Japan. Why is it that we can’t get enough of this place? That’s a question which I could dedicate countless articles to, but I think we can all agree that there’s just something special about the country and its car culture. Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some of Japan’s best events, workshops, museums and more – yet every time I visit there’s a certain sense of excitement that comes with just being out on the street and taking it all in.
Yes, checking out the events and shops is great, but at times I think there’s really no better way to experience the place than by just wandering around and seeing what you can find on the street. As you’ve seen in some of the posts we’ve done in the past, a simple stroll through the streets of Tokyo can often be better than a lot of the “real” car events out there.
When I’m in Japan, every little grocery store run or walk to the train station becomes a carspotting adventure. Because of this I always try to have my camera nearby – even when doing the most mundane things.
There have been plenty of times when my wife has gone into a shop or something, and instead of enjoying the heat or air conditioning I’ve elected to stay outside and hunt for cool cars.
And while I’m sure most people wonder what the hell that white guy is doing standing around on street corners like weirdo, the result is being able to put together fun stories like this one.
So with that said, I thought I’d go ahead and share some of the random car sightings from my Japan trip earlier this year.
JDM homeland
Let’s begin with the iconic Bayside Blue R34 Skyline GT-R, spotted cruising near Tokyo Dome City. Does it get much more “Japan” this?
It so happens that a minute or two later, I caught another 34 GT-R rolling through the same spot, this one coated in rare “Silica Breath” gold.
Here’s a an S13 Onevia I spotted out the window while rolling around Osaka one afternoon with the guys from Tactical Art.
Also spotted while looping around Osaka, this dropped Honda StepWgn. I’m not sure why, but I’m just a sucker for simple boxy minivans like this one.
Meanwhile on the streets of Akihabara, I found this SW20 MR2 rolling around on a set of blue-lipped Super Advan wheels for that straight outta the ’90s vibe.
Here’s one of the countless 86s and BRZs I came across. I certainly would complain about having even a bone stock 86 as a Tokyo commuter.
International selection
Then again domestic cars are just one small part of the Japan carspotting experience. It’s often the imported machines that truly make things interesting.
It could be something as simple as the Mini, a car which has always been a popular choice on Japan’s narrow roads…
Yet there are always those who throw convention out the window and chose something big and crazy like the G-Class Mercedes. For as large as they are, high end SUVs like this are surprisingly common in Japan’s big cities.
The Hummer H2 is another one those vehicles you see more often than you’d expect. Bling is alive and well in Tokyo it seems.
If it was me though I’d much prefer something like this lifted Chevy Suburban, which I spotted rolling by the famous 109 shopping mall in super trendy Shibuya.
One of the things I love about Japan is that with enough money or motivation, you can really drive anything you want. Here’s an American-built Toyota Tundra pickup, which isn’t sold by Toyota in Japan but is readily available through importers.
Elsewhere, we have a 5.0 Mustang GT parked on a quiet Tokyo side street early one morning.
Or how about this early Mustang notchback? This was spotted in Tokyo’s upscale Omotesando district on a typical weekend afternoon.
Be seen
For pure automotive porn, you can’t do better than heading out to a trendy area like Omotesando or Roppongi Hills and just taking in the sights.
I mean, what better place to roll around in a domestic VIP sled like this Toyota Celsior?
Nothing hits the spot like an early 911, especially when its cruising through a sea of Tokyo taxicabs.
Here’s an elderly gent out for a drive in his bone stock Porsche 964. I swear there are times when you think these cars were actually built in Japan.
Harajuku is another place where people go to be seen, and that’s where I heard the distinct V8 rumble of this 392 Hemi-powered SRT Challenger. God bless the USA.
Rare machines
It’s also fun to keep an eye out for unusual Japanese cars, either low production machines or cars that have largely disappeared – like the Mitsubishi GTO seen here. You are guaranteed to see more Hummers on the streets of Tokyo than you are Mitsubishi GTOs.
