Daikoku PA: A Bucket-List Destination for Car Enthusiasts in Japan

If you're a car enthusiast traveling to Japan, Daikoku Parking Area (PA) in Yokohama is a must-visit. More than just a rest stop, it's a legendary gathering place where Japan’s finest tuner cars, supercars, and automotive subcultures meet—often spontaneously.

📍 Where Is Daikoku PA?

Daikoku PA is located on Daikoku Futo, an artificial island and logistics hub in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. It sits directly on the Shuto Expressway Bayshore Route (首都高速湾岸線).

🗺️ Map Overview

Location: Google Maps link
Address (Japanese): 大黒パーキングエリア, 神奈川県横浜市鶴見区大黒ふ頭
Nearest Station: JR Tsurumi Station (but pedestrian access to Daikoku PA is not officially permitted)

🚗 Note: You can only access Daikoku PA by car via the expressway. Walking or biking there is technically not allowed.

🚗 How to Access Daikoku PA (The Right Way)

1. Rent a Car with ETC

You’ll need a car that supports Japan’s ETC toll system, as the Shuto Expressway requires ETC card access in many areas.

Pro Tip: Use Japanese navigation apps like NAVITIME or Google Maps (in Japanese mode) to guide you via expressway entrances.

2. Recommended Routes

If coming from:

Tokyo: Take the Shuto Expressway Wangan Route (B) southbound → Exit at Daikoku PA.
Yokohama: Use the same Bayshore Route northbound.

🧭 GPS hint: Search for 大黒パーキングエリア or use the place code: Daikoku Parking Area, Yokohama

📸 Photo Guide: How to Capture the Scene

🌃 Lighting Conditions

Evenings (7 PM – Midnight): Vibrant atmosphere, LED/neon lighting on cars, great for handheld shots or light trails.
Early Mornings: Softer natural light, ideal for detailed car photos or more peaceful captures.

📷 Best Photography Tips

Bring a fast lens (f/1.8 or lower) to shoot in low light.
A mini tripod helps stabilize night shots without being bulky.
Go wide angle (24mm or similar) to capture car groups and parking scenes.
Always ask permission before shooting car interiors or owners.
Be mindful of reflections—don’t lean on cars or block light sources.

📸 Popular angles: Headlight-on shots, side profiles with expressway curves in the background, or long exposures with cars entering/exiting the lot.

🧭 Insider Tips from Locals

Get there before 9 PM on Saturdays—the lot fills up quickly with unique builds.
Bring cash for vending machines (there’s no convenience store on site).
Be discreet with revving or drones—Japanese police sometimes monitor activity.
Weekday visits can be quiet, but give you a chance to meet hardcore locals without the crowds.

🏎️ What You Might See

JDM Legends:
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34), Toyota Supra, RX-7, Silvia, NSX

VIP Builds:
Toyota Crown, Celsior, and Aristo slammed on deep-dish wheels

Supercars & Euros:
Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren, sometimes even Koenigseggs

Kaido Racers & Bosozoku:
Wild exhausts, flares, colorful paint and ‘70s inspired styling

Tuned Kei Cars:
Suzuki Cappuccino, Alto Works, Honda S660 with big performance mods

⚠️ Respect the Culture

Daikoku PA is a privilege, not a guarantee. It has been closed temporarily in the past due to noise, drifting, or public nuisance complaints.

Rules to Follow

Don’t blast music or rev engines unnecessarily.
Don’t drift or drive recklessly in or near the area.
Don’t litter—Japanese car meet culture is clean and respectful.
Avoid shining bright lights into people’s cars or faces when photographing.

✨ Final Thoughts

Daikoku PA isn’t just a parking lot—it’s the heart of Japan’s living car culture. Whether you're shooting photos, swapping stories, or just soaking in the scene, it’s a must-visit for gearheads worldwide.

Take the right approach, respect the space, and you'll walk away with not just photos—but memories.

The Japan Car Guy Guide.