In May 2025, we finally took part in the Porsche Parade. This event, held every two years, is organized by the Porsche Club Japan exclusively for its members. Porsche owners from all over the country gather with their beloved cars to enjoy circuit driving, parade runs, and fully immerse themselves in the Porsche ownership experience.

Usually held in the peak heat of July, it was tough to bring young kids along. But this year, with the event scheduled in mid-May, our family of five decided to join.

Braving Heavy Rain in Two Taycans

My husband left early in his Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Package to participate in the circuit driving, while we headed there in the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo.
Many ask, “Isn’t long-distance driving in a Taycan a concern because of charging?” My 2023 Taycan can cover about 380 km on a full charge (according to the display), and my husband’s Taycan exceeds 400 km, so range anxiety was not an issue at all.

On the day, we drove through heavy rain, but the stability of the all-wheel-drive Taycan made for a comfortable and safe journey.

We stopped at Tsuchiyama SA for lunch and charging. Previously, only 90 kW chargers were available there, but this time we found a newly installed 150 kW charger—and it was free.

With rapid chargers becoming more common on regular roads and the charging infrastructure on the Shin-Meishin and Shin-Tomei Expressways vastly improved, we efficiently topped up the battery while the kids enjoyed their meal—a perfectly timed break. (laughs)

You Need an Amusement Park Ticket to Access the Circuit?!

By early afternoon, my husband had already arrived at the circuit. We reached the Suzuka Circuit Hotel shortly after. Since the Porsche Parade is a members-only event, our family’s second car was not allowed to park at the venue. We were instructed to “park at the Suzuka Circuit Hotel and walk to the circuit.”

It felt a bit inconvenient, but we parked and started walking toward the circuit—only to encounter an unexpected hurdle.

To get from the hotel to the circuit, an admission ticket to Suzuka Circuit Park (the amusement park) was required.

We explained at the entrance, “We only want to go to the circuit, not the amusement park,” even though I had purchased my own Porsche Parade ticket. The response was, “The circuit is inside the amusement park, so that’s not possible.”

So, we bought all-day unlimited ride tickets for the three kids and one adult and entered.

Unsurprisingly, the kids quickly declared, “We want to play at the amusement park, not the circuit!” and ended up spending almost the entire first day there. (laughs)

The morning was rainy, and although the rain stopped by afternoon, light showers continued intermittently. The amusement park was nearly empty, so we enjoyed unlimited rides without waiting—a lucky break. The kids had a fantastic day, so it turned out well after all. (laughs)

The Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Is Incredibly Fast!

While the kids played, I managed to sneak over to the circuit and catch a glimpse of my husband’s driving. The speed of the Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Package was breathtaking. Although it wasn’t a time attack but a fun run, he overtook other cars one after another like a champion.

It’s truly astonishingly fast. If there were a Taycan Turbo GT Weissach Cup, I’d definitely go watch it! (laughs)

Previously, my husband had driven his Taycan at a Fuji Speedway event, but red flags and interruptions prevented him from fully enjoying the track. This time, he was able to fully savor the circuit experience for the first time. Even after 30 minutes of driving, there was no sign of battery thermal degradation—he described it as a “tireless ironman,” maintaining stable performance throughout. (He started at 90% charge and still had 30% left afterward.)

The second day at Suzuka was beautifully sunny and almost hot. My husband and son joined the parade run, where a dazzling array of Porsches gathered—from the latest 718 Spyder RS to museum-worthy classics like the 356.

The parade run lasted about an hour. My son was thrilled, but for those waiting, like me and my two daughters, there wasn’t much to do except watch YouTube videos inside the car during the wait.

A Refreshing Drive Home on the Shin-Meishin Expressway

This was our first time participating in the Porsche Parade, and I think it’s best for my husband and me to attend alone once the kids are older. Bringing children along is a bit challenging.

One highlight was the nearly empty Shin-Meishin Expressway on the way back. (Part of the road was closed, and after rejoining at the next interchange, we found the road completely clear.)

Driving two Taycans on a three-lane expressway with no other cars around was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Looking back, it was quite an adventure, but a wonderful memory. The heavy rain cleared, the sun shone, the Taycans drove beautifully, and it turned into a great family trip. We’re also planning to attend our first car event in June, and I hope we can enjoy it as a family again.