The Toyota Sera is another rarity. You know, that strange little car with the gullwing doors.
Perhaps the rarest Japanese car I spotted was this third generation Honda Prelude. I honestly can’t remember if I’ve ever seen one of these in Japan before. Cool.
When it was first released in the early 1990s, the Nissan Figaro was one of the world’s first true retro cars. Now more than 20 years later it’s become a legit classic in itself.
Also coming from that same great period of the early ’90s is the Honda Beat, seen here cruising through the middle of Nagoya with the top down.
Carspotting in Japan is all about expecting the unexpected. You can be staring at an endless line of kei cars and then out of nowhere something strange like this custom 310 Nissan Sunny wagon comes rolling by.
Only in Japan
Shibuya’s world famous scrambling intersection is a prime place for people watching, but I’ll stick with the cars. It’s here where I found this tasty looking VW Sirocco R. Looks like a company demo car of some sort.
Also in Shibuya I spotted this not so common BMW 3-series Compact. You just never know what you’ll see around here.
This post is about carspotting, but it also should be said that the two-wheeled machines on the streets of Japan don’t disappoint either. It’s all there, whether you dig choppers, cafe racers, or any other type of bike.
On top of all the cool cars (and bikes) – you also have the strange stuff. I’m talking about the rolling billboards for pop idols, blasting music on an endless loop. I immediately went out and bought 10 No Sleeves cds after seeing this.
Other forms of rolling advertisement are a bit more creative in their presentation.
I thought it was only fitting to wrap up this little expedition in Akihabara. It’s the otaku capital of the world. and also a place where you’ll find some of Tokyo’s most interesting cars. Here’s a nicely modified M35 Stagea I found one night.
It was inside one of Akiba’s parking garages where I came across this beautiful first generation Corvette parked unassumingly.
It’s also where I found this cool Nissan AD Van done with a bit of a USDM touch.
I’ll wrap up one of the craziest cars I saw during my entire trip – a widebody Nissan Cima looking like the offspring of a VIP sedan, a Super GT car, and an Itasha. Only in Japan.
That will do it. Hope you’ve enjoyed this little batch of car sightings.
Mike Garrett
Instagram: speedhunters_mike
mike@speedhunters.com
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
I had a 3rd generation prelude in Laguna Gold. I was rear ended by my friend who just happened to own an 87 supra..
I do the same thing when I go to London. I'll wonder around Belgravia and Knightsbridge for hours down side streets just trying to find things, and it's amazing what shows up. The Nissan Figaro is pretty common, and I actually saw Honda Beat on my last night there this year. First one I've ever seen, and it's even smaller in person than I thought.
I really feel like paying a visit to Japan now. Keep up the good work.
I love the new format of the website
I really like this kind of article, great pictures ! *Clicks "download wallpaper" for everything*
<3 this The werid the good and the awsome in Japan Car Cultrue and stuff
Brad_S I used to have a 3rd gen prelude as well. Car was so much fun to drive.
Love the bike, even though I'm a sport bike guy.
Great post. #envious
Love the Tundra. I need to visit Japan some day. great post!
this is the best post i've ever seen
this is the best post i've ever seen
K's i choose not yet,man because no3b members are akb48 1st generation
IanMacdonald1 oh heck yeah they were. Handled like it was on rails!
It would be nice to see some stuff of places outside Tokyo and Osaka. I realize that between Kanto and Kansai you've essentially got 50% of the population covered, but going out to the 'less fashionable' areas up north/east and west/south can be significantly more odd ball. There's less money, so less of the high-end, but you can see more of what people do with limited resources, which is generally more creative.
Also, the food is much better...
Fantastic Post! It really translates the excitement of being in Japan and seeing the sheer volume of cars we dream about!
Que buen post! muy fresco de los mejores.
Que buen post! muy fresco de los mejores.
Que buen post! muy fresco de los mejores.
