Drifting Lessons At Ebisu
Want to take a drifting lesson from a pro drift driver at Ebisu circuit?
Drifting lessons are available for complete beginners who have never even sat in a drift car, all the way up to advanced drivers who want to polish their skills at a competition level.
The lessons are put on by Team Orange’s Kumakubo Nobushige (D1Gp Champion, owner of Ebisu circuit and founder of Team Orange) and Naoto Suenaga (D1GP / Formula D driver).
They have two different lesson packages on offer.
Option 1 – Complete Drift Lesson Package – Everything Included
This is the ultimate drifting experience if you are coming to Ebisu during your Japan holiday. This is how you can take a drifting lesson without needing to prepare anything.
This is an all-inclusive package that includes everything – a fully-prepped drift car, two sets of new rear tires, a full tank of gas, helmet, course entry, and tuition from International pro drift driver.
This is the #1 choice for you if are visiting Japan on holiday and want to experience drifting without having to buy your own drift car. You can literally just show up to the lesson and start drifting.
No prior experience is required. No driver’s licence (international or otherwise) is required. And there is no age limit (as long as you can reach the pedals and control a car you can take the lesson). You will receive expert instruction for fun, safe drifting.
A helmet is provided for you too, but you may bring your own. Gloves are not essential, nor provided but you may bring your own if you like.
An interpreter to translate between English and Japanese is available upon request but is subject to availability. Sometimes ‘yours truly’ is the interpreter for the day. If you require an interpreter, I’ll gladly be of service for you, (if I’m available!)
Option 2 – Private Drift Lesson (in YOUR car)
This is for drifters who come to Ebisu in their own car and want to receive personal 1-on-1 coaching from a professional Team Orange drift driver. For this type of lesson, you need to provide your own car, tires, fuel and equipment for the lesson. The lesson fee covers instructor fees and course entry only.
This lesson is suitable for drivers of any level – from beginner to advanced. If you’re just getting into drifting and have your own drift car in Japan this is how you can take the fast-track to bettering your skills.
Your instructor will give you training at your level and also give you advice on how to set up your car for better drifting. e.g. suspension, alignment, tires, engine settings, etc.
Lesson Cost
Option 1. Complete Package (All-inclusive drift package)
A Full Day lesson costs 130,000 yen (approx. US$1,200) per person/car. Typically, the lesson starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., with 1 hour lunch break from 12 to 1 pm.
A Half Day lesson (3 hours) costs 65,000 yen (approx. US$600) per person/car. (A Half-days lesson includes only 1 set of rear tires)
Option 2. Private Lesson (your car)
The cost of a 1-on-1 private drifting lesson costs 60,000 yen (approx. US$550) for a full day (4-hours of tuition + 3 hours free drifting), per person/car.
How To Book A Lesson
You will need to go to Team Orange’s drifting school website and book your lesson through their website.
Here is the link to Team Orange’s drifting school page: http://www.driftschool-jp.com/e/driftlesson.html a
You’ll see information on the two different options for drifting lessons there.
At the bottom of the page, there is a link to download the lesson reservation form.
Lesson Availability
Team Orange Drifting lessons are subject to availability, as the instructors have a very busy schedule all year-round with many other commitments like pro competitions and various events.
That means that you should book your lesson ideally one to two months in advance. Also, note that it’s next to impossible to book a lesson in the week leading up to the tri-annual Ebisu Drift Matsuri events, D1GP comp and Formula Drift Japan comp events.
Also, avoid the snow season which is from December to mid-March, as they don’t offer drifting lessons at Ebisu circuit. Instead, Team Orange is away up north in Hokkaido doing ice drifting training, as well as lessons and drifting car rental there.
– Disco Stu
Last updated March 27, 2023
Yo! I'm Disco Stu! Ebisu circuit
is my playground. Stay connected to keep up with the latest news and
info from Ebisu circuit.
67 Replies to “Drifting Lessons At Ebisu”
Hey, I will be travelling to japan on the 3/7 to the 11/7 and will be staying in Tokyo for a few nights. Partner is very interested in the private drift lesson
Can u please give me more info on this
Thanks paige
Hi, please take a look at this page. http://www.driftschool-jp.com/e/driftlesson.html They have the information on private drifting lessons at Ebisu circuit. Thanks.
I am coming to japan on the 15/9 and will be staying there for the next two weeks.
I am interested in a private drift lesson.can you give me some details on how i can manage that?
