Toyota City

Toyota City houses two distinct motorsports facilities that serve different purposes. The private Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama functions as a research and development complex for vehicle testing. The public Ishino Circuit offers recreational go-kart racing experiences. Neither facility hosts traditional professional racing events, but both contribute to Toyota City's connection to automotive performance and motorsports culture.

Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama

Toyota opened this sprawling test facility across 650 hectares (1,600 acres) of mountainous terrain. The center draws inspiration from Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife, a circuit famous for exposing vehicle weaknesses. Construction began in April 2018, with the Country Road Test Course opening in 2019. The entire facility reached full operational status in March 2024.

The facility features three main test circuits. The Country Road Test Course, also called the Third Circuit, spans 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles) and uses a dramatic 75-meter (250 feet) elevation change. This track incorporates the natural mountain landscape to create varied corners, from tight hairpins to fast sweepers. The High-Speed Test Course, or First Circuit, provides an oval configuration with a 5-kilometer straight section where vehicles can reach speeds up to 250 km/h. The Second Circuit includes specialized tracks that replicate different global road surfaces.

Toyota invested approximately ¥300 billion ($2.7 billion) in this facility. The center employs around 3,300 people, with most staff focused on vehicle development, testing, and evaluation. Toyota President Akio Toyoda, racing under the name "Morizo," championed the facility's "drive and fix" philosophy. This approach allows engineers to test vehicles, identify problems, and implement solutions quickly.

The facility preserves 60-70% of the original forest and vegetation across the site. Vehicle development buildings mirror the design of Nürburgring pit garages, which promotes collaboration between different engineering teams. Toyota, Lexus, and Gazoo Racing use these circuits exclusively for private testing. No public events or competitive races occur at this location.

Ishino Circuit

Ishino Circuit provides public access to go-kart racing in Toyota City. This paved sprint circuit measures 800 meters in length and 10 meters in width. The track features an 80-meter elevation change, creating a challenging layout for a go-kart facility. Designers incorporated chicanes and overtaking zones throughout the circuit.

The facility operates as a rental kart center where visitors can access all necessary equipment. The circuit supplies go-karts, helmets, and gloves for customers. Staff organize sessions into practice runs, preliminary rounds, and final races. The circuit welcomes individual racers and groups, including corporate events and university clubs. Group packages offer 1-hour, 2-hour, or 3-hour rental sessions. Event organizers can arrange professional race announcers or promotional staff for special occasions.

Amenities include changing rooms, shower facilities, and dedicated spaces for female customers. The circuit markets itself as an accessible venue where anyone can experience competitive kart racing. Operations run daily, though weather conditions may cause schedule changes or closures. Ishino Circuit focuses on amateur racing rather than professional competition, making motorsports accessible to Toyota City residents and visitors.