Great post! love this
Great post! love this
stuffed_tomato
the countyside can make you sad though, lots of neglected cars standing in the tall grass. I've once seen an ae86 cemetery with 20+ rusted out cars
stuffed_tomato
the countyside can make you sad though, lots of neglected cars standing in the tall grass. I've once seen an ae86 cemetery with 20+ rusted out cars
Thank you!
Thank you!
Gracias!
Gracias!
Thanks. It's something I felt when I first visited way back when and it's never really gone away.
Thanks. It's something I felt when I first visited way back when and it's never really gone away.
For sure. Lots of cool stuff hidden away out in the countryside.
Haha, thanks.
Strange to see them over there, but it's easy to understand the appeal.
Yeah, I'm pretty scared of motorcycles myself but I can certainly appreciate a cool one
Old gals.
Yeah, I'm sure I'd end up doing that anywhere I'd go haha.
Mike Garrett Haha. Come back from some awesome place that anyone would love to go to. We go and come back with 800 photos of cars and about 100 of the actually city/country. It's a good life!
Mike Garrett You should try and pitch a Speedhunters Japan road trip. Say, Toyama to Shimonoseki along the coast of the Sea of Japan, or Kagoshima to Fukuoka over Mt. Aso. Definitely a view that would be a bit different.
great post Mike
Hey Mike, where can I get a wallpaper of that white akihabara skyline there?
That M35 Stagea is SOOO rad! <3
Did you sleep when you where in Japan ?
Great Post Mike.
Did you sleep when you where in Japan ?
Great Post Mike.
I have said it before but I will say it again. I love these kind of articles because it makes me appreciate living in this country more than I already do. I LOVE driving, walking, riding a bike, or taking a train around as there is always something interesting to see. I have made it a habit to always carry my camera with me for when I spot an interesting car or some other oddity/beautiful thing that screams "Japan." I always notice people on here saying, "I can't wait to go to Japan" or something along those lines. I hope those people can save up their money, get their butt over here, and really take it all in. Also, someone else mentioned getting into the countryside to see cars and such and I couldn't agree more. The countryside holds countless treasures and my head is constantly scanning left and right to find something interesting. And.....there always is.
I have said it before but I will say it again. I love these kind of articles because it makes me appreciate living in this country more than I already do. I LOVE driving, walking, riding a bike, or taking a train around as there is always something interesting to see. I have made it a habit to always carry my camera with me for when I spot an interesting car or some other oddity/beautiful thing that screams "Japan." I always notice people on here saying, "I can't wait to go to Japan" or something along those lines. I hope those people can save up their money, get their butt over here, and really take it all in. Also, someone else mentioned getting into the countryside to see cars and such and I couldn't agree more. The countryside holds countless treasures and my head is constantly scanning left and right to find something interesting. And.....there always is.
You say only in Japan, but I would build that car in a second, and I live in Texas.
You say only in Japan, but I would build that car in a second, and I live in Texas.
roryfjohnston In regards to people coming over here to see cars. I would say to not be afraid to ask questions on Speedhunters. Because of a simple back and forth with the man above, we have become friends. and he helped me a ton when I first moved here to find the cool local stuff. Japan is wonderful. I need to start carrying my camera everywhere. Most of the time the phone just isn't cutting it.
roryfjohnston In regards to people coming over here to see cars. I would say to not be afraid to ask questions on Speedhunters. Because of a simple back and forth with the man above, we have become friends. and he helped me a ton when I first moved here to find the cool local stuff. Japan is wonderful. I need to start carrying my camera everywhere. Most of the time the phone just isn't cutting it.
HAHAH. A Sera! That car gets absolutely no coverage and is completely 90s awesome. I'm not sure too many people stateside have heard of it. When I told my friends back home I had seen one they all had no idea what i was talking about.. and they are serious car people.
