December 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Japan's 55 Best Car Events!

December 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Japan's 58 Best Car Events!

Readers of this site will notice that there are fewer events in December compared to October or November. December in Japan is generally a busy time, with people finishing up work for the year, going on vacation or returning to their hometown for New Years. Many venues are booked with Christmas or end of year events and are not available for car meets.

However, there are still 58 diverse events spread across the archipelago this month. You'll find everything from iconic hotrod shows to drift track days at circuits, as well as one of the best car events in Japan. Keep reading for more details!

Our Discover JDM IOS and Android apps have a Pro version that sends you notifications when a new event is added. Please check it out!

Take a look at the Spots page that shows a list of the spots in our database. This information was previously only available in the Map but now has its own list, making it easier to search for a particular spot. The page contains a curated list of auto museums, race circuits, car culture places and car spotting locations, searchable by keyword, category and region.

Near Tokyo:

December brings BOSOSAI at Magarigawa Club, a private circuit that opens their gates for 2 days to the public to bring you one of the best car events in Japan, featuring several hundred exotic cars driven by professional drivers in one of the most beautiful circuits in Japan. Mobara Twin Circuit is also busy in December with multiple track days and competitions.

• Dec 2 | - Tomuso (@ Mobara Twin Circuit): Weekday drift/grip track day, organized by the experienced Body Shop Tomura.
• Dec 5 | 07:30 - 12:00 - 2nd Zero Eight Track Day (@ Honjo Circuit): A morning grip track day northwest of Tokyo, hosted by Japan Zero Racing MND.
• Dec 5-6 | - BOSOSAI (@ THE MAGARIGAWA CLUB): A prestigious high-end supercar/hypercar event at a private circuit south of Tokyo. I consider this to be one of the best car events in Japan.
• Dec 6 | - 34th YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW 2026 (@ Pacifico Yokohama): MOONEYES' iconic hot rod car show, easily accessible from Tokyo.
• Dec 6 | 08:00 - NISMO FESTIVAL (@ Fuji Speedway/富士スピードウェイ): The official NISMO fan day at Fuji Speedway, showcasing Super GT and historic Nissan race cars, pro drivers, and vendor booths.
• Dec 6 | 08:30 - 11:45 - Sakura Morning Cruise (@ Gongendo No. 4 Park P1 parking A,B block): One of the largest monthly all-genre car meets near Tokyo, expecting 200-300 cars.
• Dec 10 | 09:00 - 16:00 - Bashi Run (@ Mobara Twin Circuit): A drift/grip track day at Mobara Twin Circuit, utilizing a reverse-direction layout for D1 prep.
• Dec 12-13 | - D1 Lights Round 11 (@ Mobara Twin Circuit): The exciting D1 Lights drift competition finale at Mobara Twin Circuit.
• Dec 13 | - 30th UNION Cup (@ Longwood Station): A major custom car concours near Tokyo, typically attracting over 400 cars.
• Dec 15 | 09:00 - 16:00 - Team Pegasus (@ Mobara Twin Circuit): A weekday drift/grip track day with sessions for up to 90 cars.
• Dec 16 | - Tomuso (@ Mobara Twin Circuit): Another weekday drift/grip track day hosted by Body Shop Tomura.
• Dec 26 | - Track Day in Honjo Circuit (@ Honjo Circuit): A grip track day with beginner-friendly pace-car sessions, open to all car types.
• Dec 26 | - Niko Niko Track Day (@ Mobara Twin Circuit): The final Niko Niko Track Day of 2026, a popular drift/grip event.
• Dec 29 | 09:00 - 16:00 - Team Pegasus (@ Mobara Twin Circuit): An end-of-year drift/grip track day by Team Pegasus.
• Dec 30 | - G Run (@ Mobara Twin Circuit): An end-of-year drift/grip track day organized by G Corporation, separating drivers by skill level.

Near Osaka:

The Kansai region, home to Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe will have multiple track days and several events that are easily accessible by train.

