FAQ

How do I get to Ebisu Circuit?

Car: If you're traveling from Tokyo, the drive will take approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. This will make it easier to get around Ebisu Circuit as it is a large complex! Just make sure to have an International Drivers License. 

Train: If you prefer public transportation, you can take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Koriyama Station. Once you arrive at Koriyama Station, you can catch a local train to Nihonmatsu and then a taxi or the local bus to Ebisu Circuit. 

Our headquarters are located at North Course.

What types of drift cars can I hire from The Sideways Experience?

We offer an exhilarating range of purpose-built drift cars, including the Nissan 350z and Toyota JZX100. Each vehicle is designed to provide an unforgettable drifting experience on iconic tracks.

How do I book a drift car experience?

Booking is simple! Either email us and we can answer any questions and create you an invoice or visit our website, choose your desired date, and select the car you want to hire. A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the final payment due 14 days before your scheduled date for all hires.

What if I have no experience drifting?

No worries! We can teach from zero knowledge through to advanced drivers, please let us know your skill level when booking using the following levels: 

Beginner 1 - Never driven a manual car or never drifted before

Beginner 2 - Donuts or wet skid pan only

Beginner 3 - Donuts and figure of 8s on dry both sides

Intermediate 1 - Confident donuts and figure 8s on both sides, handbrake entries.

Intermediate 2 -  Linking and transitioning on track.

Advanced: - all of the above plus Scandinavian flicks and initiations.

Are there any age restrictions for hiring a drift car?

No, we recommend having manual experience but as long as you can reach the pedals and are comfortable we can teach you! For people under 18 years old, we ask for presence of the parents and their signature. 

What should I wear for my drifting experience?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. It's important to feel at ease while driving, so dress in a way that allows you to move freely.

Do you have helmets and gloves for me to use? 

We have helmets available for all of our customers. You can also bring your own if you prefer to wear your own helmet. 

We don't currently have gloves available. If you wish to wear gloves you will need to bring them with you.

What tracks can I drive when hiring the drift car?

It depends on availability, but Ebisu has a total of 7 tracks, with 5 of them open for drifting. They are Kuru Kuru Land (skid pans), Nishi course, North course, School course and Touge course. 

If you wish to drive Touge Course, tandem or run the North Wall there will be an additional refundable deposit. If no damage incurred during the rental, this will be refunded in full. If damage occurs, the cost of the damage plus labour will be taken from the deposit.

How far in advance do I need to book in?

For our 7-day experiences, we recommend booking at least 5-6 months in advance, as spots fill up quickly.

Our hire cars are especially in high demand during April, May, and November, so we advise booking at least 3 months in advance to secure your spot. While we occasionally have availability closer to the date, early bookings provide greater flexibility and a wider choice of dates. If you're booking last minute, feel free to email us to check for availability!

What happens if I damage the car?

Any damages caused to The Sideways Experience vehicles and/or property will be invoiced to the person(s) responsible for prompt payment. Charges will be calculated at the market rate, plus labor costs, minus any initial damage deposit already paid. We understand that accidents can happen, and we assess each incident fairly and transparently to ensure a reasonable resolution.

What happens if I need to cancel my booking?

If you need to cancel, please notify us at least 21 days before your rental date for a full refund of your deposit, minus a ¥10,000 administration fee. Cancellations made closer to the date will incur a percentage forfeit of your deposit, so be sure to check our policy for details!

For a refund on a SidewaysX school, refunds will be granted at the discretion of The Sideways Experience management team in extenuating medical or personal circumstances. Refunds granted will incur a cancellation fee of 30% of the deposit and ¥20,000 in administration fees and bank charges. The deposit will be forfeited within 60 days or less before a SidewaysX school to cover SidewaysX commitments.

Can I change my booking date?

Yes! You can change your booking date once without any fees, subject to availability. If you need to change it again, a ¥10,000 change fee will apply.

How long will it take to get my refundable deposit back?

Your refundable deposit will be processed within 21 days of your booking's conclusion, provided no damage has been sustained to the vehicle. If there are damages, the assessment may take longer.