This guide features handpicked locations curated by a car enthusiast living in Japan—places you won’t find in typical tourist guides. From legendary parking areas where custom cars gather, to world-renowned tuning shops, and cutting-edge automotive exhibitions, these are the real destinations where Japan’s car culture comes alive. Your JDM pilgrimage starts here.
Shibuya (Tokyo)
Shibuya is famous as a youth culture hub and fashion mecca, but it’s also a hidden gem for car spotters. On weekend nights, the streets around Shibuya Parco and near Miyashita Park become impromptu car meets where owners showcase their rides.Wide-body GT-Rs, slammed sedans, classic oldies—the lineup changes every time. Stumbling upon a row of custom cars in the middle of this bustling tourist district is genuinely thrilling. Walk around with your camera ready, and you’re bound to catch something Instagram-worthy.
Just remember: be respectful when approaching owners. Never touch cars without permission, and don’t be a nuisance.
Liberty Walk Harajuku
A short walk from Shibuya, the Liberty Walk flagship store in Harajuku is an absolute must for any JDM fan. This is the home base of Kei Miura’s legendary brand—the one that put aggressive wide-body kits on the global map.Inside, you’ll find apparel, accessories, diecast models, and plenty of exclusive items you can’t get anywhere else. If you’re lucky, there might be a Liberty Walk demo car parked out front.
Check out our on-site report from Liberty Walk Harajuku here ↓
Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery (Yokohama)
Located in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district, the Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery is a free-entry showroom showcasing everything from the latest models to legendary GT-Rs and Fairlady Zs.
Exhibits rotate regularly, so there’s always something new to discover. There’s also a café on-site where you can relax and take it all in.
Akihabara Car Stores
Akihabara is known for electronics, but it’s also a mecca for hobby and model enthusiasts. The area is packed with specialty stores carrying automotive models, and they’re wildly popular among collectors. From plastic model kits to diecast cars and RC vehicles, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a beginner or a hardcore collector. The selection of 1/64 scale JDM cars is particularly impressive, with rare items you won’t find anywhere else. Perfect for souvenirs or expanding your own collection. Check out our 4 akihabara car model shop guide here↓
Daikoku PA
Daikoku PA is Japan’s most famous car meet spot. This parking area along the Bayshore Route of the Shuto Expressway becomes a gathering point for hundreds of custom cars on weekend nights. Supras, GT-Rs, RX-7s, Silvias—seeing all these JDM legends in one place is genuinely awe-inspiring. Owners are friendly and welcoming, even to foreign visitors. If you’re driving, prioritize safety. Reckless driving is absolutely forbidden, and police enforcement is strict.
Access guide and tour of Daikoku PA info
A PIT Autobacs Shinonome Tokyo
A PIT Autobacs Shinonome Tokyo isn’t just an auto parts store—it’s Japan’s largest flagship location, stocked with everything from custom parts to maintenance supplies and dress-up items. The real draw? The demo cars on display inside. You can see legitimate builds by top builders up close. The attached service bays let you watch tire changes and oil services in action, giving you a real feel for Japan’s car maintenance culture.
Full visit of A PIT Autobacs Shinonome report
Daikanyama T-SITE
Daikanyama T-SITE looks like just a stylish bookstore, but it boasts an incredible collection of automotive magazines and books—domestic and international car magazines, culture books, photo collections, the works. Even more noteworthy is the “Morning Cruise” event held every second Sunday morning. Cars matching a specific theme (maker, era, country, etc.) gather, and owners chat while spectators enjoy the lineup. Unlike the high-energy vibe of Daikoku PA, this is a more relaxed gathering spot for car enthusiasts. If you want to understand the depth of Japanese car culture, don’t skip this place.
Fuji Speedway
Fuji Speedway is one of Japan’s premier racing circuits, hosting world-class events like the F1 Japanese GP, Super GT, and WEC (World Endurance Championship). Beyond race spectating, they regularly hold driving experience events and circuit tours open to the public. You might even get a chance to drive your own car on the track—check the schedule in advance. Best of all, on clear days you can enjoy the circuit with Mount Fuji in the background. That view alone is worth the trip.
For more details about Fuji Speedway, check out this article!↓
Conclusion
Visit these spots, and you’ll truly understand the essence of Japanese car culture. This isn’t the surface-level tourist experience—this is the real, local car scene. The photos and videos you capture at each location will become lifelong memories. Follow the rules, show respect, and dive deep into Japan’s car culture.
See you in the next article!
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