- Otsuki death trial: A high-stakes touge event on the Mount Otsuki mountain pass.
- Car choice: Requires a balance of high traction and responsive handling.
- Tuning focus: Prioritize suspension and gearing over raw top speed.
- Win condition: Maintain momentum through technical corners and elevation changes.
- Rewards: High Yen payouts and exclusive progression unlocks.
Understanding the Otsuki Death Trial
The Otsuki death trial in Midnight Racing Tokyo represents one of the most challenging technical courses in the game. Located on the Mount Otsuki map, this trial demands precision driving rather than straight-line speed. The course features tight hairpins, rapid elevation changes, and narrow roads that penalize even minor mistakes.
This trial is not recommended for beginners. Ensure your car is fully tuned and you have mastered basic braking and cornering techniques before attempting.
Course Characteristics:
- Surface: Mountain asphalt with varying grip levels.
- Width: Narrow, leaving little room for error.
- Key Hazards: Guardrails, cliff drops, and blind crests.
| Feature | Impact on Driving | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hairpin Corners | Requires heavy braking and low-speed grip | Use late apex and smooth throttle application |
| Elevation Changes | Affects weight transfer and braking distance | Brake earlier uphill; be cautious downhill |
| Narrow Width | Limits overtaking and line choice | Stick to the racing line; avoid risky blocks |
Best Cars for the Trial
Success in the Otsuki death trial depends heavily on vehicle choice. Cars with excellent handling characteristics and AWD drivetrains generally perform better due to their stability and corner-exit speed. However, skilled players in lightweight RWD vehicles can also set record times by utilizing drifting techniques.
Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Strength: Superior traction and acceleration
- Verdict: 9/10 - The safest choice for consistency
Mazda RX-7 FD
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Strength: Lightweight and agile handling
- Verdict: 8/10 - High skill ceiling for drift experts
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Strength: Predictable cornering stability
- Verdict: 8.5/10 - Beginner-friendly performance
If you are struggling to complete the trial, switch to an AWD car like the Skyline R32 or Evo. Their ability to put power down out of slow corners makes them much more forgiving than RWD cars on this specific map.
Optimal Tuning Setup
Vehicle tuning is critical for the Otsuki death trial. You must sacrifice top speed for grip and acceleration. The "Touge Setup" mentioned in the official game guides is the ideal baseline for this challenge.
Suspension Tuning:
- Ride Height: Lower to reduce center of gravity.
- Springs & Shocks: Stiffen to reduce body roll.
- Damping: Increase for better response over bumps.
Transmission Tuning:
- Gear Ratios: Shorten the gears to improve acceleration out of corners.
- Final Drive: Adjust to keep the engine in the power band during technical sections.
| Tuning Part | Recommended Setting | Effect on Trial |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | Sport or Semi-Slick | Provides necessary grip for cold tires |
| ECU | Balanced | Smooths out power delivery |
| Brakes | High bias front | Improves stopping power for hairpins |
Access the Garage
Drive to the nearest Garage and Customization area. Enter the tuning menu for your selected vehicle.
Adjust Suspension
Lower the ride height to the lowest safe setting. Increase spring stiffness by approximately 15-20% from stock.
Configure Gearing
Install a close-ratio transmission if available. Adjust the final drive so you hit the rev limiter just before the longest straight on the course.
Test Drive
Exit the garage and drive a lap of Mount Otsuki. Pay attention to rear tire grip and braking stability.
Fine Tune
If the car feels loose, soften the rear springs. If it understeers, stiffen the front anti-roll bar.
Rewards and Economy
Completing the Otsuki death trial offers significant economic benefits in Midnight Racing Tokyo. The Yen rewards are scaled to reflect the difficulty, making it an excellent farming route for mid-to-late game players once mastered.
Economic Breakdown:
- Base Payout: High Yen multiplier for completion.
- Placement Bonus: Significant bonus for 1st place.
- Repeatable: Can be grinded for consistent income.
| Position | Yen Reward | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | ★★★★★ | Late game upgrades & supercars |
| 2nd Place | ★★★★☆ | Mid game car purchases |
| 3rd Place | ★★★☆☆ | Tuning parts & maintenance |
Once you can consistently win the Otsuki death trial, it becomes one of the best methods for farming Yen in the game, surpassing standard highway races in terms of efficiency per minute.
Progression Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you are fully prepared for the Otsuki death trial. Do not attempt the race until you have checked off these essential items.
Pre-Race Checklist:
- Vehicle tuned for Touge (Suspension & Gearing)
- Tires upgraded to Sport or higher
- Possess at least 5,000 Yen for repairs (entry fee risk)
- Completed at least 5 Mount Otsuki exploration laps
- Learned the braking points for all major hairpins
Codes and Community Support
While there are no specific codes that grant instant wins for the Otsuki death trial, general promotional codes can provide the funds needed to purchase and upgrade a competitive car.
Active Codes Status:
As of August 2026, codes like 100Million and DEVGEM500K (check validity in-game) can provide the initial capital needed for your trial car.
Q: What is the best car for the Otsuki death trial?
The Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 is widely considered the best due to its AWD system and balanced stats. However, the Mazda RX-7 FD is a top-tier choice for players who prefer drifting.
Q: Can I use a FWD car to win the trial?
While technically possible, FWD cars are generally not recommended for the death trial due to understeer and lack of traction exiting tight corners compared to AWD or RWD options.
Q: How do I unlock the Otsuki death trial?
The trial is unlocked by progressing through the Midnight Racing Tokyo career mode and reaching a specific level/tier. Check the 'Races' tab on the Mount Otsuki map.
Q: Is the Otsuki death trial good for making money?
Yes, once mastered. It offers a high Yen payout per minute compared to easier races, making it a popular endgame farming spot.