How to Visit Daikoku PA Without Wasting $1,000 on a Tour
Daikoku Parking Area is one of Japan’s most famous car meet spots, but lately, expensive tours have made it feel more like a tourist attraction. The truth? You don’t need to spend $1,000 for a rushed visit when you can experience it properly on your own terms—and for way less.
Here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Rent a Car and Drive the Wangan
Instead of sitting in the back of a tour van, rent a car and experience the Bayshore Route yourself. This highway has deep roots in Japan’s automotive culture, and driving it is a must for any car enthusiast visiting Japan.
• Standard rentals: Around $80/day for a Toyota or similar
• JDM rentals: GT-Rs, Supras, RX-7s and other icons for around $300/day
Where to Rent a Car in Japan
• Toyota Rent-a-Car – Good for a GR Yaris, GT86, or other fun options
• Omoren – If you’re 23+ and meet all of their rental eligibility criteria, they offer rentals of GT-Rs, RX-7s, and other JDM legends. Please make sure to check you are eligible before renting a car through them
Even if you’re driving something simple, just being on these roads gives you a real feel for Japan’s car culture and history.
Step 2: Research Before You Go
Daikoku PA meets aren’t random—locals usually arrive in organized car clubs. If you want to see the best cars, spend an hour researching beforehand.
• Follow Japanese car clubs on Instagram to see when they’re planning to visit.
• Search hashtags like #DaikokuPA #JDMJapan for upcoming events.
• If you love specific cars (classic Nissans, RX-7s, Supras, etc.), find groups that focus on them.
This makes a huge difference—you’ll know when the cars you care about are actually showing up.
Step 3: Pick the Right Night
Most people assume Friday and Saturday are the best nights to visit. While they are the busiest, they also come with downsides:
• Overcrowding from tourists
• Which leads to more poor behaviour and police fairly have to call an end to the night
• Harder to actually enjoy the cars and atmosphere
Our Best Experience? A Thursday Night.
• Fewer tourists, more local enthusiasts
• Less congestion, meaning a better atmosphere
• A more authentic Daikoku PA experience
If you want to avoid the crowds and actually enjoy the cars, a quieter night is the way to go.
Final Tips for Visiting Daikoku PA
• Respect the scene – This isn’t a car show, it’s a local social connection for enthusiasts.
• Follow local etiquette – Japan’s car culture is built on appreciation and respect. Daikoku is less likely to shut down when everyone is respectful.
• Arrive before 9 PM – The best cars often leave later in the night.
• Bring cash – As this is a rest stop there is a pretty good restaurant and shop here to look through.
If you plan it right, visiting Daikoku PA can be one of the best car experiences in Japan—without needing an overpriced tour.
Got questions? Send us a dm on insta @kizu.au :)