The car turns in, the rear steps out, and for a second the world tilts. The instructor catches it with a flick of the wheel, the tyres scream, and smoke drifts past your window. Then you're laughing, because your body hasn't caught up with what just happened.
Drifting was born in Japan. If you want to try it while you're here, you have three ways in — and none of them is on a public road.
Ride in a drift taxi with a pro (no skill needed), take a coached lesson on a closed course, or start on a simulator. ARTCARS offers coached circuit drift lessons in a Mazda Roadster drift car and simulator sessions from ¥20,000.
Option 1: Ride in a drift taxi
A professional drifts the car while you sit in the passenger seat. It's the full sensory experience with zero driving skill required.
The best-known venue is Ebisu Circuit in Fukushima, a complex with several drift courses in the mountains north of Tokyo. Passenger rides are typically priced per car for small groups. It's a long day trip from Tokyo, and the circuit closes for part of the winter because of snow, so plan ahead.
Option 2: Learn to drift yourself
A coach teaches you car control on a closed course, usually starting with simple slides on a skid pad: weight transfer, throttle control, catching the car with counter-steer. You'll need a valid licence and the right documents for driving in Japan — see the IDP guide.
Your first goal isn't a long, smoky slide. It's learning to catch the car. Once that clicks, everything else builds on it.
Option 3: Start on a simulator
A good simulator with a direct-drive wheel teaches the fundamentals — counter-steer, throttle, timing — with no tyres to wear out and no risk. It's a clever warm-up before a real lesson, and it's fun on its own.
| Option | Skill needed | Documents | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drift taxi | None | Passport | Pure thrills |
| Coached lesson | Confident driver | Licence + IDP | Learning the real thing |
| Simulator | None | None | A safe first taste |
ARTCARS drift and simulator
ARTCARS offers circuit drift lessons with a professional coach, using a dedicated Mazda Roadster drift car, plus simulator sessions on a Fanatec rig. Prices start from ¥20,000. Pair a lesson with a night drive to Daikoku on another day of your trip for the full Japanese car culture experience.
The Mazda Roadster — called the MX-5 or Miata in many countries — is a favourite for learning to drift because it's light, rear-wheel drive and predictable.
Never drift on public roads
Drifting on public roads is illegal and dangerous, and police take noise and reckless driving seriously. It also gets car meets closed for everyone. Keep every slide on the circuit.
Frequently asked questions
Can beginners drift?
Yes, with a coach on a closed course. Start slowly on a skid pad.
Do I need my own car to drift in Japan?
No. Lessons and taxi rides provide the car.
Is Ebisu Circuit open all year?
It closes for part of the winter due to snow. Check before you plan.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and flat shoes with thin soles. Helmets are provided where required.