I’ve got a little confession to make here. Over the last several years I’ve had the chance to witness a great amount of Japanese car culture – the legendary race tracks, shops of all sizes, events big and small, museums, mountain roads and more. Surprisingly though, one thing missing from that list was a visit to one of Japan’s most well known car spots – Daikoku Parking Area.
How could I have missed out on Daikoku for so long? A few reasons actually. When I lived in Japan back in 2008-09 I was based in Ibaraki and never had the chance to drive out to Yokohama and check it out. On subsequent visits to Japan, I was often without a car – and unlike many places in Japan, Daikoku is not easily accessed via public transportation.
Finally though on my most recent trip I was able to experience Daikoku Parking Area for myself. Not just once, but on a pair of occasions. This is all thanks to my friend and fellow auto otaku KAGE-san, who provided both his red Toyota 86 and his local expertise on a couple of my shooting expeditions. When he found out that I had yet to visit Daikoku, he insisted that we check out. No complaints were raised.
Now Dino has covered Daikoku’s famous meets countless times here on Speedhunters, but since this was my first time visiting I thought I’d post some impressions and observations on this magical place in a Temple of Speed story.
Wait a minute? A “Temple of Speed” story about a place that’s pretty much a fancy parking lot? Don’t cars stand still in parking lots? Sure they do, but for car lovers this just might be the world’s best parking lot.
If that’s not enough to justify its place as a Temple of Speed, Daikoku PA also happens to be connected to the Wangan Line – a highway route known the world over as a playground for ridiculously fast machines and legendary Japanese tuners. Daikoku happens to be the place where you’ll find them warming up and cooling down.
Before I go on though, I figured I should briefly describe the parking area and it’s location for those that might not be familiar.
Daikoku Futo itself is a man-made island that sits in the middle of Yokohama Harbor, with the parking area only taking up a small part of its area. The rest is filled with warehouses, container terminals, and loading facilities for vehicles being exported from Japan. In fact, there’s a chance YOUR Japanese car may have departed from Daikoku Futo before making its way to distant shores.
Zooming in closer on the Google satellite image, you can see Daikoku PA itself nestled beneath the towering highway overpasses. Primary access comes via the aforementioned Wangan Route. To the east it’s an arrow straight shot across the industrial harbor landscape toward Haneda Airport and on to Tokyo beyond. To the west, it’s a short trip across the Bay Bridge into the heart of Yokohama.
Even if you completely ignore the cars, Daikoku is a fascinating place. There have been books published on the architectural aesthetics of Japan’s highway interchanges, and the maze of routes and ramps that circle Daikoku is one of the most impressive in the country.
Just heading off the highway and down the off-ramp to the parking area is rather enjoyable in itself, with a long perfectly circular route down to ground level. I’m also told you can tell which cars are for real or not when you hear their exhaust notes coming down from the highway.
From here you can also find some very nice views of the nearby Minato Mirai skyline and the Yokohama Bay Bridge…
Of course Daikoku Parking Area is much more than just a gathering sport for gearheads. It’s also an extremely busy stopover point for highway travelers passing through the area. I’ll discuss some of these roadside amenities in just a moment.
As with everything in Japan, there’s a certain sense of order and politeness at Daikoku. The people that come to hang out and talk cars stick to the peripheral areas of the parking lot, leaving plenty of space for the normal people that are just passing through to grab a bite or use the restroom.
In addition, there’s a separate area for highway buses and truckers – some of whom are passing through on long hauls across country, while others are serving the local harbor area.
While there’s activity at Daikoku 24-7, weekends are the most popular times for car people. From what I’ve been told, Saturday nights usually get broken up pretty quickly by police, so Fridays and Sundays are the preferred days for most people.
Before I share some of the interesting machinery I found in my visits to Daikoku, I thought we should also take a look at some of the amenities offered to both highway travelers and the enthusiasts who gather here.
