What is Tatsumi Parking Area (Tatsumi PA)? Tatsumi Parking Area—often shortened to “Tatsumi PA”—is a compact, elevated rest stop on Tokyo’s Shuto Expressway network that doubles as a late‑night magnet for car enthusiasts. Thanks to its skyline views and quick access to the Bayshore (Wangan) Route, Tatsumi has become a photogenic staging point where JDM icons pause, cool down, and meet up before or after highway runs. While it’s smaller and more transient than Daikoku PA, the flow‑through nature of Tatsumi keeps the mix of machines fresh: from GT‑R and RX‑7 royalty to spotless kei builds and VIP sedans. Important: Tatsumi PA is first and foremost a highway rest area. Meets are spontaneous, short‑lived, and can be regulated by authorities at any time. Always prioritize safety, respect, and local rules. Tatsumi PA vs. Daikoku PA: Which Should You Choose? Tatsumi PA offers dramatic city backdrops and quick in‑and‑out traffic. Parking is limited, stays are brief, and crowds ebb and flow. It’s great for photography and serendipitous sightings, but you might see only a handful of noteworthy cars on a quiet night. Daikoku PA in Yokohama is much larger and is widely regarded as Japan’s most famous car‑culture hub. On the right nights, it becomes an open‑air gallery of rare JDM legends, exotics, and tuner builds—with space to walk, observe, and chat. If your priority is a high chance of seeing many special cars in one place, Daikoku wins. For travelers who want reliability and stress‑free logistics, we recommend booking a dedicated Daikoku PA tour that ...