HAHAH. A Sera! That car gets absolutely no coverage and is completely 90s awesome. I'm not sure too many people stateside have heard of it. When I told my friends back home I had seen one they all had no idea what i was talking about.. and they are serious car people.
I guess the other thing people in america aren't aware of is cars are CHEAP in Japan. I was born and raised in Japan so here is the an example of prices. My friend who is Japanese had a car dealers license. It was about 2000. He asked me if I wanted a 1 owner 1989 GTR skyline for wait for it.....$2500. Nothing wrong with it just totally stock. Cars are practially half the value of what they are in America. In Japan you PAY more money in TAXES for a car that is over 10 years old. So they get rid of cars left and right. You will find perfectly good cars being crushed because they don't want to pay taxes on it!! its crazy.
I guess the other thing people in america aren't aware of is cars are CHEAP in Japan. I was born and raised in Japan so here is the an example of prices. My friend who is Japanese had a car dealers license. It was about 2000. He asked me if I wanted a 1 owner 1989 GTR skyline for wait for it.....$2500. Nothing wrong with it just totally stock. Cars are practially half the value of what they are in America. In Japan you PAY more money in TAXES for a car that is over 10 years old. So they get rid of cars left and right. You will find perfectly good cars being crushed because they don't want to pay taxes on it!! its crazy.
Dear Mike,
I've spent a week in Tokyo in August and took around 120 automotive pics (incl. Spoon and Type One facilities), plus another 50 in the Toyota Megaweb Showroom and Car Museum. Just as I did in 2012, so all together I have around 200 'street snaps' to share. Is there anyone who' interested in?
Best regards, Imre from Budapest/Hungary
Dear Mike,
I've spent a week in Tokyo in August and took around 120 automotive pics (incl. Spoon and Type One facilities), plus another 50 in the Toyota Megaweb Showroom and Car Museum. Just as I did in 2012, so all together I have around 200 'street snaps' to share. Is there anyone who' interested in?
Best regards, Imre from Budapest/Hungary
Love this type of post. Can't wait December ! Too hasty to return !
Love this type of post. Can't wait December ! Too hasty to return !
@Wagonist
Szerencsés flótás
roryfjohnston The only thing I would add is that please don't just form your ideas of Japan, or Japanese car culture from magazines or Speedhunters or anything else. Like most countries with serious petrolhead communities, there is much more variety and nuance than it is possible for media of any kind to capture. And like everywhere else, it can translate awkwardly. The stuff that those of us outside Japanese culture looking in find fascinating are not the same things which have the most revence in Japan.
For all the 1000hp Skylines and the like, while the Wangan might let someone stretch those things out, it doesn't square with 2 meter wide touge with a 40km/h speed limit and on-coming traffic. With conditions like that, the sensation matters as much as the numbers, which is why much of Japanese car culture goes in the directions which it does.
Also, the car culture mixes with contemporary culture in odd ways. Everyone loves Studio Ghibli movies. What isn't as known is that hayao Miyazaki is a massive gear head, and that's why all the cars in his movies are so well-drawn in comparison with some of the rest of the artwork...
ryukyustriker It's also been a blessing from heaven for Australia and New Zealand as it's allowed them access to many, many great cars at reasonable prices. I can believe the GTR price though, as the R32 Skyline GT-R is the 5.0 Fox-body Mustang of Japan. Very, very cheap performance for the yen...
If only other would have pulled over and opened up the doors like a badass.
If only other would have pulled over and opened up the doors like a badass.
Exactly. Everything is an adventure of some sort
Seems like the feeling never wears off either.
Exactly. Everything is an adventure of some sort
Seems like the feeling never wears off either.
Thanks Rob. Funny now just wandering around on the street can get this sort of response haha.
Thanks Rob. Funny now just wandering around on the street can get this sort of response haha.
Mike, you're one of the most unique enthusiasts I've ever met and certainly one who is the most fascinated by the discovery of cool cars. This post reminded me exactly why I loved your personal blog.
