Tsukuba RC Arena (formerly Yatabe Arena)
Hightlight
-
Air conditioner
-
Car parking
-
Cocktails
-
Credit cards
Tsukuba RC Arena, formerly known as Yatabe Arena, is a renowned RC (Radio Control) racing facility located in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. It is considered a premier destination for RC enthusiasts and has even hosted international-level events. The arena underwent a significant renovation in 2022 by Yokomo, a legendary RC company, and now serves as their world headquarters.
The facility boasts a two-story main building and offers various tracks to cater to different RC disciplines:
- High-grip road course: For speed and precision racing.
- Technical hill climb circuit: To test off-road machines.
- Polished drift track: For controlled drifting.
- Outdoor off-road track: A muddy playground for off-road RC cars.
- Rookie Drift/Speed Course: A carpet surface course for beginners, suitable for slower speed cars and drift cars.
- Rookie Off-road Course: A carpet surface off-road course for beginners with gentle jumps and gaps.
- Drift Sports Course: A P-tile surface drift course for beginner to intermediate drivers.
- Drift Grand Prix Course: A P-tile surface drift course, relocated and renovated in December 2021.
- Off-road Grand Prix Course: A newly established carpet surface off-road course with segmented driving times for beginner, stock, and modified classes.
- Speed Grand Prix Course: A carpet surface speed course suitable for touring, F1, and 1/12 scale cars, allowing grip agent use.
- Drift Diorama Course (Tsukuba Turnpike): A P-tile surface drift course designed like a mountain road with elevation changes.
- 80s-style Dirt Off-road Course: A flat dirt surface off-road course reminiscent of the 1980s RC buggy boom, suitable for beginner buggies and vintage buggies.
The arena also features a sprawling pit area with ample workspace, power, and light for drivers, and an on-site pro shop stocked with a wide range of RC chassis, electronic components, and accessories. English-speaking staff are available to assist international visitors.
Address: Japan, 〒305-0861 Ibaraki, Tsukuba, Yatabe, 4385−2 ラジコンアリーナ 2F Phone Number: +81 29-836-0914 Website: https://www.tsukuba-rc.com/ Map Link: https://maps.google.com/?cid=3576313495732925827&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQ
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
While driving from Tokyo takes about one hour, the closest train station is Midorino Station on the Tsukuba Express Line, though it’s a 5-kilometer walk from there. It is recommended to go by car or taxi.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What is Tsukuba RC Arena (formerly Yatabe Arena)?
Tsukuba RC Arena, famously known by its former name Yatabe Arena, is one of the world's premier and largest remote-controlled (RC) car racing facilities. Located in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, it's a multi-track complex designed for professional-level competition and extensive practice across various RC disciplines, particularly electric off-road and on-road. It also includes a well-stocked RC hobby shop.
Where is Tsukuba RC Arena located? Is it in Tokyo?
Tsukuba RC Arena is located at: 4385-2 Yatabe, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0861, Japan. It is important to note that this facility is located in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, NOT directly in Tokyo. Tsukuba is approximately 60km north of central Tokyo, accessible by car or the Tsukuba Express train line, making it a major destination for serious RC enthusiasts from the broader Kanto region and internationally.
What types of RC tracks does Tsukuba RC Arena have?
Tsukuba RC Arena is renowned for its diverse and high-quality tracks, which typically include: Indoor Off-Road Astro Turf/Carpet Track: A world-class indoor track famous for hosting international events, featuring an artificial turf or carpet surface with jumps and technical sections. This track type is often rotated with an indoor touring car track. Indoor On-Road Carpet Track: A smooth, high-grip carpet track designed for 1/10 scale electric on-road touring cars and other classes, suitable for high-speed racing. Outdoor Off-Road Dirt Track: A traditional outdoor dirt track for 1/10 and 1/8 scale off-road buggies and trucks. Indoor RC Drift Track: A dedicated indoor track specifically designed for RC drifting.
What types of RC cars can be raced at Tsukuba RC Arena?
Tsukuba RC Arena caters to a very wide range of RC vehicles, including: Electric Off-Road: 1/10 scale 2WD/4WD buggies, stadium trucks, and short course trucks. Also 1/8 scale electric buggies and truggies. Electric On-Road: 1/10 scale electric touring cars (stock and modified), F1 cars, Mini (M-chassis) cars, and 1/12 scale pan cars. RC Drift: 1/10 scale drift cars. Nitro-powered vehicles may also be permitted on specific outdoor tracks or during designated events.
What amenities does Tsukuba RC Arena provide for racers and visitors?
As a world-class facility, Tsukuba RC Arena offers extensive amenities: Multiple, professionally designed and maintained indoor and outdoor tracks. Large, comfortable, and often air-conditioned pit areas with ample tables and power outlets. Elevated drivers' stands for optimal viewing. State-of-the-art lap counting systems. A comprehensive on-site hobby shop stocking a vast array of RC cars, kits, parts, upgrade options, electronics, tires, tools, and accessories. Restaurant/cafeteria (often present for large events). Restrooms and vending machines. Ample parking facilities.
Does Tsukuba RC Arena host major RC events?
Absolutely! Tsukuba RC Arena is globally renowned for hosting major RC events, including: IFMAR World Championships (e.g., 1/10 Electric Off-Road Worlds). JMRCA All-Japan Championships for various classes. Numerous regional and club race series throughout the year. Special events and sponsored races attracting top drivers from around the world.
How can I contact Tsukuba RC Arena?
You can contact Tsukuba RC Arena via: Phone: 029-836-0914 (from outside Japan: +81-29-836-0914) Website: www.tsukuba-rc.com (primarily in Japanese, but often with some English navigation or use of translation tools) They also maintain an active presence on social media platforms like X (Twitter) and Facebook.
