Forza Horizon 6: 2026 Locations

The Horizon Festival has always been about more than racing. It’s a celebration of culture, geography, and the raw joy of driving. After five globe-trotting installments—from the sun-drenched coasts of Australia to the ancient pyramids of Mexico—Playground Games has finally answered the community’s loudest plea: Forza Horizon 6 is coming to Japan. Unveiled at the 2025 Tokyo Game Show with a cinematic teaser that left millions speechless, the game promises to launch in late 2026 across Xbox Series X|S, PC, and—for the first time ever—PlayStation 5. This isn’t just a new map. It’s a homecoming for a franchise that has long flirted with Japan’s automotive soul, now ready to immerse players in a living, breathing archipelago where every road tells a story.

A Love Letter to Japan

Japan was never a question of if, but when. Since the series debuted in 2012, fans have flooded forums, social media, and even developer Q&As with one persistent dream: “Bring Horizon to Japan.” The country’s influence has been woven into every game—JDM icons like the Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7 have starred in garages since day one. But a full Japanese setting? That required scale, respect, and technological muscle. Creative director Marco Arceta confirmed in a post-reveal interview that the team spent over four years scouting real-world locations, partnering with Japanese cultural consultants, and rebuilding entire prefectures from LiDAR scans and drone footage. The result? A map exceeding 120 square kilometers—larger than Forza Horizon 5—spanning Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, connected by drivable ferries and high-speed Shinkansen cutscenes.

The Diversity of Japan’s Landscape

The true star of Forza Horizon 6 is Japan itself—its geography, its history, and its unique blend of modernity and tradition. Starting in Horizon City, a fictional megacity inspired by Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, players will dive into neon-lit streets and towering skyscrapers. This is where the fast-paced, pulse-quickening atmosphere of the Horizon Festival begins. Shibuya Crossing becomes a drift zone where up to 24 players can battle for the title of King of the Hill. The Rainbow Bridge transforms into a speed trap at midnight, its lights shimmering over Tokyo Bay. Akihabara's otaku district hosts arcade-style mini-games, and you'll find virtual reality racing pods hidden inside themed cafés. Yet, the heart of Japan isn’t in the cities—it's in the contrast between urban energy and the serene beauty of the countryside.

Leave the city limits, and the tone shifts dramatically. Within minutes, you’re winding through the Japanese Alps, where narrow touge roads demand inch-perfect braking in a lightweight Honda S2000. Cherry blossoms carpet the asphalt in spring, autumn paints the mountains in crimson and gold, and winter turns the same passes into ice-slicked challenges that demand studded tires and nerves of steel. Forza Horizon 6 captures these environmental shifts, drawing players into the essence of Japan, where every curve and every season offers a new experience.

Seasons: A Living, Breathing World

Seasonal change in Forza Horizon 6 is far more than a cosmetic feature—it’s the core of the game. Playground Games has crafted a dynamic, living world where weather isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the challenge. The game evolves in real time, with each of Japan’s four seasons rotating weekly.

In spring, the wind sweeps cherry blossoms across the road, reducing visibility during high-speed runs. Summer storms flood the coastal roads of Kyushu, creating the perfect conditions for rallycross-style racing. Autumn brings a chill in the air, and its beautiful red and gold foliage becomes a physical obstacle—leaves clog radiators if you push too hard off-road. But it’s winter when Japan truly shows its tough side. Hokkaido’s snow-covered roads become a brutal test of skill, as blizzards turn the landscape into a whiteout. Frozen lakes offer a new kind of racing challenge, and the volcanic hot springs fog up your windows as you battle through the elements.

With such an immersive approach to weather, Forza Horizon 6 makes sure you are always prepared for what lies ahead. Your garage becomes an extension of your journey: swap to snow tires, lower the suspension for mountain touge runs, or lift a Subaru for off-road excursions through snowy forests. The map itself adapts as you do, evolving with your choices and the seasons.