I know this will vary depending on which part of the world you come from, but here in the USA roadside rest areas typically have some bathrooms, a vending machine or two and that’s about it. You really don’t want to spend any more time at one than you absolutely need to.
Japan’s take on the roadside rest area couldn’t be more different. In fact, some of these highway parking areas (Daikoku included) are almost worthy of being destinations in themselves.
To put it another way, the feeling is more “mall” than it is “rest stop”.
Take a look at this photo and you might think you were in a department store somewhere in the middle of Tokyo. Nope, this is the “gift shop” at a highway parking area!
Again, I’m not exactly sure what the roadside amenities are like in other countries, but as an American it’s hard to even imagine something like this…
Hungry? There are a few different restaurants to choose from at Daikoku.
Like a lot of Japan’s parking areas, the store at here is stocked with lots of specialty items and local cuisine from surrounding areas. The idea is you pick up this stuff as omiyage (souvenirs) for your friends and family back home.
Here are some goodies from Yokohama’s famous Chinatown, which is located just across the Bay Bridge.
On the upper floor is a nice little cafe with the plenty of room to sit down and relax. What’s better after a cold night of looking at cars than a nice hot cup of cappuccino or tea?
Nope, that’s surely not your typical roadside cuisine…
Double cheeseburger anyone?
For those who are in a hurry, there’s also an enormous vending machine area. I’m sure anyone who’s familiar with Japan knows that they don’t mess around when it comes vending machines.
Besides every beverage imaginable, there also machines that sell hot food. In the mood for some Taiyaki, Onigiri, or Yakisoba? 350 yen and you’re covered.
Back outside now, you may have noticed the giant tower that rises up from the middle of parking lot. I was wondering exactly what this was, but it turns out it’s just a big light tower. I was thinking it was some sort of high tech control room or something.
Whatever the case, it just adds another sc-ifi touch to what’s already a fairly “Blade Runner” looking environment…
I really don’t even know where to begin with the cars of Daikoku. Perhaps the coolest thing is the variety of machines you see rolling in and out. VIP, drift, classic, import, exotic, dress-up – Daikoku is a gathering point for them all.
As an example, you’ll see a humble little Eunos Roadster…
…parked steps away from an EF Civic sedan Lowrider.
The evenings I visited had a particularly strong turnout of vintage machinery, like this beautiful C130 Butaketsu Nissan Laurel.
Imported cars are almost as common as their domestic rivals at Daikoku. Here’s a Renault Clio V6 I happened across.
I also spotted small group of C4 Corvettes, including this tough looking drop top fitted with a set of Work VS-KFs.
While some come to Daikoku alone, it’s also very popular as a gathering spot for car clubs and owners groups.
One evening a group of street style Chasers, Mark IIs, and Crestas had gathered up for an informal hang out session.
On another day, a sizable crowd of Z20 Toyota Soarers were lined up in a throwback to the boxy cars of the late Showa period.
Parked a short distance away from the line of Z20s was an earlier Z10 model looking just right on SSR Mk.IIIs.
Of course you don’t have to always have to drive the same exact car as your buddies. One group of guys I met came out with an S30 Fairlady Z, a Hakosuka Skyline…
…and this completely original SA22C RX-7 that was in showroom fresh condition.
Another Showa throwback with the largely unseen Z31 variant of the Fairlady Z…
An interesting look for this V35 Skyline Coupe. Again, the variety of the cars you see at Daikoku is unbelievable.
The most memorable machine I saw during my time at the parking area had to be this red KPGC10 Skyline GT-R. Not only was it a stunningly beautiful example of the rare Hakosuka GT-R, but it was also rolling around on full racing slicks.
Any doubt of the car’s legitimacy was quickly erased upon hearing the sound of its S20 scream it jumped back onto the Wangan. Yup, reason number 4,267,325 why Japan is the coolest place in the world.
Needless to say, I quickly found out why Daikoku Parking Area is such a legendary spot. More than anything though, I realized that Daikoku is everything that’s great about Japanese car culture concentrated into a single place.
