So, you’ve got an apartment lined up in Japan—congrats! But now comes the next challenge: finding a parking space. Unlike in many countries where apartments automatically come with parking spots, in Japan, that’s often a separate battle. Let’s go through the process of renting a parking space along with your apartment, without losing your sanity (or your car).
1. First, Do You Even Need a Car in Japan?
Before going all-in on a parking space, ask yourself: Do I really need a car?
If you live in Tokyo, Osaka, or another major city, public transport is excellent, and a car is more of a luxury than a necessity. However, if you’re in the suburbs or rural Japan, having a car might be essential for daily life, commuting, or weekend trips.
If the answer is yes, you need parking. Let’s get to it.
2. Checking If Your Apartment Has Parking
Not all apartment buildings in Japan have parking spaces available, and even if they do, there’s no guarantee one is free. Here’s how to check:
A. Ask the Real Estate Agent or Landlord
When looking for an apartment, mention from the start that you need parking. If they say “Yes, there’s parking,” ask:
- Is the parking space included in the rent? (Usually, it’s separate.)
- How much does it cost per month? (Anywhere from ¥5,000 to ¥50,000, depending on location and Real Estate company.)
- Is there a waiting list?
B. Check the Listing Details
Apartment listings sometimes include parking details under 駐車場 (chūshajō). Look for:
- 空きあり (Aki ari) = Parking available
- 空きなし (Aki nashi) = No parking available
- 近隣に駐車場あり (Kinrin ni chūshajō ari) = Nearby parking available (not in the building itself)
3. Renting a Parking Space Separately
If your building doesn’t have parking, you’ll need to rent a parking space separately. In Japan, it’s common to rent a monthly parking space (月極駐車場, tsukigime chūshajō) near your home.
A. How to Find Monthly Parking
Here’s how to track one down:
- Real Estate Agent – They often have info on nearby parking spaces for rent.
- Online Parking Listings – Websites like
- 月極駐車場検索サイト (Tsukigime Parking Search Sites)
- Parking-focused real estate sites
- Walking Around – Look for blue 月極 (tsukigime) signs with a phone number. Old-school, but effective!
- Convenience Stores / Supermarkets – Some rent out parking spaces at night.
B. How Much Does Parking Cost?
It depends on the location:
- Tokyo 23 wards: ¥20,000–¥50,000/month
- Osaka/Nagoya: ¥10,000–¥30,000/month
- Smaller Cities & Rural Areas: ¥5,000–¥10,000/month
In central Tokyo, parking can cost more than rent, so consider that before committing.
4. The Rental Process
Renting a parking space is similar to renting an apartment but usually simpler. Here’s what you’ll need:
A. Required Documents
- Personal ID (Residence Card, Driver’s License, etc.)
- Car Registration (車検証, shaken-shō) – Required if you already own the car
- Proof of Address – Usually your apartment’s lease contract
- Seal (印鑑, inkan) – Some places still require a stamp instead of a signature
- Shako Shoumei (車庫証明) – More on this below
B. Initial Costs
Expect to pay:
- Deposit (保証金, hoshōkin) – Usually one or two months’ rent
- Agent Fee (仲介手数料, chūkai tesūryō) – Typically one month’s rent
- First Month’s Rent
Not all landlords require a deposit, but some do.
5. The Infamous “Shako Shoumei” (車庫証明, Parking Certificate)
If you’re buying a car in Japan, you must prove you have a legal parking space before registering it. This is called a shako shoumei (車庫証明, parking certificate).
How to Get a Shako Shoumei:
- Rent the parking space.
- Ask the landlord for a shako shoumei application form (駐車場使用承諾書, chūshajō shiyō shōdakusho).
- Submit it to the local police station with a parking lot map (the landlord should provide one).
- Wait a few days.
- Receive your shako shoumei and register your car.
Without this document, you cannot legally own a car in most urban areas.
6. Tips & Tricks for Parking in Japan
- Avoid Parking Illegally – Japan’s parking laws are strict, and fines can be high.
- Look into Car-Sharing Services – If you rarely drive, services like Times Car or Anyca might be better than owning a car.
- Consider Mechanical Parking Lots (機械式駐車場, kikai-shiki chūshajō) – Some buildings have multi-level automated parking, but these often have height/size restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Renting a parking space in Japan is another layer of bureaucracy, but it’s manageable if you know the process. If you’re moving to Japan and plan to own a car, factor in parking costs early to avoid surprises.
Need help finding parking in your area? Let me know where you’re moving, and I can give you area-specific advice! 🚗💨
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