. 30 minutes). Upon arrival at Nihonmatsu Station, a 20-minute taxi ride will take you up the mountain to Ebisu Circuit. The total travel time from Tokyo Station by train is around 3 hours.

Accommodation Near Ebisu Circuit

Given the travel time from Tokyo, many visitors opt to stay overnight or for a couple of days to fully experience Ebisu Circuit. Several accommodation options are available:

• Urban Hotel: Located opposite Nihonmatsu train station, this is a convenient choice for those arriving by train. It's surrounded by amenities like convenience stores, bars, and restaurants, and is a 20-minute taxi ride from the circuit.
• Mt. Inn Hotel: Situated in the Dake Onsen hot spring town, this hotel is about a 10-minute drive from Ebisu Circuit. It's a good option if you have a rental car, as direct bus services are limited, and taxis may require a call and wait.
• Adatara Forest Park: For a more rustic experience, this park offers cabin rentals, providing an 'outdoor' accommodation option.

Ebisu Circuit truly lives up to its 'drift heaven' moniker, offering a memorable motorsport adventure for hundreds of international visitors each year. Whether you're a participant or a spectator, the unique atmosphere and high-octane action make it a must-visit destination for any motorsport enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ebisu Drift Experiences:

Is the Drift Taxi Experience currently running?

As of the latest updates (May 2025), the Drift Taxi experience is temporarily unavailable due to staff shortages. It is advisable to check for future updates on availability.

What is the cheapest way to experience drifting at Ebisu?

The Drift Taxi ride is often cited as the cheapest and easiest way to experience drifting as a passenger. If you have your own helmet, you might also get a passenger ride with a local driver for a small insurance fee.

Can I drive myself at Ebisu Circuit?

Yes, absolutely. You can bring your own car, buy a car at the circuit, or take professional drifting lessons. Ebisu Circuit offers various options for those who want to drive themselves.

What is the best way to get to Ebisu Circuit from Tokyo?

Many find renting a car to be the most convenient method, offering flexibility and a direct drive. Alternatively, the train journey via Koriyama and Nihonmatsu stations is also efficient, followed by a short taxi ride.

Do I need to speak Japanese to enjoy Ebisu Circuit?

While some communication might be easier in Japanese, the Drift Taxi experience is conducted in English, and many staff and participants at Ebisu Circuit are accustomed to international visitors. Having a translation app or phrasebook can be helpful, but it's generally manageable for English speakers.

What should I bring for a Drift Taxi experience?

You will be provided with a helmet. It's recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. If you wish to take photos or videos, ensure your device is secured, or consider a chest mount for a hands-free recording experience.