What is Daikoku PA?
Daikoku Parking Area (Daikoku PA) sits on the Bayshore Route of the Metropolitan Expressway in Yokohama and is Japan’s most famous late‑night JDM car‑culture hub. Because it’s inside the expressway network, there’s no pedestrian access—drivers must enter and exit via expressway ramps.
-
-
Daikoku Car Meet Tour: The Complete, Legal Guide for Visitors
Welcome to the definitive guide to visiting the legendary Daikoku Parking Area (PA), the heart of Japan's car culture. This highway rest stop on the Shuto Expressway near Yokohama transforms on many nights into an informal, world-famous car show. But before you go, it's crucial to understand what Daikoku is—and what it isn't. This is not an official, ticketed event. It's a spontaneous gathering of car enthusiasts. To ensure a safe and memorable experience that respects the local culture, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. A Glimpse into JDM Culture Daikoku PA is considered a ...
続きを見る
How tolls work on the Metropolitan Expressway (Shuto)
Tolls on the Metropolitan Expressway are distance‑based when you use ETC. For a standard passenger car, ETC tolls are capped at ¥1,950 (upper limit) and can drop below ¥1,000 for short hops. Paying by cash (or credit card in cash lanes) is charged at a flat basic toll of ¥1,950 for standard cars across most sections. Prices here refer to one‑way tolls for a standard passenger car.
Key points:
- ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) calculates your fare by toll distance and automatically charges at the toll gate.
- Cash users generally pay a flat ¥1,950 on Shuto for standard cars (exceptions exist on some connectors).
- Late‑night discounts (00:00–04:00) can reduce ETC tolls on some routes.
- Some entrances have become ETC‑only; non‑ETC vehicles must use nearby cash‑enabled entrances.
Typical toll from central Tokyo to Daikoku PA (real‑world examples)
Use these reference prices to estimate your one‑way ETC toll in a standard passenger car. Your exact fare depends on the entrance you use, the route chosen by your nav, and time‑of‑day/discount conditions.
| Tokyo entrance (IC) | Quick route to Daikoku PA | Typical ETC toll (one‑way) | Cash (one‑way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginza IC (C1 Loop) | C1 → Haneda Line → Yokohane → Bayshore | ≈ ¥950–¥1,330 | ¥1,950 |
| Shiodome/Takarachō IC (C1) | C1 → Haneda Line → Bayshore | ≈ ¥1,070–¥1,100 | ¥1,950 |
| Shibuya IC (Route 3) | R3 → C1/Bayshore path options | ≈ ¥1,240–¥1,380 | ¥1,950 |
| Sangenjaya IC (Route 3) | R3 → C1/Bayshore | ≈ ¥1,020 | ¥1,950 |
| Shinjuku IC (Route 4) | R4 → C2/C1 → Bayshore options | ≈ ¥1,440 | ¥1,950 |
| Tokyo IC (Tōmei) | Tomei/Ko-hoku/North Line → Bayshore | ≈ ¥1,390–¥1,840 | ¥1,950 |
Round trip: multiply the one‑way figure by two. If you plan stops (e.g., Tatsumi PA, Umihotaru) without exiting the expressway, you typically pay once for the overall toll distance of that continuous journey.
-
-
How to Get to Daikoku PA from Tokyo (2025 Complete Access Guide)
Daikoku Parking Area (often called Daikoku PA or Daikokufuto) is the most iconic JDM car meet spot in Greater Tokyo. This guide explains every practical way to reach it from central Tokyo—legally, safely, and efficiently—plus pro tips to avoid closures and common mistakes. Planning a hassle-free visit with guaranteed transport? Our licensed JDM tour to Daikoku PA handles routing, tolls, parking, and police checks so you can focus on the scene. What is Daikoku PA? Daikoku PA is a large service/parking area on the Shuto (Metropolitan) Expressway network in Yokohama Bay. On many evenings—especially weekends—it becomes a magnet for JDM ...
続きを見る
Can you reach Daikoku PA without paying tolls?
No. Daikoku PA is located on the expressway, and there is no public pedestrian, bicycle, or bus access. Taxis are not permitted to drop you inside the PA unless they’re already traveling on the expressway and stop during that expressway journey. Always plan to arrive by car via the Metropolitan Expressway.
-
-
How to Get to Daikoku PA Without a Car (Legal Options, Taxi Costs, and Tours)
Daikoku Parking Area (Daikoku PA) is Japan’s most famous informal car meet—but it’s also one of the hardest spots for travelers to reach without a vehicle. The reason is simple: Daikoku PA sits on the Shuto Expressway and is designed for cars only. There’s no train station, no public bus stop inside the PA, and pedestrians are not allowed. This guide explains exactly how to get to Daikoku PA without driving yourself, the legal options that actually work, typical taxi pricing and pitfalls, what to do when the police close the lot, and the best “Plan B” places for JDM ...
続きを見る
-
-
Daikoku PA by Taxi (2025): Is It Possible, Is It Legal, and What It Really Costs
What is Daikoku PA? Daikoku Parking Area (often shortened to “Daikoku PA”) is a highway service area on the Metropolitan (Shuto) Expressway network in Yokohama. It sits inside a large junction ringed by fences and accessible only from tolled expressways. Because it’s a convenient, well-lit stop with wide bays, it has become the most famous late‑night car‑meet spot in Greater Tokyo. Police occasionally close the PA entirely when crowds or noise escalate, so access is not guaranteed. Can you take a taxi to Daikoku PA? Short answer: a taxi can physically enter Daikoku PA because it is on the expressway—but ...