To put it another way, to visit Daikoku is to see most amazing automobiles under the most casual of circumstances…
The cars are fantastic, the people are friendly, the vibe is relaxed, and the atmosphere is second to none. There’s even great food. What more do you need?
If you have the chance to visit Japan, I highly recommend hailing a cab, begging a friend for a ride, or just plain doing whatever it takes to see Daikoku for yourself.
-Mike
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
i know a lot of people don't like the lights or the radiators, but i think the 996 is quickly cementing itself as my favourite generation of 911s. it's got the biggest concentrations of 911s I really like, by a big margin, and that white GT3 is a great example
I must go there. I dunno when I can go there, but I must go there.
Great read, I really enjoyed that as it's often much better when you have the full picture in your head. Man I need to get to Japan someday... Oh and you need to stop off at Iowa 80 sometime, 220 acres of truck stop in Iowa. Barbers shop, dentist... America does alright
I love this article, I've always wondered about Daikoku beyond just the cars. On my one trip to Japan I was fortunate to stop at a rest stop and it was an experience in itself. The vending machines that can make hot food and show videos of your coffee being brewed from the whole beans to the cup!
Saving up all my frequent flyer miles for a trip to japan this year. This place is on my top ten list.
You guys should really do some massive photo dumps now and again..Just post a shit load of photos with little or no text just for the viewing pleassure..
That two tone Z was very cool and so was that C130 Laurel. Also great to see a GX81.
I suppose the Daikoku would be a place to take your own pictures of of rare cars.
the first picture... amazing..
I grew very jaded about this. I can't believe people still kiss up and go ballistic after sooooo many posts about Daikoku Futo.
It has been covered way too many times, yet some people find ANOTHER excuse to excuse themselves from wanting more.
How about some real gymkhana from Japan? (not that Ken Block BS) Or how about some GT series races coverage?
You know, something different!
The guy with the pristine RX-7 should be awarded a medal for keeping the car in that condition.
@JDMized Gymkhana from Japan !!!!
We have something similar in the UK, there called motorway service stations, but they are damn expensive for everthing, especially fuel!!!!
oh and for more information on that Renault Clio V6 (just covered in on my website as it happend) follow the link, very rare and very fast-
http://www.thepetrolstop.com/2013/03/renault-clio-v6.html
love that corvette on works, any more on it?
JDMized grew jaded about something? Alert the media!
@Schmuppes It was amazing!
@jzx81 Yes. You never know what's gonna show up there!
@Lille Buller I certainly plan on doing that again the next time at an event with an overwhelming amount of cool cars!
@grandtouring You won't regret it!
@Speedhunters Bryn Is that the same place they have a giant chrome-shop for trucks and a cafe for roadkills?
@jasonseney Thanks! Like you I'd seen lots of photos, but was curious to see what else made up the "Daikoku experience".
@Speedhunters Bryn Haha! I guess us Californians are missing out.
@Gvk Do it!
@Mike Garrett Speedhunters very own comic book guy.
I must go to Daikoku Futo now!
I need to make another trip back to Japan and go to Daikoku Futo. This article was fantastic!
Is it legal to roll on slick in Japan ? I'm from France and it isn't here ,cool to see a clio v6 here it is very rare in France and must be even rarer in Japan.
@ComJive I've always had a soft spot for the 996.
@ComJive I've always had a soft spot for the 996.
More like a Temple of Stop if you ask me... waka waka.
@Mike Garrett Yeah, why don't you guys cover the Daikoku Futo every week?
"culture at large"? Seriously?
You want some constructive criticism?
There are MANY other fun events across the globe, and while Daikoku Futo is fun, it gets old quickly. How about autocross events, or the underground scene of street racer in the US? Or how about the Paris Dakar? Something different. There is so much going on on a daily basis and you guys cover the same stuff over and over again.
I can either complain, or simply stop visiting the site (like many other have already done)......then what?
Here in Germany the Roadstops at the Autobahn are pretty much the same as in Japan i guess.