Best regards.
Saar
Hi Saar, sorry for not contacting you earlier. I had to make a trip back to Australia for some family matters. Please get in touch next time you come to Japan. Stu
My son is intereesy in a half day lesson. Is june 10, 2018 available? We are traveling from hawaii and that the only free day from his tour.
Thanks for your inquiry. I have sent you an email so please look out for it in your inbox! Stu
We are traveling to japan on June 30- July 8. We are interested in lessons. What do you have open? Possible four adults.
Hi Jill, thanks for asking. I’ve sent you an email so please check your inbox!
What kind of cars do you let people drift in?
Hi Jackie, at the moment, there is a Toyota JZX100, JXZ90 (both Mark IIs, I think), a R33 Skyline, 180sx hatchback and S13 Silvia coupe in the Team Orange lesson car fleet. These are lightly tuned cars with an LSD diff, bucket seat, coil-overs, aftermarket muffler and air filter. Cheers, Stu
Hi, I am looking to travel to Japan in April 2019 and treat my boyfriend to the complete drift lesson package. Please can you advise the earliest I can book for April 2019 as I will need to book flights soon. Also please can you advise how much a half day and full day would cost in UK Pounds? Many thanks
What a nice girlfriend you are! Unfortunately, it’s a little early to make a booking for April next year. Please get in touch again around February next year.
What is the minimum height for drifting in the cars?
Not exactly sure but anything over 150cm should be OK.
Hi,
I am interested in a lesson early next year. I tried to email the school but was told it was not a real address?
Are you able to help at all?
Thanks, Beth
Hi Beth, yep I can help you out. Check your inbox. I’ll email you with some more info.
Hi,
My partner and I will be in Tokyo from 28th of Oct till 4th of Nov 2018. Do you have a lessons available ?
Thanks.
Hi Regina! Please check your inbox. I’ll email you more info. Stu
Hi, I am planning to go to Japan in April/May 2019 , when is the earliest possible date for booking a lesson?
Do they have a package if I wanted to attend more than one day?
Thanks, Taro
Hi Taro, I’ll send you an email with some info. Thanks. Stu
Hello ,
I plan to visit Japan the end of this month to beginning of next month, do you have any classes available? Thanks!
Eric
Hey Eric, I’ll send you an email so we can discuss details! Cheers, Stu
Hi, i am looking to come to japan later this year, and really wanting to come to ebisu, I was wondering if a 19 could have a day or a couple days lessons there??
Hi Liam,
Yep, a 19 year old, or even a 9 y.o. can come and drive at Ebisu circuit. A driver’s licence is not required to drive here. I’ll send you an email and we can discuss lessons a bit further! Stu
hey mate i would like to do a half day lesson im heading to tokyo from 22 of jan to 31 of jan can i get more info to book it
Hi Moe. Thanks for the inquiry. I’ll send you an email! Stu
I will be in Japan for work from Feb 23rd until March 30 I would like to attend a half day lesson but it must be on the weekend. I will be staying in Utsunomya.
Hi Disco Stu, Just wondering about booking a full day drift lesson through you. Im looking at 7th and 8th of may this year. I am from New Zealand and trying to book via drift academy but since you dwell in Japan and can interpret as well so you sir is the best way to go
Cheers,
-Ant
Thanks Ant. I’ll send you an email with more details. Stu
Stu, any availability between 12/22 – 1/5 for half a day of option 1. Thanks
Hi Rolando. Are you talking about the end of the year – Dec 2019 to Jan 2020? That’s a fair ways off from now and it’s in winter so I can’t really give you a certain answer. The snow falls here from late December to early April and if there is snow on the track, then they can’t do lessons. Sorry, maybe get in touch a bit later in the year? Stu
Hi!
My partner and I are travelling to Japan in June 2019 and I am looking to book him in a complete drift lesson. Can you give me a bit of info about what’s included, what I need to provide, and how to book?
Cheers!
Hi Adeline, yep I’ll send you an email with some info. Cheers, Disco Stu
Hi, just messaged you on instagram.. I’m interested in a lesson for 12 March
Hi Sarah, thanks for the inquiry. I’ll send you an email with info. Disco Stu
Hi, I’m interested in a half day drift lesson March 9th or 18th, could you send on some details please and also do the instructors speak English or is a translator included or extra? Thanks!
