Tokyo Drift at Odaiba: Part Cinematic, Part Motor Show, All Awesome!

Tokyo Drift event at Odaiba: Part Cinematic, Part Motor Show, All Awesome!

Japan, and Tokyo specifically, have always had the image of automobiles associated with the geographic location.  Also, thanks to a certain 2006 movie, "drifting" is associated with Japan as well, also in specific, Tokyo.  One doesn't necessarily need to be a fan of the entire Fast and Furious movie saga, though, to become fascinated with the art of drifting cars.

Drifting originated in Japan, so one can easily argue that taking part in the sport is as traditional as kimonos or samurai.  Or maybe not... 

There is a professional "league" that hold events for drifting: the D1 Grand Prix (D1GP for short), which has each round of its competition staged at various courses around Japan, and sometimes even outside of the drifting motherland.

The focus on this webpage will be on the round held at Odaiba, Tokyo, near DiverCity (actually, in its parking lot as it appears).  The area is easily accessible by train for tourists, or even by car for anyone who drives... though I'm sure you're not allowed to drift your way there.

Unlike the typical auto/motor show in Tokyo, the drift event at Odaiba is well spaced out and thus not too crowded/suffocating for the attendees.  Though the seating area is a bit tight, you can always get up and walk around the food/exhibit areas just outside of the track and bleachers area.

And about those exhibits...cars, and race queens.  Though on a much smaller scale, it's just like Tokyo Auto Salon, but outdoors and with less crowds!  Definitely worth a look.







But, you came here to see drifting, right?  Seeing it on the big screen or on your phone/computer screen is one thing, but seeing it in person is a whole different experience.

The sight is one thing, that you can kind of see online already.  But the sounds of roaring engines and the screech of too-strained tires... combined with the feeling of the asphalt vibrating from the mechanical stress transferred from those metal beasts, and the smell of burning rubber... all of it wrapped in a neat Tokyo package is quite an experience.

Also, in between car drift segments of the event, there are pretty extreme Motocross performers, which are pretty awesome/exciting to see and photograph as well!

The Drift event at Odaiba is definitely worth seeing in person at least once, whether you're a motorhead or not.  Cars are everywhere but drifting is not... so why not see it at its best, in its motherland of Japan?

Recommendations:

- Buy tickets online in advance.  Though not mandatory (tickets/seats seem to be available onsite even during the event), buying in advance ensures that you and your companion(s) get seated at the location/price you want, as there are different seating areas at different prices.

Specifics:

Tokyo Drift at Odaiba
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