For more than a decade, fans have asked the same question: “When is Forza Horizon going to Japan?”
In 2026, Playground Games finally answered.
The Forza franchise first hit the track in 2005 as Microsoft’s answer to Gran Turismo. Developed by Turn 10 Studios, the original Forza Motorsport focused on realistic racing, detailed car customization, and authentic driving physics. But in 2012, the series took a different route when Playground Games launched Forza Horizon.
Instead of closed race circuits, Horizon dropped players into a massive open world built around a fictional music and racing festival. It combined realistic driving with exploration, stunts, off-road racing, and a more accessible arcade-style approach. Over the years, the Horizon Festival has traveled across Colorado, Europe, Australia, Great Britain, and Mexico.
Now, it arrives at its most requested destination yet: Japan.
A Dream Location Finally Realized
After years of fan requests, Forza Horizon 6 brings players to a stunning recreation of Japan, and it may be the most beautiful world the series has ever created.
One of the biggest reasons players wanted Japan is the incredible variety of environments. Within minutes of leaving the festival, you’ll find yourself driving through neon-lit city streets, winding mountain roads, quiet countryside villages, dense forests, and scenic farmland.
The cities feel alive, especially after sunset when colorful signs illuminate the streets and reflections dance across wet pavement. But while the urban environments are impressive, the mountain regions steal the show.
The narrow roads, elevation changes, and endless corners feel tailor-made for sports cars and drift machines.
And naturally, there’s one car that feels perfectly at home here.
The legendary Toyota AE86.
Made famous worldwide through the anime Initial D, the AE86 became synonymous with Japanese mountain pass racing. After spending hours carving through Horizon 6’s mountain roads, it’s easy to understand why fans have wanted Japan as a Horizon setting for so long. These roads feel built specifically for this kind of driving experience.
The Horizon Formula Returns
Like previous entries in the series, Forza Horizon 6 begins with an extended introduction that showcases the Horizon Festival and the game’s many regions.
Normally, lengthy introductions in racing games can feel like obstacles standing between players and the action. Thankfully, Horizon 6 handles the experience well. The transitions between gameplay and cinematics are smooth, the scenery constantly changes, and each region gets a chance to show off what makes it unique.
Before long, players arrive at the heart of the Horizon Festival and are finally handed complete freedom.
From that point forward, the world is yours.
If you can see a road, you can probably drive it. If you spot a mountain in the distance, chances are there’s a route leading to the top. Everywhere you look, there is something waiting to be discovered.
A Living World
As you explore Japan, you’ll frequently encounter other players driving throughout the map.
These aren’t just AI drivers. Many of them are real players sharing the world with you. Of course, AI traffic still exists to help populate the roads, but the presence of actual players helps make the world feel alive.
You can challenge them to races, join events together, or simply cruise through the countryside.
Some of the most memorable moments happen unexpectedly. One minute you’re heading toward your next objective. The next, you’re racing a complete stranger down a mountain road.
Those spontaneous encounters are part of what makes Horizon feel different from most racing games.
For players who prefer solo experiences, there is still no shortage of content. Road races, dirt races, drift zones, speed traps, danger signs, collectibles, and countless side activities are scattered across the map.
Completionists will have plenty to keep them busy.
Driving That Never Gets Old
Of course, none of that matters if the driving isn’t fun.
Thankfully, this is still Forza Horizon.
Whether you’re driving a compact hatchback, a rally car, or a multi-million-dollar hypercar, every vehicle feels distinct. The handling strikes an excellent balance between realism and accessibility. Cars have unique personalities, but the controls remain forgiving enough for newcomers to enjoy.
The variety remains one of Horizon’s greatest strengths.
One moment you’re weaving through city traffic in a sports car. The next, you’re launching an off-road truck through muddy trails. Somehow, both experiences feel equally rewarding.
Drifting deserves special mention as well. Japan’s mountain roads provide the perfect playground for sideways driving, and Horizon 6 makes drifting feel incredibly satisfying.
Even when you’re not particularly good at it.
At least until you find yourself sliding directly into a guardrail.
Endless Customization
Forza Horizon 6 also continues the franchise’s tradition of giving players enormous freedom when it comes to vehicle customization.
Want a simple paint change? Go for it.
Need a new body kit? No problem.
Want to turn a family sedan into something capable of embarrassing a supercar? Horizon is more than happy to let you try.
Players can dive deep into performance tuning by adjusting gearing, suspension settings, tire pressure, differential tuning, and countless other options.
For newcomers, that level of customization can feel intimidating. Fortunately, the community helps bridge the gap.
Players can share custom tunes online, allowing anyone to download proven setups with just a few button presses. The same applies to paint jobs and liveries, many of which are so detailed they look professionally designed.
Within minutes, you can create a vehicle that feels uniquely yours.
Or, in my case, create something beautiful before immediately driving it into a guardrail.
More than once.
Final Verdict
When reviewing a game, there’s usually something that holds it back.
Maybe it’s technical issues.
Maybe it’s repetitive gameplay.
Maybe it’s a feature that never quite reaches its full potential.
The more I played Forza Horizon 6, the harder it became to find those flaws.
The world is gorgeous. The driving feels incredible. The car roster is massive. The online features make the world feel alive. Even the soundtrack had me vibing throughout nearly every session.
Most importantly, I never wanted to stop playing.
Every time I told myself, “Just one more race,” I ended up playing for another hour.
That’s the sign of a truly great game.
Forza Horizon 6 takes everything that made Forza Horizon 5 special and expands upon it. More importantly, it finally delivers the Japan setting fans have dreamed about for years—and somehow manages to exceed those expectations.
Score: 10/10
The first perfect score in Press Play history.
If you’re a racing fan, this is an easy recommendation. Even if you normally don’t play racing games, Forza Horizon 6 does such an excellent job welcoming newcomers that it’s worth giving a chance.
This is what an arcade racing game should be.