Where to watch Formula 1 Grand Prix race in Tokyo
Watching Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix races in Tokyo is a great experience for motorsport fans — the city has a vibrant expat and international scene with dedicated sports bars that reliably show live F1 sessions (practice, qualifying, sprints, and full races) on big screens Tokyo’s central locations (mostly Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ebisu) make it easy to catch every race. As of the 2026 season (new era with 100% sustainable fuels, revised power units, active aero, and 24 races), here’s everything you need to know.
Next Formula 1 Grand Prix race to watch in Tokyo in March 2026
China Grand Prix 2026 – Sunday 15th March 2026 in Shanghai. Race time begins at 4pm Tokyo time.
2026 F1 Season Overview & Tokyo Viewing Times
The 2026 calendar has 24 races (starting March 6-8 in Australia, ending December 4-6 in Abu Dhabi), with new Madrid street circuit. Key times in Tokyo (JST, UTC+9):
- Australian GP (March): Afternoon start – easy viewing.
- European races (summer): Late night/early morning – bars open early.
- Singapore/Monaco: Evening starts – prime time.
- Check bar schedules or Fuji TV/FOD for exact times.
Big races like Monaco, Singapore, or the season finale get packed crowds — arrive early!
Best Sports Bars in Tokyo to Watch F1
Tokyo’s top spots are in expat-heavy areas like Roppongi, Shibuya, and Ebisu — multiple HD screens/projectors, sound on, and confirmed F1 coverage (especially Hobgoblin and Footnik, known for motorsports). Here are the standout recommendations:
| Bar Name | Location | Description of Bar | Food Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hobgoblin | Roppongi | Classic British pub chain with 5+ large screens; shows F1 races live when on during opening hours; lively expat crowd, English commentary; great for groups; beer pong, darts; often packed for big GPs | Classic British pub grub: Fish & chips, pies, bangers & mash; highlights include authentic fish & chips, hearty pies, and Sunday roasts |
| The Footnik | Ebisu (near Shibuya) + Osaka | Dedicated sports bar specializing in football but shows F1 Formula One races; multiple TVs; casual, welcoming vibe; expat favorite; accommodates motorsport viewing | Western pub favorites: Burgers, wings, fries, snacks; highlights include juicy burgers, crispy chicken wings, and loaded fries |
| The Public Six | Shibuya | Modern sports bar with big screens; covers F1 reliably; relaxed atmosphere; good food/drinks; convenient for Roppongi nightlife | Elevated pub grub: Burgers, sandwiches, steaks; highlights include premium burgers, grilled steaks, and hearty comfort meals |
| Hooters | Ginza | American-style sports bar with multiple screens; shows F1 (along with other motorsports); fun, lively vibe; known for wings and beer | American pub classics: Buffalo wings, burgers, ribs; highlights include spicy buffalo wings, loaded burgers, and nachos |
Other mentions: Hub Pubs (various locations, e.g., Shinjuku/Shibuya — show major sports including F1 on request); various izakayas with large TVs in Shinjuku/Shibuya (check for English commentary).
Practical Tips for Watching F1 in Tokyo
- Check ahead: Bars post schedules on Facebook/Instagram (search bar name + “F1 schedule”). Message to confirm sound/commentary — most do for F1.
- Atmosphere: Expat-heavy (Brits/Aussies), tourists, locals. Gets buzzing for Monaco, Singapore, or the season finale — arrive early!
- Food & Drinks: Pub classics (burgers, wings, fish & chips), Japanese options, affordable beers (~¥600–900), happy hours common.
- Alternatives: Stream on FOD (Fuji TV OTT) or F1 TV Pro/Premium (now available in Japan) via phone/hotel TV (subscription needed; cast to smart TV/Chromecast).
- Location tip: Roppongi or Shibuya are the F1 hubs — easy MTR access, lively nightlife.
F1 Broadcast in Japan (2026 Season)
From 2026 onward, Fuji TV holds exclusive broadcast rights for F1 in Japan (through 2030), marking their fifth decade of coverage. This includes:
- All practice sessions, qualifying, sprints, and full races live on Fuji TV channels (e.g., Fuji TV Next Live Premium, Fuji TV Nextsmart, and FOD OTT platform).
- Highlights of at least five races in 2026 on terrestrial TV.
- F1 TV Pro/Premium integrated and available in Japan for the first time (driver onboard cams, team radio, data, behind-the-scenes).
DAZN no longer holds rights after 2025. Sports bars in Tokyo typically subscribe to Fuji TV/Next Live or international feeds (satellite/streaming) and show every session live. They often open early for European races (late night/early morning Tokyo time) or extend hours for Asian/Australian GPs.
Enjoy the high-speed action with a cold one in the city.
Upcoming Formula One Races in 2026:
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