Japan Parking Guide: Apps, Types, and Fee Calculation
Author:
Eric Lau
Created On:
2026-01-14
Edited On:
2026-01-14
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One of the most vexing issues when driving a rental car in Japan is parking! Japan has a wide variety of parking lot types and complex fee structures, and a slight misstep could lead to being "scammed" into paying a high fee. This time, Kwiksure will provide a detailed introduction to common types of parking lots in Japan, methods for calculating fees, and how to easily find an empty spot using a mobile app.
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Parking Spot Finder Apps
For Hong Kong people driving in Japan for the first time, the first step to finding a parking lot is opening a map. Google Map is the most direct method; simply enter "駐車場" (parking lot) to see nearby spaces. However, the drawback of Google Map is limited information; it usually doesn't show whether a lot is full, and it may not be able to check if credit cards or electronic payments are accepted.
For Apple iPhone users, Apple Map also has quite comprehensive information, especially with synchronization with large Japanese parking companies like Times and Mitsui Repark. It can directly show whether a lot is "Full (満)" or "Empty (空)," which payment methods are supported, and can even link to the official app. If you install both apps, you can see fee and availability information on the map.
Android phone users also have many choices, such as PPPark!, akippa, and NAVITIME. These allow you to view the availability and fees of nearby parking lots in the area and can be sorted by distance or price. However, many lots in PPPark! are privately charged, so users need to pay attention.
Common Types of Parking Lots in Japan
|
Parking types |
Usage and Features |
|
Gate-type parking lot |
Commonly found in large shopping malls or traditional multi-story/open-air parking lots. The usual practice is to take a ticket upon entry and insert the ticket into the payment machine upon exit to pay and leave. |
|
License plate recognition parking |
The entrance area is equipped with cameras that automatically record license plates. When leaving, simply enter the license plate number at the payment machine to confirm the amount and make payment. These types of parking lots are often located in large supermarkets or shopping malls, and some customers can waive part of the fee by showing a parking voucher after making a purchase. |
|
Ground lock parking lot |
Mostly used in small, open-air parking lots, a metal locking plate rises from the center of the ground to lock the vehicle after parking, and is lowered only after payment. Before leaving, remember to check that the locking plate has been released to avoid damaging your vehicle when moving it. |
|
Multi-level / lift-type parking garage |
This system is commonly used in hotels or commercial buildings, and in some cases, you need to hand over your car keys for staff to operate. When you pick up your car, you show your parking ticket and pay, and the staff will then retrieve the vehicle from the mechanical parking rack. It's safe but more expensive. |
Japan Parking Space Types
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For tourists, hourly parking lots are the most common. However, before parking, you must pay attention to whether the space has the characters "軽専用" (Kei senyō) or "軽" (Kei). This indicates a dedicated parking space for K-Cars (light vehicles under 660cc, with yellow license plates), and you must not park in the wrong spot.
Additionally, there are several types of parking lots you absolutely must not park in to avoid fines or trouble: Monthly rental parking lots (月極駐車場, Tsukigime chūshajō), private corporate parking lots (often marked with "無断駐車禁止" (Mudanchūsha kinshi, No unauthorized parking); violators may be charged high fines), dedicated merchant parking lots without consumption, and areas with "No Parking" signs on the roadside. Also, "無料案内所 P" (Muryō annai-jo P, Free Information Center P) signs, which denote specific facility parking, should not be parked in unless you intend to patronize that facility.
Parking Lot Fee Structure
Japanese parking lot fee calculation is flexible and varied. The most important keyword is definitely "最大料金 (Saida Ryōkin, Maximum Charge/Cap)," which refers to the highest amount payable within a specific period. For example, if it shows "Maximum ¥800 within 12 hours after entry," it means you only need to pay a maximum of 800 Japanese Yen within that 12-hour period. Pay special attention that some parking lots are marked with "一回限定" (Ikkai Gentei, one-time limit) or "繰り返しなし" (Kurikaeshi nashi, no repetition), meaning this maximum charge can only be used once, and after the specified time limit, the charge reverts to the standard rate (hourly); if it says "繰り返しあり" (Kurikaeshi ari, repetition allowed), it means the maximum charge can be repeated, which is suitable for long-term parking.