And to the people that hat engouh of Daikoku, just don´t read it!
I can speak for Canada in saying that there's no such thing as rest stops up here. Any rest stop that you encounter along the TransCanada would be the next town that you hit. And if you really need to go… There's nothing like a quick stop on the side of the road to relieve yourself! I can attest to having to do that a few times. When I made my journey through the US it was kind of shocking to me that there was even rest stops at all along the highways. So yeah, to me, Japan's rest stops are basically a small town's mall.
Japan is my number one place to visit for both experiencing the car culture there, and to go skiing in Hokkaido. I think I might explode with giddiness if I ever visited Daikoku!
@JDMized I don't think anyone would object to you leaving.
@AndrewCinch Interesting. When you gotta go, you gotta go!
@Masterwana Hmm. Somehow that doesn't surprise me. We need to get with the program in the USA!
@sean klingelhoefer BURN.
I'm not sure if it's legal anywhere. How strictly its enforced is another matter entirely though...
@KRaZyAmmo Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
@JDMized @Mike Different strokes for different folks I guess? There's also ALMS and WRC coverage on the site right now. A pretty diverse mix in my eye...
@Mike Garrett @AndrewCinch Andrew doesn't really know what he's talking about. Canada has rest stops just nothing comparable to Daikoku.
I can't post my wikipedia link but search "rest area" and then look under Canada.
@JDMized @Mike Why not? From what I've read Dino lives in Southern-ish Tokyo so Daikoku isn't that far away.
Have you not noticed the increased coverage in other areas?
Autocross events are pretty boring. Speedhunters covers a lot of time attack series,
Fuck, give them credit....... coverage in Dubai is pretty diverse.
I am in love with the Z31 and the 280ZX
@JDMized @Mike You know, you are right. It's been bothering me for a coupla years now that there are 500-1000hp cars all over the US (most Domestic) that are putting in work all over the US in the late-nite to early morning for cold hard cash, and virtually NONE of that is covered anywhere on the net except maybe the odd youtube vid, or V8 gearhead mag. You'd think SpeedHunters would be all over that scene. especially with the quality of cars that the top racers run. I'm talking 9-11sec cars running all out on the street...many still being shifted the old fashioned way: your right hand and left foot. And many not running anything stickier than a 10.5 drag radial! O_o
Love the coverage even tho is not up to JDMized specs, but whatever. I really hate vettes but that red one on those Works is awesome. Only in Japan I guess.
@Mike Garrett okay I apologize, I was probably being a little inaccurate. My experiences with Canadian highways only expand across the prairies, and the only rest stop I've encountered was one in Minnedosa along TransCanada Highway 16 in Manitoba. Still, compared to the US, with which I've seen a rest stop every 60 miles or so, there certainly aren't as many.
@Masterwana
@dadecode @JDMized @Mike That might be because street racing isn't exactly legal? Jsut guessing... Dunno whether that stuff would be wanted on a website that's exposed to, well, just about anyone adn gets quite a bit of traffic.
Daikoku was on my must visit list but I will be carless and in Osaka for most of my next visit so I will have to wait but I always love seeing posts about it and the other PAs! Thanks to you, Dino and the rest of the SH crew for bringing so much awesome coverage. I'm also kind of in love with the ITR behind the red 86.
@dadecode @JDMized @Mike
@dadecode
Remember when everyone flipped a shit over Kanjo Civics?
I don't think they'll take too kindly to cars 3x as powerful doing something similar...
@Mike Garrett @JDMized @Mike I guess one of the things I like about speedhunters is that the personality of the author/photographers really comes out. It's nice to see all of your personalities interacting with the car culture. That being said, I wouldnt mind seeing EVEN MORE variety, on SH, however, i won't complain about daikoku PA or any other regularly covered event until the cars aren't awesome.
side note about that red hakosuka, i'm pretty sure the GT-R's did NOT have front over fenders. Can anyone confirm this?
