Tour to Daikoku Parking and Car Meets in Japan

Did you know about Japan’s car paradise? Over the past few years, interest in Japanese cars has been booming, leading many to hold meetups in different parking lots across famous Tokyo. Here is my suggestion for a tour to Daikoku Parking Area in English and Spanish.

Ofrecemos este tour también en español.

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What is the Daikoku Parking Area?

Daikoku Parking Area (大黒パーキングエリア) is a service area on the Shuto Expressway (首都高速道路) located in the city of Yokohama. Car enthusiasts who love sports cars, modified cars, vintage cars, and more gather here to exhibit their vehicles for others to admire.

The only way to get here is by car since, as I mentioned, it is in the middle of an expressway. There is no public transportation, and you cannot get there on foot. If you were to try, you’d have to jump a very high fence, and then you’d get a fine. Due to this limitation, my partner and I decided to offer Daikoku Parking Area tours in English, so we could share our passion with other people.

What is included in the Daikoku Parking Area tour in English?

We’ll pick you up at your hotel at whatever time you like and take you to the parking area, where we can stay for as long as you want. Once you’ve had your fill, we’ll drop you back off at your hotel.

Once at Daikoku, we can act as your English-Japanese interpreter. My partner is half-Japanese and a huge car enthusiast, so he’ll happily tell you tons of interesting facts and translate for you anytime.

When should I go?

The parking area is always open, and people usually gather there every day. However, Saturday night is when we find the best atmosphere. Also on Friday nights and Sunday mornings.

Keep in mind that for the past few years, the police have been closing the parking area to prevent it from getting overcrowded with people who aren’t using the facilities. This usually happens on Saturdays starting around 8:30 PM (sometimes even earlier). They also do this on some Fridays and public holidays when they see it getting too packed.

Are there other parking areas like Daikoku?

Yes, Japan is full of them.

We have the Umihotaru Parking Area, which is located in the middle of a bridge where cars gather once Daikoku closes. People stay there until the early morning. It’s about 27 kilometers from Daikoku and takes about 25 minutes to get there.

Another well-known one is the Tatsumi Parking Area, which is on the Fukagawa route of the Shuto Expressway in Tatsumi, Tokyo.

However, if you’re looking to escape the tourists and experience a truly authentic, 100% real meet-up with only Japanese locals, there is a parking lot in Chiba that nobody knows about. We can take you there on our tour.

In addition to these, sporadic meet-ups are often held in different locations around Tokyo, organized by individuals or private groups. We are always aware of these meetings, as they are not publicly advertised.

To complete the visit, we can also take you to car or car parts shops like A-PIT Super Autobacs or Up Garage.

Which car would we go in?

We have three cars. You would choose which one to ride in, either because you like it or for comfort.

Nissan Silvia S13 Q’s: A classic JDM coupe loved by everyone. Maximum 3 people.
Toyota JZX100 Mark II: A sedan car with a 1JZ twin turbo engine that has a spectacular sound. Maximum 4 people.
Toyota Wish: This is the best option if you’re coming in a group or family. You’ll have plenty of space and travel comfortably. Maximum 6 people.

How much does the tour cost?

Here are our prices. We charge per car, not per person. You can come alone or in a group of four, and the price will always be the same.

Daikoku Parking Area	¥30,000
Umihotaru Parking Area	¥30,000
Daikoku Parking Area + Umihotaru Parking Area	¥50,000
Car Shops (A-PIT Super Autobacs or Up Garage, etc.)	+¥3,000 per shop

We also offer tours to secret events. I cannot give public information about this. Please ask me privately.