Featured image “rx7” by Paul Cook, licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0
Daikoku PA Google Maps navigation link (exact location)
Daikoku PA – Use this as your destination if you’re navigating using Google Maps. If you type “Daikoku PA” into Google Maps, it gives you a few different results (PA = parking area). Some of the addresses will take you near the parking area, but outside the fences. Use the link as your destination and it will take you to the right place. Daikoku PA and Daikoku futo PA are the same place.
Can I take public transportation to Daikoku PA?
No. The reason why you can’t take public transportation to Daikoku PA is because the entire parking lot is surrounded by high fences (outlined in red on map below). So once you get there on foot you can’t walk in. It was made that way so people on foot or bicycles can’t get in.
There’s only one way in (green line on map below) and one way out (purple line on map below), and they’re for cars only. You need to rent a car or get a ride to get into the parking area. A motorcycle would work also.
You could take a taxi there, but there are no taxis to pick you up when you leave. And remember, you can’t get out on foot because it’s surrounded by fences. If you know how to call a taxi/use a taxi app then you could probably do that to have a taxi come pick you up. I read that some Japanese taxi apps only pickup inside Tokyo. Daikoku PA is outside Tokyo.
How do I get to Daikoku PA?
The easiest way to navigate yourself there is to use the Google Maps link at the top of this post as your destination.
Even with navigation, people sometimes have a hard time getting there, so I’ve added some background info that should help you avoid any confusion if you plan to drive yourself.
You have to get onto the toll highways to get to Daikoku PA
You can’t get into Daikoku PA using surface streets as you’ll be stuck outside the fences as I explained above. The only two highways that take you to there are the K5 Expressway and the Bayshore Route Expressway (labeled on maps with a “B”). Both are toll highways so you’ll need cash (1300 yen) or an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card to get through the toll gates (more info at the bottom of this page).
Getting close to Daikoku PA is pretty easy, but getting off at the right exit can be confusing. There are many off-ramps around the area, so I’ve added some maps and more detailed directions to help.
There are three directions you can approach Daikoku PA from:
1. K5 Expressway going south (coming from central Tokyo)
2. Bayshore Route going northeast (for example, coming from Hakone Turnpike)
3. Bayshore Route going southwest (for example, coming from Tatsumi No.1 PA)
1. K5 Expressway going south
As you get near Daikoku PA on the K5 Expressway, follow the sign, staying left.
As you begin to circle around on the off-ramp, you’ll see another set of signs. Follow the sign for P, staying to the right. That takes you straight into Daikoku PA.
2. Bayshore Route going northeast
As you get near Daikoku PA on the Bayshore Route Expressway, heading northeast, follow the sign, staying left.
At the next set of signs, stay right.
As you continue to circle around on the off-ramp, you’ll see a final set of signs. Follow the signs for P, staying to the right. That takes you straight into Daikoku PA.
3. Bayshore Route going southwest
As you get near Daikoku PA on the Bayshore Route Expressway, heading southwest, follow the signs, staying left.
At the next set of signs, stay right.
As you continue to circle around on the off-ramp, you’ll see a final set of signs. Follow the sign for P, staying to the right. That takes you straight into Daikoku PA.
When is the best time to go to Daikoku PA?
Friday and Saturday nights, around 7pm.
Some bloggers say that the parking area is now totally closed on Friday and Saturday nights. Other people say that car meets still happen on weekend nights, but tend to get shut down around 9pm.
Sunday morning at 7am is also recommended as a good time to go. These meets have less chance of being shut down.
There are also a few special anniversary dates for specific cars that have meets:
January 3rd – New Year’s Day
March 2nd – Nissan Day/R32 Skylines
March 3rd – R33 Skylines
March 4th – R34 Skylines
July 7th – RX-7s
August 6th – AE86/GT86
How do I rent a car in Japan?
You need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) (Geneva Convention, 1949) to drive in Japan. Americans can apply for one at a AAA office for $20. You don’t have to be a member.
Toyota Car Rental (https://rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/) is easy to use, has lots of locations, and isn’t too expensive. It’s as cheap as 7,150 yen per day (~$64). You should also rent an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card from them to make paying tolls easier. It’s 330 yen (~$3).
How do I pay the tolls/use the ETC card?
Your rental car will have an ETC card reader on the dashboard. This is where you put in your ETC card. When you drive through the toll gate, your card will automatically be scanned. You will pay the toll fees when you return your car.
Each toll gate has different lanes depending on if you are paying cash or have a card reader. Some lanes can do both.
Where can I park my car?
Here is a really good YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viZb_7uHKow) that explains three types of parking lots you will find in Japan. I would look around your hotel/AirBnB on foot before you rent your car so you know where you’ll be parking, or ask your concierge/AirBnB host.
Can I just pay somebody to take me to Daikoku PA?
1. There is an AirBnB tour that will take you to Daikoku PA, Tatsumi No.1 PA, and Umihotaru PA for $120-$131/person (https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/627110).
2. I read that you can also pay JDMTours.com to take you to Daikoku PA. They don’t have any info about it on their website, but try contacting them and ask.
Daikoku PA website
Official website for Daikoku PA (https://www.shutoko-sv.jp/parking_area/pa/?id=1427361882-982315) (use Google translate)