That's it, I'm moving to Japan, I can't stand just drooling over this porn, I need to live it.
holy shit, a C10 GT-R just chilling in a parking lot!
It's really nice to know that it's being driven rather than locked in a shed as an investment.
@aussieANON Amazingly, there were two KPGC10s. If you look close, you'll see the one in the intro shot and the one later in the story are actually two different cars.
@ryanproulx94 I know what you mean. There are lots of times when I feel like I wanna move back.
@iamnotemonster Thank you!
@robzor @JDMized @Mike Yeah, you'd be correct. A lot of cars had them fitted afterward though. Just like how not many people kept the narrow steel wheels they came with.
Daikoku is definitely on top of my list of "things I need to see in Japan". Great coverage Mike!
BTW: I'm sure that if I'll go to Japan I won't have a car there. Is it really that hard to get there by public transport? Are there any Taxis that could bring you back to the city at Daikoku?
@JDMized @Mike please no coverage of USA street racing/underground stuff. it already gets enough attention from the main news outlets as it is >__>..
I could live in that car park...
Kinda like how you aren't allowed to use normal tires on certain snowy highways here. How the authorities know whether or not you are using snow tires is beyond me but my wife insists that we stick to the law.... I am sure the same goes for using slicks:) As for the Clio, I have only seen one in the flesh here but my friend has exported a surprising number of them. Japan has an excess of EVERYTHING when it comes to cars.
@iamnotemonster While there is no Daikoku-esque parking area in Osaka, there are a few that play host to car meetings every other weekend or so. Check out Minkara or tell me your schedule and I can see if there is anything coming up. Tomorrow, Saturday night, at Izumiotsu PA there is a S15 meeting that brought over 60 Silvias out last year - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_md-6bAEY7E
Awesome write-up. I've seen loads of coverage on Daikoku before but seeing other stuff besides cars is really cool.
Services/rest stops in mainland Europe are pretty good, France especially has some really nice ones with nice places to eat. No car culture though, at least not in the ones I've been in. The UK on the other hand has a few nice ones, but the rest are horrid - proper grimey places where you wouldn't want to set foot....not unlike the rest of the UK
Is it possible that we could get a descop-version of the 2-nd last picture? The one inlcuding the; SA22C RX-7, S30 Fairlady Z and the Hakosuka Skyline…
Thanks.
Nice coverage Mike, it's nice to see the areas outside of the parking area as well as the amenities. We've seen lots of car club coverage, but I don't think I've been able to see the 'whole picture'. Very cool. From most coverage I read and see I feel I'd want to be semi-fluent in Japanese, or at least able to read it, before I visited in earnest or without a guide - would you say that's fairly accurate?
@Mike Garrett @aussieANON can you be a top bloke and shout me some plane tickets to Japan?
@MikeYee @JDMized @Mike Agreed, don't drive a stake through the heart of an already very scrutinized subculture
Awesome post. One day I will visit with a car
Thank you for sharing..
Awesome post. One day I will visit with a car
Thank you for sharing..
@FunctionFirst Yeah that's what I was going for - mostly because I was curious myself! As for visiting, if you stick to big cities there's plenty of cool stuff to see even with little or no knowledge of the language. It gets a little tougher once you get outside the city - especially in terms of transportation.
@FunctionFirst Yeah that's what I was going for - mostly because I was curious myself! As for visiting, if you stick to big cities there's plenty of cool stuff to see even with little or no knowledge of the language. It gets a little tougher once you get outside the city - especially in terms of transportation.
@Kitch Thanks!
@Kitch Thanks!
@Davide Prata Thanks! I'm sure it's possible to use a taxi, but you'd probably want to arrange it in advance just to be sure.
@Davide Prata Thanks! I'm sure it's possible to use a taxi, but you'd probably want to arrange it in advance just to be sure.
@aussieANON I'll see what I can do!
@aussieANON I'll see what I can do!
@roryfjohnston
About the snow tires the trick could be in the:
If you crash, the see your non snow tires and the insurence will have your but on a stick for lunch..
