Ebisu Circuit: The Complete Drift Guide (2026 Edition)

If you're planning to drift in Japan, Ebisu Circuit is the destination.

Located in Fukushima Prefecture, Ebisu Circuit is the world’s most iconic drifting complex featuring multiple dedicated drift tracks, skid pans, competition layouts, and mountain-style touge courses across one massive mountainside facility.

Whether you're a beginner learning donuts or an advanced driver chasing walls at full speed, this guide covers everything you need to know about drifting at Ebisu Circuit.

What Is Ebisu Circuit?

Ebisu Circuit is a multi-track motorsport complex in Nihonmatsu, Japan. Unlike traditional racetracks, Ebisu is designed as a drifting ecosystem, with multiple courses operating simultaneously across different elevations.

It is internationally known for:

• Hosting D1 Grand Prix

• Hosting Formula Drift Japan

• Legendary Drift Matsuri events

• Open-access drift days

• Year-round driving

No other circuit in the world offers this density of dedicated drift tracks in one location.

Where Is Ebisu Circuit Located?

Ebisu Circuit is located in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture.

Approximate travel times:

• 3–4 hours from Tokyo by car

• 2 hours via Shinkansen to Koriyama + 30–40 minute taxi

• 2.5-3 hours after the Shinkansen to Koriyama, catch the local line to Nihommatsu Station. From there it is a 15 minute taxi or the local bus will drop you at the front of Ebisu Circuit

How Many Tracks Does Ebisu Circuit Have?

Ebisu Circuit has 6 primary drift tracks, 9 total tracks, plus additional layouts used during major events.

Main drift tracks include:

1. Kuru Kuru Land 1

2. Kuru Kuru Land 2

3. Nishi Course

4. North Course

5. Touge Course

6. School Course

7. Higashi (limited drift access)
   

Minami, once famous for the “Minami Jump,” now operates primarily as a rally course but occasionally opens during Matsuri events.

Drift Land is predominantly used for Gymkhanas and overflow parking for big events. 

Complete Breakdown of Every Ebisu Drift Track

Kuru Kuru Land 1 & 2 (クルクルランド)

Best for: Beginners, training, tyre saving

Kuru Kuru Land are Ebisu’s skid pans and the foundation of skill development.

Here you learn:

• Donuts

• Figure-8s

• Throttle control

• Weight transfer

• Handbrake entries

Kuru Kuru 2 (Wet & Dry Surface)

Kuru Kuru 2 can operate wet, reducing grip and dramatically lowering tyre wear. Wet drifting:

• Makes initiation easier

• Slows speeds for safer learning

• Saves money on tyres

Ideal for first-time drivers.

Kuru Kuru 1 (Dry Only)

Larger and faster than Kuru Kuru 2, this pad allows linking transitions and developing consistency before progressing to full tracks.

Entry-only price (Kuru Kuru): approx. ¥3,000

For many drivers, this is the most affordable way to experience drifting at Ebisu.

Nishi Course (西) – The Most Famous Drift Track at Ebisu

Best for: Intermediate to advanced drivers

Nishi is the heart of Ebisu Circuit and the most photographed layout.

It has hosted:

• D1 Grand Prix

• Formula Drift Japan

• Ebisu Drift Series

• Drift Matsuri trains

If you've seen viral Ebisu wall-ride clips, they were likely filmed here.

Nishi Short

• Crest the hill

• Run the outside wall

• Fast transition

• Sweep to bottom corner

This layout became legendary during Drift Matsuri.

Nishi Short Long

Extends deeper before final transition. Requires commitment and strong throttle control.

Nishi Reverse

Run uphill, initiate early, and hold proximity along the wall before finishing on the straight.

Nishi Bank

Located at the rear of the circuit, the bank section was created after earthquake-induced landslides reshaped the terrain.

It features:

• Entry lip

• Undulation

• Wall section

Highly technical and punishing.

Nishi Full Course

• 2.1km (1.3 miles)

• 21 corners

• Primarily grip-focused but occasionally open for drifting

A rare and unforgettable experience when available.

North Course (北)

Best for: Confident drivers who enjoy high-speed blind entries

North Course is famous for:

• Blind crest initiation

• Intense wall proximity

• Night drifting during Matsuri

The bottom corner appears forgiving — it is not. Many cars have ended their weekend here.

North rewards confidence and precision.

Touge Course (峠)

Best for: Technical drivers who love mountain drifting

Touge recreates Japan’s mountain passes where drifting originated.

It is:

• Narrow

• Technical

• Continuous

You must remain sideways nearly the entire run.

Always complete a sighting lap before pushing - debris and changing conditions are common, especially when the sun is setting!

School Course

Best for: Technical linking and controlled transitions

This track features a triple-donut layout and close wall sections.

Common configurations include:

• The Peanut (outer loop drift)

• Figure-8 linking

• Progressive elevation changes

Tyre wear can be high here due to constant lateral load.

In wet conditions, reduce entry speed into the lower donut — excessive speed often results in wall contact and significant damage.

Higashi Course (東)

Best for: High-speed advanced drifting (Matsuri only)

Higashi is the largest circuit at Ebisu and primarily operates for grip racing and motorcycles.

During Matsuri events (typically three times per year), it opens for drifting.

Expect:

• 4th gear entries

• High-speed commitment

• Large run-off zones

One of the most exhilarating drift experiences in Japan.

Minami (南)

Once iconic for the famous “Minami Jump,” this track is now primarily used for rally.

During select Matsuri events, it may reopen for drifting, bringing nostalgia for long-time Ebisu fans.

Can You Drift at Ebisu Circuit in Winter?

Yes — Ebisu operates year-round.

Winter drifting offers:

• Lower entry fees

• Reduced tyre wear (snow/wet surface)

• Fewer drivers
  

Winter-accessible tracks usually include:

• Nishi

• School Course

• Kuru Kuru Land 1 & 2

North and Touge may open in early December or March depending on snowfall but are typically closed mid-winter.

Which Ebisu Track Is Best for Beginners?

If you are new to drifting:

1. Start at Kuru Kuru 2 (wet if available)

2. Progress to Kuru Kuru 1

3. Move to Nishi if available! The open space means limited risk of damages while learning to be on track. 
   

Why Ebisu Circuit Is the World’s Drifting Capital

Ebisu offers something no other venue does:

• Multiple simultaneous drift tracks

• Competition-grade layouts

• Year-round access

• Matsuri festivals

• Mountain-style touge

• Dedicated skid pans for learning

It is not just a racetrack — it is a drifting ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

If you're serious about drifting in Japan, Ebisu Circuit is the benchmark.

From low-speed training on Kuru Kuru to full-commitment wall runs at Nishi, every level of driver can progress here.

Few places in the world offer this scale, culture, and accessibility in one location.

For drift enthusiasts, Ebisu is not optional it is essential.