The pinnacle of motorcycle racing—MotoGP—returns to Mobility Resort Motegi in Tochigi, Japan for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. The event will take place over three days from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28. The true thrill of motorsports lies in experiencing the roaring engines and mind-blowing speed in person.
Still, many motorcycle fans have never actually attended a race. With coverage now shifting away from traditional TV to streaming subscriptions, motorsports can feel out of reach for casual fans.
That’s exactly why Friday’s Free Practice sessions are perfect for newcomers. Compared to the weekend’s qualifying and race events, Friday sees less crowding and much cheaper ticket prices—making it a great value and a relaxed way to get a feel for the world of MotoGP.
Friday Tickets: The Most Budget-Friendly Way to Experience MotoGP
The Free Practice sessions on Friday offer significantly cheaper ticket prices compared to Saturday’s qualifying or Sunday’s final. While 2025 ticket prices have gone up slightly, it’s still a great deal to witness the world’s top machines at a fraction of the cost.
| Adults (24+) | U23 (High school to 23 yrs) | Jr. High | 3 yrs to Elementary | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Pass | 12,000yen | 8,000yen | 1,900yen | 900yen | |
| Single-Day (At the gate) | 9/26 (Fri) Practice | 3,000yen | 3,000yen | 3,000yen | 2,000yen |
| 9/27 (Sat) Qualifying & Sprint | 6,000yen | 4,000yen | 3,000yen | 2,000yen | |
| 9/28 (Sun) Final Race | 16,000yen | 12,000yen | 3,000yen | 2,000yen | |
Arriving by motorcycle? Parking is just ¥1,100—traffic is lighter on Friday too, making it a smooth ride out to the venue.
[Click here for general admission ticket info]
VIP View at a Discount: Premium Seats Open as General Admission on Friday
On Fridays, typically expensive seats like V, S, A, and G sections are open to all general admission ticket holders. Unlike the packed weekend crowds, you can sit wherever you like and enjoy an unobstructed view of the world’s fastest riders.
Even though it’s “just practice,” Friday features high-stakes time attack sessions. Riders must post competitive lap times to qualify for the next day’s qualifying rounds.
Morning: Free Practice 1 (FP1)
Afternoon: Practice (PR) — crucial for qualifying
The riders go all out with race-level intensity—watch them brake deep into corners and exceed 300km/h on the straights. It’s not just practice; it’s full-throttle competition.
- On Friday, September 26, spectators with free admission tickets can access not only the general free seating areas but also the reserved seating zones, making it an exceptionally good value. You’ll be able to watch from the Free Seating Area, as well as the V Stand (including fan seats), A Stand, G Stand, Z Stand, and the V-Corner seats (VC-1 and VC-2).
- On Saturday, September 27, the available free viewing areas include the Free Seating Area, A Stand, G Stand, Z Stand, and V-Corner seats (VC-1 and VC-2).
- On Sunday, September 28, only the general Free Seating Area will be accessible to those with free admission tickets.
Until 2023, Friday admission tickets for the MotoGP Japan Grand Prix could be purchased on-site as same-day tickets. However, starting in 2024, all ticket information and sales have moved to Mobility Station, the official online ticketing platform. If you find the online registration process cumbersome, it’s worth asking staff at the venue whether cash purchases are still possible on the day—this might be a smoother option.
Ages 16–23? Watch MotoGP for Free with the “ZERO Yen Pass”!
Great news for younger fans: once again this year, there’s a generous campaign offering free MotoGP Japan Grand Prix tickets to anyone aged 16 to 23.
All you need to do is register in advance, and you’ll receive a completely free 3-day general admission ticket. If you have even a slight interest in motorsports, don’t miss this chance! Bring your motorcycle-loving friends and experience the excitement of world-class racing up close.
▶︎ Click here for ZERO-YEN Pass ticket info
MotoGP 2025 – Key Riders and Highlights
Can Marc Márquez reclaim the crown?
One of the biggest storylines of the 2025 season is Marc Márquez joining the Ducati factory team. After a remarkable comeback during the second half of the 2024 season, he currently leads the standings (as of Round 11 at the German GP), signaling a full return to form. Having won four consecutive championships from 2016 to 2019, all eyes are on whether he can bring the “Márquez Era” back to MotoGP.