SPEEDHUNTERS I was on the fence about going to Japan. Now I have no doubt that I want to go!!!
PhilipRiegert Nobody is every on the fence about a trip to Japan
SPEEDHUNTERS Trying to time it right with Tokyo Auto Salon #helpmeconvinceher !!
@roryfjohnston
Awesome! Thanks heaps!
@JDMized I completely disagree! I've seen plenty of Daikoku coverage over the years online and in films *Grip Video + Top End
and this article definitely caught my attention.
I dont know about you, but i've never seen Daikoku Futo covered in this much detail (the rest stop itself not the famous car "hangout"), IMHO its awesome to see what was in the background all these years! lol the little stores/shops, the delicious local food/snacks, the architecture, etc etc The google image is great, i can imagine the late night wangan runs over the years with the moon glowing on the ocean's surface as cars blast down the bridge towards Tokyo....
Thanks Mike!
@JDMized @Mike btw Daikoku Futo NEVER gets old, and it never will.... the cars are ALWAYS different, how can we complain? and if you're a car fanatic, then that's what its all about anyway isn't it? It doesn't even get old to the people that have been going for years, the fact that we don't have that opportunity, we should welcome and look forward to ANY coverage on Daikoku!
Japan is the coolest place you can ever visit if you love cars, i lived there for eight years as a teen and i fell in love with the cars haha ive been to the rest stop in the picture and there are sick cars there everyday
Good to see Daikoku from a different perspective, after seeing it on so many posts I would have never imagined the surroundings being like that. Definitely a place I want to see if I visit Japan again.
Great article thx.
Hailing a cab to head down is one thing... I think the problem is trying to get a cab for the return trip!
Oh yes, any more pics of that S130 Fairlady? it looks awesome!
@RemingtonBox @MikeYee @JDMized @Mike you're missing the point. Its' not about the street racing (which contrary to what you say is not even having the surface scratched by any media.) a few posers messing around in Civics or a old mustang, or a coupla cars crashing into each other is NOT street racing or street racing culture. That's idiots playing grab ass with their friends in their mom's car.
I'm talking about the CARS people. Bad Ass cars that were built solely to make money on the streets (and just as often on the track). When money is on the line, you put up or shut up. And a car that is is a legend in the streets is a testament to the owner and builder knowing their stuff.
@RemingtonBox @MikeYee @JDMized @Mike you're missing the point. Its' not about the street racing (which contrary to what you say is not even having the surface scratched by any media.) a few posers messing around in Civics or a old mustang, or a coupla cars crashing into each other is NOT street racing or street racing culture. That's idiots playing grab ass with their friends in their mom's car.
I'm talking about the CARS people. Bad Ass cars that were built solely to make money on the streets (and just as often on the track). When money is on the line, you put up or shut up. And a car that is is a legend in the streets is a testament to the owner and builder knowing their stuff.
@RemingtonBox @MikeYee @JDMized @Mike you're missing the point. Its' not about the street racing (which contrary to what you say is not even having the surface scratched by any media.) a few posers messing around in Civics or a old mustang, or a coupla cars crashing into each other is NOT street racing or street racing culture. That's idiots playing grab ass with their friends in their mom's car.
I'm talking about the CARS people. Bad Ass cars that were built solely to make money on the streets (and just as often on the track). When money is on the line, you put up or shut up. And a car that is is a legend in the streets is a testament to the owner and builder knowing their stuff.
@RemingtonBox @MikeYee @JDMized @Mike you're missing the point. Its' not about the street racing (which contrary to what you say is not even having the surface scratched by any media.) a few posers messing around in Civics or a old mustang, or a coupla cars crashing into each other is NOT street racing or street racing culture. That's idiots playing grab ass with their friends in their mom's car.
I'm talking about the CARS people. Bad Ass cars that were built solely to make money on the streets (and just as often on the track). When money is on the line, you put up or shut up. And a car that is is a legend in the streets is a testament to the owner and builder knowing their stuff.