Furthermore, some maximum charges have time restrictions, for example, only having a maximum charge from evening to morning, with the rest of the time being charged hourly, or only having a maximum charge on specific days like Sundays and public holidays. The maximum charge can also vary depending on the day of the week and time of day, for example, separate daytime maximum charges or nighttime maximum charges.
The hourly rate is another common trap, where many people only pay attention to the first hour's price but overlook subsequent stages. For instance, "First 60 minutes ¥200, then every 30 minutes ¥100" or "Every 15 minutes ¥300," etc. In terms of time units, besides the common hour and half-hour, some parking lots calculate charges based on every 20 minutes or even every minute.
For Hong Kong people unfamiliar with Japanese, it is recommended to take a photo of the fee sign before parking and use Google Translate to confirm terms like "最大料金," "土・日・祝" (Dō/Nichi/Shuku, Sat/Sun/Holidays), and the explanatory text, to ensure you clearly understand the fee calculation method.
|
Japan Day of the Week Comparison Table |
|
|
祝日（しゅくじつ，Shukujitsu） |
Public holidays |
|
日曜日（にちようび，Nichiyōbi） |
Sunday |
|
月曜日（げつようび，Getsuyōbi） |
Monday |
|
火曜日（かようび，Kayōbi） |
Tuesday |
|
水曜日（すいようび，Suiyōbi） |
Wednesday |
|
木曜日（もくようび，Mokuyōbi） |
Thursday |
|
金曜日（きんようび，Kin'yōbi） |
Friday |
|
土曜日（どようび，Doyōbi） |
Saturday |
Japan Parking Lot Common Terms List
|
Japanese |
English meaning |
Explanation |
|
駐車場 (Chūshajō) |
Parking Lot |
Parking space for vehicles |
|
軽 (Kei) |
Small Vehicle |
Parking spaces specifically for K-Car models |
|
基本料金 (Kihon Ryōkin) |
Basic Fee |
This can be understood as an hourly rental fee; once the time limit is exceeded, the fee will continue to be calculated. |
|
最大料金 (Saida Ryōkin) |
Maximum Charge / Fee Cap |
Pay attention to the conditions of use, such as the applicable time period and duration. |
|
一回限定 (Ikkai Gentei) |
One-time Limit / Applicable Only Once |
The maximum fee limit is calculated only once; after the timeout, the basic fee will be added back. |
|
繰り返しあり (Kurikaeshi Ari) |
Repetition Allowed |
The upper limit can be calculated repeatedly, making it suitable for overnight or multi-day berthing. |
|
繰り返しなし (Kurikaeshi Nashi) |
Non-repeatable |
It's equivalent to a one-time limit; the charge will increase after the time limit is exceeded. |
|
時間帯最大料金 (Jikantai Saida Ryōkin) |
Time Period Maximum Charge |
It applies to specific time periods (e.g., there is a limit only from 8 pm to 8 am; normal billing applies at other times). |
|
当日 24 時まで最大料金 (Tōjitsu 24-ji made Saida Ryōkin) |
Maximum Charge until 24:00 on the Same Day |
Charges are capped at midnight on the day of the event; charges will be recalculated after midnight. |
|
入庫後 (Nyūko-go) |
After entering |
The calculation starts from the time of entry. |
|
オールタイム (Ōrutaimu) |
All Time |
Applicable 24/7 (but may have different limits for day and night). |
|
最大料金はございません (Saida Ryōkin wa Gozaimasen) |
No Maximum Charge |
Long-term parking fees will accumulate, so it is advisable to avoid parking there. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Japan parking lot fees calculated?
You need to pay attention to the "最大料金 (Saida Ryōkin, Maximum Charge/Cap)" displayed by the parking lot, which refers to the highest amount payable within a specific period. The hourly rate is another common trap, where many people only pay attention to the first hour's price but overlook subsequent stages. In terms of time units, besides the common hour and half-hour, some parking lots calculate charges based on every 20 minutes or even every minute.
What if I lose my parking lot entry ticket?
You can press the "駐車券紛失" (Chūshaken Funshitsu, Lost Parking Ticket) button on the payment machine or contact the parking lot staff. However, you generally need to pay a penalty equivalent to the parking lot's single-day maximum charge, but the handling process varies depending on the regulations of each parking lot.
