Start your engines, racing fans! The wait is finally over. After years of passionate community requests, the next chapter in the legendary open-world racing series has a confirmed destination. Forza Horizon 6 is officially heading to the land of the rising sun, promising a breathtaking drive through Japan’s most iconic landscapes.
The massive announcement came during the Xbox showcase at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, setting the stage for a 2026 launch. The Horizon Festival is packing its bags for what could be its most visually stunning and culturally rich location yet.
A Destination Forged by Fan Requests
For the dedicated Forza Horizon community, this news feels like a victory lap. Japan has consistently been the number one most-requested location since the original game launched in 2012. The development team at Playground Games has clearly been listening.
Art Director Don Arceta confirmed this in an official Xbox Wire post, stating, “For a long time, Japan has been top of Horizon fans’ wish lists, so we’re excited to finally be bringing this much-requested location to players.” This move follows previous festivals set in diverse locales like Mexico, Great Britain, and Australia, but Japan represents a significant first for the franchise in East Asia.
The Ultimate Japanese Road Trip: From Tokyo to Mount Fuji
So, what can players expect from the open world? The developers promise a “perfect blend” of Japan’s contrasting environments. The teaser trailer highlighted the majestic, snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji, suggesting that the serene beauty of Japan’s rural and mountainous areas will be a key feature.
But the big news for long-time fans is the confirmed inclusion of a major metropolitan center. Unlike Forza Horizon 4, which skipped London, Horizon 6 will feature Tokyo. Arceta describes it as “one of our most detailed and layered environments to date,” promising an urban playground of neon lights and towering buildings.
The goal is not a one-to-one recreation but a curated “greatest hits” of Japan. The team aims to “capture the country’s unique cultural essence” by condensing the nation’s best elements into a single, driveable playground.
Evolving the Horizon Formula with Seasonal Depth
A hallmark of the recent series, dynamic seasons, is confirmed to return for Forza Horizon 6. However, the team is taking it a step further. Cultural Consultant Kyoko Yamashita explained that seasons will now “truly inform the world,” subtly shifting tone, activity, and sound.
This suggests a more immersive experience beyond just visual changes. Imagine denser traffic during a holiday season, or the serene sound of summer wind bells as you cruise through a rural town. The team is paying intense attention to ambient details to make the world feel alive.
Will Forza Horizon 6 be on Xbox One?
Mark your calendars for 2026. Forza Horizon 6 will launch first on Xbox Series X|S consoles and PC. At launch, it will be available day one for subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
In a major shift for the franchise, Microsoft has confirmed that a PlayStation 5 version is in development and will be released post-launch. This follows the successful release of Forza Horizon 5 on Sony’s console, opening up the festival to an even wider audience.
While specific gameplay details are still under wraps, the promise of Japan, combined with the series’ proven formula, has set expectations sky-high. The developers have promised a first look and more details in early 2026. For now, the Horizon Festival is on its way to Japan, and the racing world has never been more excited.