続きを見る
Factors that change your Daikoku PA toll
- Which entrance you use: Starting from Ginza can be under ¥1,000 with ETC; Shinjuku or suburban entrances trend higher.
- Route selection: C1 Loop vs. Yokohane vs. Wangan (Bayshore) can change the toll distance by a few hundred yen.
- ETC vs. cash: Cash for standard cars is a flat ¥1,950 across most of Shuto; ETC can be notably cheaper for shorter trips.
- Time‑of‑day discounts: Late‑night discounts may apply on eligible segments.
- Vehicle class: Medium/large vehicles are charged more; motorcycles/kei cars can be less.
How to check your exact toll before you go (step‑by‑step)
- Confirm your closest expressway entrance (IC) near your hotel or rental depot (e.g., Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo IC, Shiodome).
- Use an official “Route & Toll Guide” for the Metropolitan Expressway or a reputable navigation app (e.g., NAVITIME) to set From: your entrance IC and To: Daikoku‑futo.
- Select vehicle type = standard passenger car and payment = ETC to see the current one‑way price range.
- If you don’t have ETC, compare against the cash flat toll shown.
- Re‑run the search for your return leg to estimate round‑trip cost.
Cost math: self‑drive vs. guided JDM tour
If you self‑drive from central Tokyo with ETC, expect about ¥1,000–¥1,500 one‑way in tolls for a standard car (plus fuel, rental, insurance, and parking). Cash users should budget ¥1,950 one‑way. When you factor rental logistics, potential PA closures, and navigation complexity, a guided Daikoku PA tour can be the more predictable option—your transport, tolls, parking, and schedule management are handled for you.
-
-
Daikoku Car Meet Tour Price (2025): What You’ll Pay, Why It Varies, and How to Book Smart
Planning to hit the Daikoku Parking Area (Daikoku PA) car meet from Tokyo? This guide breaks down real-world prices, what’s included, and how to avoid common pitfalls—so you can pick the best-value tour (or ours!) with confidence. Daikoku Car Meet Tour Prices in 2025: What You’ll Pay and Why For English-language platforms, shared/small‑group Daikoku tours typically start around $200–$300 per person for 3–5 hours.（normal car for example, prius,sienta,hiace） Private tours often run $400–$800 per group (vehicle-dependent). Premium experiences (e.g., R35 GT‑R, RX‑7 ride‑alongs) are generally higher. Price drivers include: Vehicle class (regular van vs. JDM legend) Group size (private vs. ...
続きを見る
-
-
Daikoku Car Meet Tour: The Complete, Legal Guide for Visitors
Welcome to the definitive guide to visiting the legendary Daikoku Parking Area (PA), the heart of Japan's car culture. This highway rest stop on the Shuto Expressway near Yokohama transforms on many nights into an informal, world-famous car show. But before you go, it's crucial to understand what Daikoku is—and what it isn't. This is not an official, ticketed event. It's a spontaneous gathering of car enthusiasts. To ensure a safe and memorable experience that respects the local culture, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. A Glimpse into JDM Culture Daikoku PA is considered a ...
続きを見る
Parking and on‑site notes
- Parking at Daikoku PA is first‑come, first‑served; it can fill quickly on weekend nights and event evenings.
- Police closures sometimes occur to manage congestion—your nav may reroute you to other PAs.
- Restrooms, shops, and food are available inside the PA during normal operating hours.
-
-
Daikoku PA Parking Fee: Everything You Need to Know
What is Daikoku PA? Daikoku Parking Area (PA) is one of the most iconic automotive gathering spots in Japan, located in Yokohama along the Shuto Expressway. Known globally among car enthusiasts, it attracts JDM fans, exotic car owners, and photographers eager to witness rare vehicles in one place. Beyond its reputation as a car culture hotspot, Daikoku PA functions as a rest stop for highway travelers, offering food, restrooms, and convenience stores. How Much is the Daikoku PA Parking Fee? One of the biggest appeals of Daikoku PA is that parking is free of charge for visitors. Unlike central Tokyo ...
続きを見る
-
-
Best Time to Visit Daikoku Parking Area (Daikoku PA) in 2026: The Real-World Guide
Daikoku Parking Area—usually shortened to Daikoku PA—is Japan’s most famous informal car-meet spot. There’s no official “car meet schedule,” but there are predictable patterns. Quick verdict: Most cars + best atmosphere: Friday or Saturday evening (7:30–10:30 PM) Calmest + easiest for photos: Sunday early morning (6:00–8:30 AM) Important context: Daikoku PA is an expressway parking area in Yokohama (near Tokyo), not a street-level parking lot. Access is controlled, and temporary closures can happen when it’s too crowded or when authorities intervene. Quick Answer: Best day and time to visit Daikoku PA If you can only choose one window, choose this: ...
続きを見る
FAQs
Is the toll per vehicle or per person? Per vehicle.
Do I pay when entering or exiting? With ETC, your toll is charged automatically at gates. With cash, you pay the basic toll at the first toll gate, then show the receipt at eligible consecutive gates if applicable.
Can I go by train or bus and walk in? No—Daikoku PA is not accessible on foot. Consider a guided tour if you don’t plan to drive.
What if I exit the expressway and re‑enter? Your toll calculation resets; plan a continuous expressway route if you want one combined charge.
Is late‑night cheaper? Some segments apply late‑night discounts to ETC users; exact savings vary by route.