"The R32 Skyline GT-R is the 5.0 Fox-body Mustang of Japan". Ha! I used to tell people that all the time while in Japan and when I got back. Nice to see I'm not the only one who noticed that. When I think back, I should have bought one while there. But at the time I was obsessed with JZ powered Toyotas.
"The R32 Skyline GT-R is the 5.0 Fox-body Mustang of Japan". Ha! I used to tell people that all the time while in Japan and when I got back. Nice to see I'm not the only one who noticed that. When I think back, I should have bought one while there. But at the time I was obsessed with JZ powered Toyotas.
"The R32 Skyline GT-R is the 5.0 Fox-body Mustang of Japan". Ha! I used to tell people that all the time while in Japan and when I got back. Nice to see I'm not the only one who noticed that. When I think back, I should have bought one while there. But at the time I was obsessed with JZ powered Toyotas.
So true, that's one thing that annoys me greatly with most JDM related blogs and media in the US. Alot of what is presented as Japanese car culture is anything but. The best way I can explain true Japanese car culture is an extreme obsession with any and all things automotive, plus an intense pursuit of the experience there of...
Wordy I know, but the Japanese car culture is so nondenominational and varied. And even highly prized and rare cars are driven and driven hard - as well as modified. It's like a cultural embodiment of the most schizophrenic, ADD, anal retentive, obsessive car frantic you've ever known. I was always pleasantly surprised by the knowledge, admiration and respect that many Japanese car enthusiast had for ALL cars not just Japanese ones.
Inversely I am often disappointed here in the states by the almost willful ignorance of many US (JDM and Domestic) car enthusiast about their own car, let alone automobiles in general.
Brad_S IanMacdonald1 thats why I'm on my 3rd Prelude!
sean klingelhoefer eww
sean klingelhoefer eww
sean klingelhoefer eww
Loving this new layout...good job SH! I am here to stay.
There is an insane amount of Nissan Figaro imported into Ireland, you could see 2 to 3 a day in dublin
There is an insane amount of Nissan Figaro imported into Ireland, you could see 2 to 3 a day in dublin city
There is an insane amount of Nissan Figaro imported into Ireland, you could see 2 to 3 a day in dublin city
Mike Garrett Well you were actually hunting speed! In the wild like. Nothing not to love about that
Mike Garrett Well you were actually hunting speed! In the wild like. Nothing not to love about that
Me likey Japan
Hahah. Thank you comrade!
What's the reason behind the 3rd gen Prelude being so rare in Japan?
BoFlex Japanese people usually drop their cars when they run over 5 years old and buy new ones. 80's Japanese cars are just few.
BoFlex Japanese people usually drop their cars when they run over 5 years old and buy new ones. 80's Japanese cars are just few.
BoFlex Japanese people usually drop their cars when they run over 5 years old and buy new ones. 80's Japanese cars are just few.
@Wagonist Send em my way haha
That Prelude is common at my place. But nicely modded ones are not very common.
ugh i wanna go Japan!!
Nikhil_P Don't ever go. You will not want to leave ever. I grew up in Japan most of my life. Can you imagine a place where there is practically zero crime. Cars are cheap. Like half as much as you would pay for a used car in the U.S. It costs taxes to keep a car more than 12 years old. So cars are junked and scrapped left and right. There is nothing wrong with these cars. You can buy alcohol anytime you want no stupid cut off time at 2 a.m. When I was growing up they had beer vending machines outside on the street. Cigarette ones too. I went to visit my friend in Osaka and was to meet him at a bar. I was lost and went to this small satellite police station they have everywhere. The police officer not only showed me where it was ,but walked me directly to it so I wouldn't get lost and said have fun tonight.
I really really want more of this
i was not expecting that lifted suburban lol
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two things in common: one:no sleeves is an akb48 sub-group..(I didn't know why mike bought it :P) and two:that nissan ad van....is an itasha now...