Daikoku Parking Tokyo Drift & APIT Car Meet JDM Culture Tour
Meet a local JDM guide, visit APIT auto store, ride the Shuto Expressway and spend time at Yokohama’s famous Daikoku Parking Area to see JDM car meets. Pickup and drop-off from Tokyo Station area or nearby locations within ~5 km.
In Collaboration with Matenro & Co. Inc.. Updated on February 13, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Matenro & Co. Inc., inspired by the tour Daikoku Parking Tokyo Drift & APIT Car Meet JDM Culture Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Visit APIT – large Tokyo-area auto-parts store
- One-hour at Daikoku Parking Area to see JDM car meets
- Ride on the Shuto Expressway in a modified JDM vehicle
- Return drive passing Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower skyline
Explore all itineraries in Chiyoda City.
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening car-culture tour: meet in central Tokyo, visit APIT auto store, then drive to Daikoku Parking Area for a one-hour car meet and expressway experience; return to Tokyo passing Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower.
Meeting & pickup — Tokyo Station (Marunouchi North Exit)
Meet your local English-speaking JDM guide at Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit. Brief safety and itinerary run-through, confirm pickup passengers and stow small bags in vehicle.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand by the Marunouchi North Exit sign and wait in the cleared area near the taxi rank to make pickup easy.
- Have your phone available so the guide can confirm exact pickup; keep belongings with you (no large luggage).
- If you're within ~5 km of Tokyo Station you can request door pickup during booking confirmation — confirm location beforehand.
Drive to APIT (auto store)
Short drive to APIT, the large Tokyo-area auto parts and JDM goods store. Quick browse of parts, apparel and JDM merchandise.
- Monday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Allow 25–30 minutes for browsing; store layouts can be dense with small parts and collectibles.
- If you want specific parts or rare items, tell the guide before arrival so they can help prioritize time.
- Bring a small bag for any purchases; space in the vehicle is limited if multiple guests buy items.
Daikoku Parking Area — Car meet & photography
Arrive at Daikoku Parking Area in Yokohama. Spend about 1 hour viewing and photographing JDM cars, soaking in the car-meet atmosphere. This stop includes the planned Shuto Expressway driving approach as part of the transfer.
Tips from local experts:
- Daikoku can be crowded and vehicles move unpredictably; stay in designated pedestrian areas and follow your guide's instructions.
- Photography is welcome, but avoid touching vehicles and be respectful to owners — ask before photographing interiors.
- Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket (coastal Yokohama evenings can be cooler than central Tokyo).
Return drive — Shuto Expressway route with Rainbow Bridge & Tokyo Tower views
Drive back toward central Tokyo via the Shuto Expressway. This leg includes the expressway riding experience and a scenic pass of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower for skyline views.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep cameras ready for skyline shots; best views are from the passenger side depending on route — ask the guide which side to sit.
- The expressway can be bumpy; remain seated with seatbelts fastened during high-speed sections.
- Avoid loud phone calls during the expressway section so you can hear the guide’s safety instructions and local commentary.
Drop-off — Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit
Return to Tokyo Station area and drop guests at the Marunouchi North Exit or nearby agreed location within the pickup zone.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact drop-off point with the guide at the start of the tour to save time at the end.
- Collect all personal items before exiting the vehicle; the guide will do a quick check but please double-check pockets and bags.
- If you're continuing your evening elsewhere, ask the guide for quick directions to nearby bars, restaurants, or transit lines.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Shopping, Attraction, Transfer |
Daikoku Parking Tokyo Drift & APIT Car Meet JDM Culture Tour
Why this experience
If modified cars, neon streets, and underground Tokyo culture fascinate you, this is the definitive JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) immersion. You'll start at APIT, Tokyo's legendary aftermarket auto shop, where you'll see custom builds up close and learn how Japanese tuners think about performance and aesthetics. Then you'll ride the Shuto Expressway in a modified JDM vehicle — feeling the engineering and hearing the engine — before arriving at Daikoku Parking Area, the car meet where Tokyo's tuner culture happens after dark. Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower glow overhead as you walk through hundreds of customized vehicles, each one representing years of passion and precision. Matenro & Co. Inc. ensures access and context most tourists never experience.
Before you go
| Best time | Spring, autumn, and winter offer comfortable temperatures; summer heat can be intense on the parking lot. Evening tours (when Daikoku comes alive) are best experienced spring through autumn |
| Budget | The tour, APIT visit, and vehicle ride are included; budget extra for food at Daikoku area vendors, souvenirs from the auto shop, or photos with rare cars |
| Difficulty | Easy — mostly sitting in a vehicle and walking on paved surfaces; standing around Daikoku for 1–2 hours is the main physical component |
| What to bring | Comfortable shoes for walking the parking lot, a light jacket (evening can cool), sun protection if daytime, and a camera for the cars and night cityscape |
| Getting there | Meeting point is typically in central Tokyo (Chiyoda or Minato wards); Matenro & Co. Inc. coordinates pickup. Confirm location when booking |
| Accessibility | The parking lot is paved and flat; APIT and the expressway ride are accessible; confirm any mobility concerns when booking |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know about cars to enjoy this? No. Your guide explains the modifications, performance upgrades, and cultural significance as you go. Car enthusiasm isn't required; curiosity is.
Why is Daikoku Parking special? It's where Tokyo's tuner community gathers, especially on weekend nights. You're not observing from a distance — you're in the scene, walking between cars and soaking in the energy that inspires Tokyo Drift and street racing culture.
What's included in the experience? Tour guide, APIT shop access, a ride on the Shuto Expressway in a modified JDM vehicle, and access to Daikoku Parking Area car meet. Food and shopping are self-paid. Matenro & Co. Inc. coordinates logistics and insider access.
Is the expressway ride safe? Yes. All vehicles are legal and maintained; drivers are experienced. The ride showcases performance in a controlled environment, not reckless driving.
Can I photograph the cars at Daikoku? Yes. Most car owners are proud of their builds and expect photos. Be respectful — ask before touching vehicles and follow any posted photography rules.
Complete your trip in Chiyoda City
Balance high-octane culture with Tokyo classics: walk through historic castles at Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace — Shogun Walking Tour, experience another side of Tokyo car culture at Tokyo JDM Experience — Daikoku PA & Fast and Furious Night Drive, or explore neighbourhoods with 4 Hours Guided Tokyo Custom Tour.
Browse all Chiyoda City itineraries at TheNextGuide.