Sachsenring ❤️🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/cx9Uy0g4Ur
— Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) July 13, 2025
Ai Ogura – Japan’s lone hope in MotoGP
For Japanese fans, all attention is on Ai Ogura, the only Japanese rider competing in the premier MotoGP class. After clinching the Moto2 championship in 2024, Ogura stepped up to MotoGP in 2025 with the Trackhouse Racing Team (Aprilia).
He’ll be racing with the support of countless Japanese fans cheering him on at Motegi—don’t miss your chance to be one of them and show your support in person!
開幕戦、期待以上の結果で終えることができました。大きな収穫があった週末だったと思います。応援ありがとうございました！
— Ai Ogura (@AiOgura79) March 3, 2025
Race – P5.
Team work makes the dream work 💪
Quality weekend.#ThaiGP🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/aaB1ED1nPm
Don’t Miss the Honda Collection Hall!
If you’re attending the MotoGP at Mobility Resort Motegi, make sure to carve out time for one of the venue’s top attractions: the Honda Collection Hall. This museum showcases the history of Honda through an impressive lineup of legendary motorcycles, cars, and racing machines. Whether you’re into two wheels or four, you’ll find Honda’s engineering spirit and passion on full display.
Inside, you can get up close to iconic MotoGP bikes that once competed on the world stage, as well as legendary Formula 1 cars. It’s like taking a time-traveling journey through motorsports history. Even better, admission is free during the MotoGP weekend! On Friday last year, even staff from KTM were spotted visiting the hall—proving it’s a must-see, even for professionals.
Whether between races or on your way in or out of the venue, this is a perfect spot to stop by and enjoy.
How to Watch MotoGP in Japan
After watching Friday’s free practice sessions at the track, you might want to relax and enjoy the weekend’s qualifying and race sessions at home. In Japan, MotoGP races are available through paid streaming services like Hulu. But if you’re not keen on subscribing monthly just to follow MotoGP, you’re not alone.
In that case, using a VPN is a smart alternative. With a VPN, you can access overseas channels that offer free MotoGP streams, making it a cost-effective way to keep up with the action. This method is especially helpful for fans looking to watch races without breaking the bank.
Access Information – Arriving by Bike or Car
Mobility Resort Motegi is a multi-purpose motorsports and leisure facility located in Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture. It’s home to some of Japan’s premier racing events, including MotoGP and SUPER GT.
By car or motorcycle:
- From the Joban Expressway: approx. 40 minutes from Mito IC
- Via the Tohoku Expressway: approx. 50 minutes from Moka IC
Use the South Gate for easy access!
If you’re planning to visit the Honda Collection Hall, the South Gate is the most convenient entrance. Be sure to check the venue map in advance so you can navigate easily and enjoy both the race and the exhibits without hassle.
Budget-Friendly! Recommended MotoGP Accommodation in the Utsunomiya Area
A perfect place to relax, eat, and stay — just an 8-minute walk from Utsunomiya Station!
Enjoy spacious saunas at varying temperatures and the only 100% natural hot spring in Utsunomiya, flowing directly from the source.
This stay-in spa facility offers everything from private rooms to women-only cabins — ideal for sauna lovers and racegoers alike!
[Sponsored] Book now on Jalan: The Grand Spa Nandaimon
Motorcycle parking is available, so riders can rest easy.
Final Thoughts: Start Your MotoGP Experience on Friday!
If you want to enjoy the Japanese MotoGP in a relaxed, budget-friendly way, Friday’s free practice sessions are your best bet.
- Reserved seats that are usually expensive become open for general admission!
- Fewer crowds, easier access — perfect for a fun touring ride.
- Watch intense time-attack laps up close — just like in a real race!
Pair your visit with a trip to the Honda Collection Hall, or unwind in a Utsunomiya sauna afterward. It all adds up to a perfect motorsports day — even before the weekend begins.
Whether you’re a motorsports fan, a MotoGP first-timer, or simply someone who wants to feel the raw excitement in person, Friday is the day to go.
Why not kick off your 2025 MotoGP weekend from Friday?
