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Japan Car Rental Guide - Parking Tutorial
Japan has very strict parking regulations. Illegal parking can result in a hefty fine and even affect your future car rental record. If you plan to drive in Japan, be sure to understand the local parking methods and rules. This article will explain in detail the common illegal parking procedures and how to use metered parking lots (barrier-type parking lots) so you can park with peace of mind and have a smoother driving experience!
About Illegal Parking: Never Park Randomly!
In Japan, illegal parking is a very serious problem. Not only will you be fined, but your vehicle may also be clamped or towed away.
Be sure to park in designated parking lots or legal parking spaces with a fee sign!
What should I do if I receive an illegal parking notice?
If you come back and find a yellow notice on your car, it means you may have parked illegally. Here’s how to handle it:
Please follow the instructions on the notice to go to the designated police station to pay the fine yourself.
After paying, you must keep the receipt and report it to the car rental company.
The fine for illegal parking is usually between ¥15,000 and ¥25,000 yen.
Remember: The car rental company will investigate these tickets. If you don’t deal with them, you may be blacklisted and even banned from renting a car again.
How to use metered parking lots? Understanding "Barrier-Type Coin Parking Lots"
The most common type in Japan is the “barrier-type metered parking lot.” In this type of parking lot, after the vehicle is parked, a barrier rises from the ground to block the wheels until you pay to leave.
Entry Steps
When driving into the parking space, please slowly drive into the center of the space.
When you are completely parked, the barrier will automatically rise and block the wheels within a few seconds.
If you do not pay when leaving the vehicle, the barrier will not lower, which will cause tire damage!
Exit Steps
Walk to the payment machine and enter your parking space number (usually printed on the ground of the parking space).
The screen will display the amount you need to pay. After confirming that it is correct, insert your card or pay with coins.
After completing the payment, the barrier will automatically lower, and you can drive away.
Please double check that the barrier is completely lowered before driving away to avoid damaging the tires!
Special reminder: Many parking machines do not accept large bills or non-cash payments, so it is recommended to prepare some Japanese yen coins or 1000 yen bills.
Precautions
If you do not drive away for a long time after payment, the barrier may rise again, and you may need to pay again!
Remember to make sure the barrier is lowered and don’t leave in a hurry!