Hidden Treasures & Cultural Riches

Exploration is deeply rewarding. As you wander the map, you’ll find hidden barns scattered across rural landscapes—each one offering rare collectibles. In Kyoto, an abandoned shrine hides a pristine 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V; in Nagano, a crumbling ryokan (inn) conceals a first-generation NSX. But the real magic lies in the cultural experiences. Unlockable collectibles aren’t just cars—they’re slices of Japanese heritage. Onsen (hot springs) offer players a chance to park and relax in first-person, with ambient audio logs from local drivers who share stories of the road. The Horizon Festival isn’t just about racing—it’s about understanding Japan’s culture, its reverence for the land, and the personal connections built through motorsport.

Japan's calendar is dotted with cultural festivals that enhance the driving experience. Summer brings the Obon lantern races along coastal roads, where drivers don yukatas and light up the night with neon-laced rides. In the fall, the drift matsuri (festival) in Gunma will have you carving through corners while surrounded by roaring crowds. And come winter, the snow sculpture contests in Sapporo are a spectacle to behold, offering both a scenic diversion and a racing challenge. Each festival introduces special events, new cars, and vehicles exclusive to the celebration—like a pastel-wrapped kei truck for a micro-car parade through narrow alleyways.

Cars & Customization: Japan's Iconic Legacy

The car list for Forza Horizon 6 reflects Japan’s incredible automotive legacy while embracing its innovative future. With over 700 vehicles confirmed at launch, the car list features more than 150 JDM classics making their series debut. Drive iconic models like the Datsun 240Z, the AE86 Trueno (inspired by Initial D), and even the legendary Bosozoku builds—customized motorcycles with exaggerated pipes and flared body kits, now bringing their rebellion to the streets in car form.

Modern machines sit comfortably alongside the classics. The 2026 GR Corolla and Nissan Z Nismo are just the beginning—Forza Horizon 6 showcases cars that are bound for future greatness. Tuning is more in-depth than ever before: official collaborations with Liberty Walk, Rocket Bunny, and HKS allow you to modify your ride with authentic widebody kits, while a new kanji livery editor lets you design decals using traditional calligraphy brushes. For the future-forward, electric and hybrid tuning makes its debut, giving you the chance to modify a Toyota bZ4X for silent, scenic forest runs or unleash the full power of a Rimac Nevera across the bustling streets of Tokyo.

Multiplayer & Social Integration

Forza Horizon 6's multiplayer mode introduces a new level of social interaction. Horizon Islands, the game’s persistent online hubs, have been reimagined with a Japanese twist: think floating torii gates for lobbies, rooftop drift arenas on skyscrapers, and seasonal leaderboards tied to real-world events like the Fuji Speedway 24-hour race. A new mode, Touge Trials, pits two drivers against each other in a best-of-five mountain duel—where every win and loss is reflected in your custom livery. Cross-play ensures that players across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5 can join the action, while Xbox Game Pass offers day-one access to newcomers.

A guided Horizon Tour mode will help rookies navigate Japan’s expansive map, guiding them through the complex streets and challenging terrain of the islands while unlocking regions progressively. Multiplayer isn’t just about racing—it's about creating a community that celebrates the joy of driving.

Cultural Sensitivity & Attention to Detail

The developers have gone to great lengths to ensure Forza Horizon 6 is a respectful tribute to Japan’s culture. Playground Games consulted with Japanese historians, racers, and artists to avoid any stereotyping, and the world is filled with authentic details. You’ll find roadside Jizo statues watching over you, vending machines offering drinks like Pocari Sweat, and seasonal food trucks serving up takoyaki. Even the NPCs get in on the act—summer festival-goers wear traditional yukatas, while winter transforms player homes into cozy havens with kotatsu lounges. The Horizon Festival itself feels alive with respect and authenticity.

As the full release of Forza Horizon 6 nears, excitement continues to build. With early access launching in November 2026 for premium editions and the full release scheduled for December, fans can expect monthly content drops—including new cars, events, and possibly an Okinawa expansion. The Horizon Festival is just getting started, and Japan is ready to welcome you to its roads.