@JDMized @Mike Half the JDM scene displayed here regularly here is born from illegal street racing.
Drifting: ILLEGAL and continues to be so. No matter what anyone says the best drifting I saw in Japan was on the streets, not at the track.
Wangan Racing: ILLEGAL, yet half the top speed and super tuned cars from Japan are built and tuned by guys who cut their teeth and still sharpen their skills illegally speeding on the toll roads.
and lets not forget 1/4mile drag racing...the ORIGINAL illegal gear head activity! And when i was in Japan, a few years ago it was still attracting guys and gals all Friday and Saturday night.
But that's not the point. It's the cars! I'm talking about the CARS people. Bad Ass cars that were built solely to make money on the streets (and just as often on the track). When money is on the line, you put up or shut up. And a car that is is a legend in the streets is a testament to the owner and builder knowing their stuff.
@JDMized @Mike Half the JDM scene displayed here regularly here is born from illegal street racing.
Drifting: ILLEGAL and continues to be so. No matter what anyone says the best drifting I saw in Japan was on the streets, not at the track.
Wangan Racing: ILLEGAL, yet half the top speed and super tuned cars from Japan are built and tuned by guys who cut their teeth and still sharpen their skills illegally speeding on the toll roads.
and lets not forget 1/4mile drag racing...the ORIGINAL illegal gear head activity! And when i was in Japan, a few years ago it was still attracting guys and gals all Friday and Saturday night.
But that's not the point. It's the cars! I'm talking about the CARS people. Bad Ass cars that were built solely to make money on the streets (and just as often on the track). When money is on the line, you put up or shut up. And a car that is is a legend in the streets is a testament to the owner and builder knowing their stuff.
@JDMized @Mike Half the JDM scene displayed here regularly here is born from illegal street racing.
Drifting: ILLEGAL and continues to be so. No matter what anyone says the best drifting I saw in Japan was on the streets, not at the track.
Wangan Racing: ILLEGAL, yet half the top speed and super tuned cars from Japan are built and tuned by guys who cut their teeth and still sharpen their skills illegally speeding on the toll roads.
and lets not forget 1/4mile drag racing...the ORIGINAL illegal gear head activity! And when i was in Japan, a few years ago it was still attracting guys and gals all Friday and Saturday night.
But that's not the point. It's the cars! I'm talking about the CARS people. Bad Ass cars that were built solely to make money on the streets (and just as often on the track). When money is on the line, you put up or shut up. And a car that is is a legend in the streets is a testament to the owner and builder knowing their stuff.
@JDMized @Mike Half the JDM scene displayed here regularly here is born from illegal street racing.
Drifting: ILLEGAL and continues to be so. No matter what anyone says the best drifting I saw in Japan was on the streets, not at the track.
Wangan Racing: ILLEGAL, yet half the top speed and super tuned cars from Japan are built and tuned by guys who cut their teeth and still sharpen their skills illegally speeding on the toll roads.
and lets not forget 1/4mile drag racing...the ORIGINAL illegal gear head activity! And when i was in Japan, a few years ago it was still attracting guys and gals all Friday and Saturday night.
But that's not the point. It's the cars! I'm talking about the CARS people. Bad Ass cars that were built solely to make money on the streets (and just as often on the track). When money is on the line, you put up or shut up. And a car that is is a legend in the streets is a testament to the owner and builder knowing their stuff.
Hi, iam in shinjuku and i want to go to daikoku PA in public transportation. But it,s possible or very hard to find hit?thanks in advance Chris.
What a wonderful place and gathering of true auto-centric and eclectic individuals and their cars.
I hope I have the opportunity to visit this industrial shrine in the not too distant future.
Nice Job &Thank you Speed Hunter staff of your coverage of this particularly unique place.
Scott & THEAUTO100.com
Wait so what is the best day/time to go? Friday night or Saturday night? In the article it says don't go Saturday because police break it up.. is this really true? Heading there in one week! so excited!