Ebisu Matsuri 2025 Dates and Information

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If you love drifting, Japan’s Ebisu Matsuri is an experience you need to check off your bucket list. Held three times a year at the legendary Ebisu Circuit, this 31-hour non-stop drift festival brings together grassroots drivers, seasoned pros, and fans from around the world. Whether you’re behind the wheel or just spectating, this is the closest you’ll get to a real-life video game.

2025 Ebisu Matsuri Dates

Spring Matsuri: April 19th - 20th
Summer Matsuri: August 23rd - 24th
Autumn Matsuri: November 15th - 16th

Each Matsuri runs non-stop for 31 hours, kicking off at 9 AM on Saturday and continuing straight through the night until the checkered flag drops at 4 PM on Sunday. That’s a full weekend of pure, unfiltered drifting.

Ebisu Drift Series – 2025 Round Dates

Round 1: May 4th
Round 2: August 16th
Round 3: November 2nd

Separate from the Matsuri events, the Ebisu Drift Series is a more structured competition held at the circuit throughout the year. If you want to see some of the best grassroots-level battles, these rounds are worth checking out.

Tickets & Entry Costs

Drivers: Driver passes cost 15,000 yen for the full two-day event. You can buy your pass in advance through Ebisu’s online application—which is recommended, as prices tend to be higher for purchases on arrival.

Spectators: If you just want to watch, you can grab a ticket at the gate for 1500 yen!

What Makes Ebisu Matsuri Special?

Unlike typical drift events, Ebisu Matsuri is an open-track free-for-all. Every layout of Ebisu Circuit is packed with cars, from pros shredding through Nishi Course’s high-speed entries to beginners practicing on Minami. Some of the must-see moments include:

Saturday Night Madness: The Kita Course (North Course) gets absolutely wild from 7 PM to midnight, with a packed pit area and nonstop drift trains.
Finale at Nishi Short: On Sunday afternoon, the festival wraps up with a drift train on Nishi Short (West Course). Expect cars to be stacked door-to-door in one of the most iconic Matsuri traditions.

Planning Your Trip

Ebisu Circuit is located in Fukushima Prefecture, about 3-4 hours from Tokyo. The easiest way to get there is by train (Shinkansen to Koriyama, then a rental car or taxi) or by driving directly. People either book a hotel in Koriyama / a nearby town or if you’re crazy like us, you can just rent a toyota and sleep in that overnight at the course

Whether you’re a die-hard drifter or just want to witness one of Japan’s most unique car culture events, Ebisu Matsuri is an experience like no other. Mark your calendars, get your tickets early, and prepare for a full weekend of tire-shredding action.