• Dec 1 | 09:00 - 10:50 - H1cup Final Round Suzuka Circuit (@ Suzuka Circuit/鈴鹿サーキット): A mixed run grip track day at the legendary Suzuka Circuit.
• Dec 2 | 09:30 - 14:45 - HCM Sports Garage Run Meeting 2026 (@ Suzuka Circuit/鈴鹿サーキット): A Honda-focused grip track day at Suzuka, organized by HCM Sports Garage.
• Dec 2 | - Doriguri Track Day x SSN MEETING (@ Motor Land Suzuka/モーターランドSUZUKA): A weekday drift/grip track day featuring D1 Lights drivers and a Liberty Walk SSN Meeting.
• Dec 6 | 10:00 - 15:00 - Yuruyuru 86/BRZ Meeting in Awaji Island (@ Awaji Highway Oasis/淡路ハイウェイオアシス): A casual 86/BRZ car meet at the scenic Awaji Highway Oasis.
• Dec 13 | 09:00 - 16:00 - Kansai Maiko Sunday in Messe Miki (@ Kajiya Village Messe Miki/かじやの里メッセみき): An open format car meet northwest of Kobe.
• Dec 13 | 08:00 - 15:00 - GARAGE DAX Track Day (@ Meihan Sportsland/名阪スポーツランド): A drift track day with sessions for all skill levels, including tandem drifting for advanced drivers.
• Dec 13 | 09:00 - DRIFT BONENKAI (@ Suzuka Twin Circuit/鈴鹿ツインサーキット): An end-of-year drift party at Suzuka Twin Circuit, complete with drift taxis, a car show, and live music.
• Dec 13 | 08:30 - 12:00 - Good Morning Pearl Road (Ohapaa) (@ Toba Observation Point parking lot/鳥羽展望台駐車場): A casual monthly car meet at a scenic touge observation point southeast of Ise City.
• Dec 13 | 08:00 - 11:30 - Takao Sunday Meeting (@ Arashiyama-Takao Parkway parking lot/嵐山‐高雄パークウエイ 高雄大駐車場): A recurring meet for pre-1980 classic cars north of Kyoto.
• Dec 14 | 10:30 - 16:30 - SUZUKA ATTACK 2026 (@ Suzuka Circuit/鈴鹿サーキット): A weekday grip track day at Suzuka Circuit, organized by J'S Racing Factory.
• Dec 19 | 21:00 - WEST ALLNIGHT MEET (@ Suma Seaside Park Enclosed Parking Lot/須磨海浜公園駐車場(立体P)): An all-genre night car meet in southwest Kobe, easily accessible from the city center.
• Dec 27 | 07:00 - 10:00 - Shiga Morning Cruise (@ Yabasekihan Park parking lot/矢橋帰帆島公園駐車場): A recurring all-genre car/bike meet at a scenic lakeside park east of Kyoto.
• Dec 29 | - Dog Fight Pro Central Circuit Practice Day (@ Central Circuit/セントラルサーキット): A practice track day welcoming beginners at Central Circuit.

Notable Events Across Japan:

Other notable events in various regions.

• Dec 5 | 08:00 - 17:00 - 5th Roadser IIgaya Meeting (@ Kota Circuit yrp Kiriyama/幸田サーキット yrp桐山): A large Mazda Roadster, Abarth, and Himiko meet with 180 cars, offering pro driver ride-alongs and demo car test drives.
• Dec 5-6 | - WOMEN'S RALLY IN ENA 2026 (@ Nakasendo Oijuku Hiroba/中山道大井宿広場 (Ceremonial start)): A picturesque two-day female-only rally competition in Gifu Prefecture, starting ceremonially in Ena City.
• Dec 6 | 10:00 - MINI meets (@ Kirara Expo Memorial Park/きらら博記念公園): A massive classic and BMW Mini meet in Yamaguchi Prefecture, drawing 200 cars with vendors and food trucks.
• Dec 6 | 10:00 - 17:00 - Car Shop 3 Sense presents Classic Car Connection in KYUSHU (@ Kitakyushu Media Dome/北九州メディアドーム): An old car meet for pre-1981 and 1981-2005 vehicles, featuring a swap meet and live music near Kokura Shinkansen station.
• Dec 13 | 10:00 - 14:30 - Haga Classic Car Festival 2026 (@ Haga Roman no Yu Roadside Station/道の駅はが ロマンの湯): One of the last large classic car meets of the year for pre-1994 vehicles, attracting 150 cars.
• Dec 20 | 09:00 - 16:00 - 3rd Kyushu Final Cup (@ Oita Sports Park A Parking Lot/大分スポーツ公園A駐車場): A major stanced car concours in Oita City, complete with manufacturer booths, food trucks, and model photoshoots.

Travel Tips for December:

Visiting Japan's car events in December offers a unique experience. Here's how to make the most of your trip:

• Weather & Clothing: December weather is generally cool to cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Layering is key! Pack warm jackets, hats, and gloves, particularly if you plan to be at outdoor meets or circuits. The air is often dry and crisp, perfect for clear views of Mt. Fuji or scenic drives.
• Transportation: Japan's public transport in city regions is excellent, but many car events are held at tracks or parks that might require a car local bus, taxi, or rental car to reach. Note that Nozomi Shinkansen will require a seat reservation from December 25 to January 5. Our partners and TSJapan Tours offer safe, flexible, and professional interpreted/guided tours to car meets and events. If you prefer to drive yourself, consider a car rental to go to one of these meets.
• Etiquette: Japanese car culture emphasizes respect and order. Park considerately, keep noise levels down in residential areas, and always follow event staff instructions. Many meets prohibit revving or excessive noise. If taking photos, be mindful of owners' privacy and avoid touching cars without permission. There has recently been issues at Daikoku. Please observe etiquette and common sense when visiting car events.
• Tickets & Registrations: For larger events and track days, it's often essential to purchase tickets or register in advance, as many have limited capacities. Some events may require pre-registration for participants, and entrance fees for spectators. Check our event pages for direct links and details.

Explore Japan's Automotive Heartbeat!

December in Japan is an exhilarating time for car culture, blending year-end celebrations with the thrill of performance and display. With 58 events to choose from, your itinerary is bound to be packed with unforgettable experiences. Don't miss out on these incredible opportunities to witness Japan's vibrant car scene firsthand. Browse our full listings and start planning your ultimate automotive adventure today!