Daikoku Pier is an artificial island that was built between 1971 and 1990 as part of Yokohama Harbor.
What Makes Daikoku Parking Area the Most Famous Parking Lot in Japan? Well, there are few places in the world that capture the essence of Japanese car culture like this huge parking lot in the middle of an artificial island. It combines breathtaking landscapes and a unique location with complete freedom for local car lovers to showcase their most unusual car creations.
Daikoku Pier is an artificial island that was built between 1971 and 1990 as part of Yokohama Harbor. It serves as a cargo base and transportation hub with the large hub in the middle that connects the famous Shutoko Wangan Line and Shutoko K6 Daikoku Line.
The parking lot is in the middle of the intersection and is separated from the rest of the island by an opposite collection of spiral freeway lanes and pillars. The island itself is a true masterpiece of Japanese engineering, but it is the car enthusiasts and their beloved machines that make it really famous.
So if you’re looking to find out what makes Daikoku parking lot a temple for JDM lovers, you’ve come to the right place.
One of the best cars in the world that happens almost every day
Via: Jalopnik
Daikoku’s history is closely tied to the infamous Wangan Loop, which was a popular venue for street races that were particularly popular in Japan in the 1990s. All of these racers needed a place to meet or rest after their runs and Daikoku was the perfect place. The first meetings were usually attended by road racers and were often interrupted by the police.
Times have changed since then and the bad guys of the Japanese streets have mostly been tamed, but Daikoku PA has remained a favorite hangout for all types of petrolheads. The atmosphere is much more relaxed now than it was before, as the car park has become a place for car enthusiasts from all over Japan to park and demonstrate their vehicles in peace and quiet.
Daikoku is bustling almost every day, but it is busiest on weekends when the entire parking lot is overcrowded with cars.
Unique surroundings complemented by some of the wildest cars you will ever see
Via: Shutterstock
The most compelling thing about Daikoku is its distinctive surroundings and the sheer variety of cars that can be seen. It has become quite a tourist attraction over the years as petrolheads come from all over the world to view and admire the cars. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops so food and drinks are not a problem.
Although classic JDM sports cars are usually the center of attention, there is everything from the craziest kei cars to the rarest European supercars. Daikoku has everything a JDM lover could want and more. You can see the wacky cartoon-like looking Bosozoku, the anime-inspired Itasha, and the VIP-style limos all in one place.
While owners usually like to park their cars next to similar ones and like to mingle with their small subgroups or clubs, there is no discrimination. All cars are welcome, so you can be sure to find like-minded people happy to talk about whatever you bring with you.
A special feature of the Daikoku PA are the sound vans. Their owners like to be seen and heard, but the sound that comes from their vehicles is not an engine sound; it’s usually techno or pop music. These small, neon-lit vans are filled with massive sound systems that have a lot of power. Music from their speakers is not to everyone’s taste and could attract unwanted police attention, which is particularly annoying because of the proximity of the police station, but they provide the right soundtrack for the event.
Japanese car culture personified
Via: bnr34gt.com
Daikoku reminds us why we like Japanese cars and their car culture. If you want, you don’t have to go to fancy showrooms and events every day to see some of the most unique machines in the world. You don’t need a special invitation or entry fee. You don’t even have to own a car if you have a friend who owns one and is ready to take you.
As long as you act politely and show a genuine interest in their cars, most owners will be happy to tell you all about the changes they have made and give you intricate details about their rides. And that’s what it’s all about! The ability to share your love for cars with others without barriers or exclusivity that is becoming more common in today’s automotive world.
It turns out that a motorist only needs a freeway parking lot in the heart of an artificial island in Japan to have a good time. Who knew
About the author
Nikola Rodic
(1 article published)
Nikola Rodic is a freelance writer with a special place in his heart for everything automobile related. He loved cars as a kid, walking around a huge parking lot with his father, memorizing all the model names. His areas of interest are music, economics and the automotive industry. He is currently writing for hotcars.com.
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