[WEC Race] Fuji + Japan Holiday

[Octane]

So I've just booked my flights to Japan from Sydney, Australia.

I land on the 9th Oct, and fly out 30th Oct which gives me a few weeks after the WEC round to see a bit more of Japan. I'm planning to spend (in no particular order just yet) a week in Tokyo, 4-5 days in Fukuoka, 1-2 days in Hiroshima and the rest is undecided.

Is anyone else planning to go this year? Or have been in the past?
I'm planning on getting the paddock pass for the 3 days. It's a bit of a shame that the only support events are the Japanese F3 and some historic & VIP demonstration laps. I was hoping it might have been combined with a JGT or AiLMS round.

What I'm struggling with at the moment is accommodation somewhere near the circuit.
It's a 2.5hour commute each way from Tokyo, so I'd like to stay somewhere a little closer over the race weekend. Within an hour via public transport of the circuit is fine.

Aside from this, do any of you have any thoughts/recommendations/ideas in general for a trip to Japan?

I'm also planning to visit the Studio Ghibli, Toyota and Mazda Museums while I'm there, and I want to see as much live music as possible.

[somebodysb2]

Mars Garden Wood Gotemba is the hotel of choice for pretty much every driver and team that races there. (But it's quite expensive)

[Octane]

Thanks. I just checked and they're completely sold out. :-( Will check out Trip Advisor for other hotels in the area.

[CyberMotor]

Originally Posted by Octane

I'm planning to spend (in no particular order just yet) a week in Tokyo, 4-5 days in Fukuoka, 1-2 days in Hiroshima and the rest is undecided.

I spoke at a conference a few years ago in Kyoto. It's the ancient capital of Japan before Tokyo became the modern capital. I highly recommend Kyoto. Good walking city. Walk the Path of Philosophy and take an afternoon to walk up Mount Kurama. Center of downtown is like 5th Ave. Very stylish people walking the streets. Saw a few exotics driving down the streets.

[Beetle]

Usually not this high of a price but maybe it'll go down. Still available though (for $693 USD per night!!)

Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa. Incredibly nice.

[MagVanisher]

Here's a suggestion... Try visiting the Gundam statue in Shizuoka City since it's somewhat near Fuji Speedway.