Japan

Whether you end up taking photos of a reproduction Eiffel Tower, surfing an indoor wave, musing in a Zen temple, shacking up in a love hotel or kipping down in a capsule, you'll do best to come with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised.

- Read more destination guides with Lonely Planet

Date: 28 September 2008
Venue: Motegi
Track length: 4801m
Laps: 24
Race length: 115.224km
2007 winner: Loris Capirossi

Much to the dismay of the locals, Loris Capirossi has won the past three Japanese Grands Prix - and not on a Japanese bike. The former Ducati rider managed to break the Japanese monopoly of victories that stretches back into distant memory. However, after a fractious end to his relationship with Ducati, his new outift Suzuki may just benefit. Honda constructed the circuit, which also incorprates an Indy Car style oval, in 1997 in the hills north of Tokyo.

MotoGP 2008 racing calendar