G’Day Keith. I just sent you an email with info. Suenaga san’s English is pretty good so an interpreter usually isn’t necessary, but sometimes they get one to help with the lesson anyway (e.g. if there are two students taking the lesson, etc.) and it isn’t any extra cost. Disco
Hi Stu ,
Would I be able to book in July ? Also are there any requirements that I would need to know about before?
Thank You!
Hi Amor, will send an email now. Disco
Hi there, me and my girlfriend are planning a trip to japan, and already told her i cant skip Ebisu. is there a package deal or can we arrange a multiple day(2,3 even maby 4 ?) session for between 5 and 25 of august. and is there a beginners/medium/pro class ? or will that be judged by the instructor.
Hi Jeffrey, thanks for the inquiry. A multi-day session may be possible. I’ll do my best to get you in. The lessons are tailored to fit your level so you’ll learn the skills you need to learn. I’ll send over an email and we can continue the chats there. Cheers, Disco Stu
Hi Stu
Me and my girlfriend are interested in a halfday lesson, we both want to learn drift 🙂
from 2nd May to 9th May would be possible.
Please send me an E-Mail with more informations 🙂
Thank you
Thanks for the message! I’ll email you with some info! – Disco
Hi Disco
Could you please tell if April 9 is available for a half day lesson? Thank you. Igor
Hi Igor, thanks for the message! I’ll email you. Cheers, Disco
Hey Stu are you still involved with the drift lessons?
Yes Eric! I sure am. I’ll send over an email to you now. Stu
hi Stu,
I have just got the visa for Japan and would like to come for 2-3 days of the full driving package if possible. could you advise me about the availability if possible.
thanks
G’day Krunal! Awesome work getting the visa mate! I’ll send you an email with info about the drifting lessons. Cheers, Stu
Hello. I live in Osaka and am contemplating coming for a half day experience during Obon week. Is this possible?
Hi Candace, it might be possible. I will make in inquiry for you and get back to you. Stu
Hi! I want to become a pro in drifting cars. I need guidance and training from you. I want to start from scratch. . Please let me know when I can visit japan and how many days or months I need to stay in japan so that i can arrange for visa accordingly. Thanks
G’day Harnoor! Thanks for your message. That’s an awesome ambition to have! I will email you and give you my number so we chat about it. Regards, Stu
Hi. We are planning a trip in April and wanted to look into signing up our son for drifting lessons. I was hoping to get some details about the lessons, availability and if there is a minimum age requirement.
Hi Julie, thanks for contacting me. I will send you an email about it, so let’s continue the discussion via email! Cheers, Stu
Hi, Im visiting Japan the last two weeks of July 2020, and want a complete drift lesson package. Can you please send me more information. Thanks!
Hi Hector, sounds great! I can help you arrange a drifting lesson for sure. I’ll send you an email shortly with all the information. Cheers, Stu
Hi,
I had sent you a DM on instagram. Also tell me can i visit this place for drifting class, when the travel restrictions will be over?
As I’m from Pakistan.
Thanks. I’ve replied to you on Insta. Cheers. Stu
Hi Stu, you mentioned above that even a 9-year old can join the drift lesson. Could you explain a little? i.e. what do they do to ensure that even kids can drift? Asking as my teenage son is keen and I just want to do more research first!
Hi Bree, there is no age limit to use the drift tracks. There needs to be adult supervision for minors but anyone who can reach the pedals and knows how to operate a car can drift on the tracks.
Hello! I am visiting Japan in late November. I am interested in a 3 hour lesson. Who do I contact to learn more?
You’ll need to contact Team Orange directly to arrange a lesson. See the link above to go to their site. Thanks, Stu
Hello! I have to assume all of the vehicles are standard transmission, would having limited experience with standard vehicles be an issue with learning to drift?
Yeah it will be one extra thing to learn. But you will learn very quickly. We’ve had students come who couldn’t drive a manual but after a few engine stalls they got used to it pretty quickly.
We will be visiting in May 2023 from Texas and my son who will be 18 would love a drifting lesson. Where is the best place to stay or come from to come to your location? Should we have a driver from ToKyo or is there any place closer to at would be a better option. Just trying to be efficient in our planning. We would probably do a half day. Thanks so much!,
For a half-day lesson, you could catch the shinkansen from Tokyo in the AM and return after the lesson. It’s about a 3hr trip one way from Tokyo station to Ebisu circuit including trains, taxi. If you want to stay at accommodation then best is Mt. Inn in Dake onsen town about 10 minutes drive from the circuit.