Tsukuba RC Arena: The Ultimate RC Car Circuit

Tsukuba RC Arean at sunset. — *The Tsukuba RC Arena*

The moment you step inside Tsukuba RC Arena, the air itself feels electric. It’s a symphony of sound—the high-pitched whine of brushless motors, the quiet hiss of tires on polished concrete, and the focused murmurs of drivers in the pits. This isn’t just a race track; it’s the world headquarters for the legendary RC company Yokomo, and it’s a place every racing enthusiast needs to experience.

An indoor track at Tsukuba RC Arena. — *One of the indoor tracks at Tsukuba RC Arena.*

A world-class facility for RC drift and touring

In 2022, Yokomo emerged from a renovation that created a true mecca for drifters and touring car racers alike. The two-story main building is immense, clearly designed to host the crowds of a future international event. Forget everything you thought you knew about local tracks; whether you drive on-road or sideways, this facility was built not just for local hobbyists, but for the global stage.

Drivers, on a platform, control their RC cars around an indoor track.

RC Arena: Tracks, pits, and the Yokomo pro shop

The pit area: A professional workspace for drivers

The heart of the arena isn’t on the track, but in the sprawling pit area. Rows upon rows of tables provide a dedicated workspace for every driver, with easy access to power and light.

A Tyrell P34 RC car sits on a black table.

The pro shop: Spare parts, kits, and Yokomo exclusives

The on-site pro shop is a treasure trove, stocked with every imaginable chassis, electronic component, and bottle of shock oil. And for international visitors, the English-speaking staff makes navigating this world-class facility a breeze.

The Tsukuba RC Arena pro shop filled with RC car gear. — *The arena’s pro shop.*

The tracks: Drift, on-road, and off-road circuits

Inside, racers can choose their challenge. There’s a high-grip road course for pure speed and precision, a technical hill climb circuit, and a polished drift track that gleams under the lights. For those who prefer dirt over polish, the outdoor off-road track offers a muddy playground to test their off-road machine’s limits.

A silver RC car speeds around a track with a blurred background.

A masterclass in RC drifting

Watching the local drivers is a humbling experience. Their hand-eye coordination is on another level, juggling the controller while tracking their cars with a preternatural skill born from countless hours of practice. This was most obvious on the drift circuit.

Two RC cars in unison drift around a corner on an indoor tracks.

I stood mesmerized as cars flew around the track side-by-side in tandem, their rear bumpers just millimeters apart through high-speed sweepers. It was a ballet of controlled chaos, and I could only wonder how many thousands of laps it takes to achieve that level of mastery.

Two RC cars drift into the corner of an indoor track.

Connect with the Japan RC community

So, how did I, a visitor to Japan, find my way to Tsukuba RC Arena? The person responsible is TJ Williams. We connected through his RC Racers Worldwide Facebook group, a fantastic community for English-speaking racers in Japan. TJ has been racing for ages, is incredibly knowledgeable, and graciously answered every question I threw at him. If you’re planning a trip, his group is the perfect place to start.

TJ Williams works on his RC car. — *TJ Williams works on his car.*

Through the group, I met several other members at the track. These wonderful guys knew so much about the sport, taught me a lot, and even let me get behind the controls of one of their cars. Let’s just say the local talent won’t be losing sleep over my driving, but it was a blast.

A red RC car speeds around a track with a blurred background.

Plan your visit: Access, hours, and costs

Address and directions from Tokyo

Address: 4385-2 Yatabe, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0861. Driving from Tokyo takes about one hour.
The Tsukuba Express Line’s Midorino station is closest to the arena, but it’s a 5-kilometer walk. Go by car or taxi.

Here is the arena on a Google Map:

Opening hours

Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

It’s always a good idea to check the official Tsukuba RC Arena website for the latest hours and information on special events before your visit.

An orange RC car flies over a jump at Tsukuba RC Arena.

Rental RC cars for visitors

Day pass track fees – weekday/weekend

Driver Category	Weekday	Weekend/Holiday
General (Non-Member)	¥3,400	¥4,500
General (Member)	¥2,900	¥3,800
Female (Non-Member)	¥2,300	¥2,300
Female (Member)	¥1,700	¥1,700
Junior/Senior High	¥2,300	¥2,900
Elementary School	¥1,700	¥2,300