Do You Need a Car in Japan? Tokyo and Rural Life Compared

When I first moved to Japan, I assumed that owning a car would make life easier wherever I lived.

After experiencing life in both central Tokyo and Narita City in Chiba Prefecture, I realized that the answer depends almost entirely on location.

In Tokyo, I rarely thought about needing a car. In Narita, I now use one for many ordinary errands without giving it much thought.

The difference is so large that car ownership in Japan cannot be explained with a simple yes or no.

Living in Tokyo Without a Car

Several years ago, I shared a two-bedroom apartment in Shinjuku with a friend.

The monthly rent was ¥180,000, but we divided it equally, so my share was around ¥90,000.

Living in Shinjuku was expensive, but it was also incredibly convenient.

Train and subway stations were nearby, and supermarkets, restaurants, hospitals, convenience stores, and government offices were either within walking distance or just a few stops away.

For most daily errands, taking the train was easier than driving.

I rarely found myself wishing I had a car.

For many people in central Tokyo, owning one may create more expense than convenience.

The ¥60,000 Monthly Parking Fee

The parking fee at our apartment is still one of the numbers I remember most clearly.

An underground parking space in the building cost ¥60,000 per month.

At first, I honestly thought I had misunderstood.

The apartment rent was ¥180,000, while one parking space cost one-third of that amount.

In some parts of Japan, ¥60,000 is enough to rent an entire apartment.

It was the first time I realized that in central Tokyo, parking could feel almost as expensive as housing itself.

This was before the COVID-19 pandemic. I later heard that the rent for the apartment had increased, although I do not know whether the parking fee changed as well.

Either way, it showed me why many Tokyo residents choose not to own a car.

Why a Car Matters in Narita

Today, I live in a detached house in Narita City.

Our house has its own parking space, so we do not pay a separate monthly parking fee.

Compared with Shinjuku, that feels like a completely different lifestyle.

However, Narita comes with another reality: life becomes much easier when you have a car.

Even simple errands, such as buying a week’s worth of groceries, picking up large household items, visiting a hospital, or going somewhere far from a station, are more convenient by car.

Narita has trains and buses, but public transportation does not reach every residential area equally well.

Living near a station can make a major difference. Away from one, a car often becomes part of everyday life.

Why Cars Are More Important Outside Major Cities

The farther you live from Japan’s largest urban areas, the more useful a car tends to become.

Some regional towns have limited train service, while local bus routes may run only a few times a day.

In some areas, routes have also been reduced or discontinued because of driver shortages and declining passenger numbers.

For younger residents, this may be inconvenient but manageable.

For older people who can no longer drive, however, transportation can become a serious problem.

Getting to a supermarket, hospital, bank, or government office may require help from family members or neighbors.

As Japan’s population ages, access to transportation will likely remain an important issue in many regional communities.

Securing Parking Before Buying a Car

Another thing that surprised me after moving to Japan was the parking certificate system, known as Shako Shomei.

In South Korea, people can generally buy a car without first proving that they have a private parking space.

Japan handles this differently.

For most standard passenger cars, owners are generally required to show that they have secured a legal place to park the vehicle.

The usual order is:

Step	What You Do
1	Secure a parking space
2	Obtain the required parking certificate
3	Complete the car registration or purchase process

This rule surprised me at first, but after living in Japan for years, I understand why it exists.

In densely populated areas, streets could quickly become crowded with illegally parked vehicles if owners were allowed to buy cars without arranging parking first.

The Cost of Owning a Car in Japan

The purchase price is only the beginning.

Car owners may also need to pay for:

• Annual automobile tax

• Vehicle inspection, known as Shaken

• Mandatory liability insurance

• Optional private insurance

• Fuel

• Maintenance and repairs

• Tire replacement

• Expressway tolls

• Parking fees

These costs do not arrive all at once, but over the course of a year they can add up more quickly than many newcomers expect.

Shaken often surprises foreign residents in particular.

The total payment may include inspection fees, taxes, mandatory insurance, and any repairs required for the vehicle to pass.

Depending on the vehicle’s age, size, and condition, the cost can reach ¥100,000 to ¥150,000 or more.

In large cities, parking may be the biggest burden. In regional areas, parking may be free, but owners still have to budget for inspections, insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

Is a Car Necessary in Japan?

The answer really depends on where you choose to live.

In central Tokyo, a car is often optional. Trains, subways, buses, taxis, and delivery services make it possible to live comfortably without one.

In Narita and many other regional areas, a car can provide freedom that public transportation cannot always replace.

After living in both places, one contrast still stands out to me.

The areas where you need a car the least often have the most expensive parking.

The areas where a car is most useful often have free or inexpensive parking.

Anyone planning to move to Japan should therefore compare more than rent prices.

It is also worth checking:

• Distance from the nearest station

• Bus frequency

• Supermarket and hospital access

• Monthly parking costs

• Vehicle taxes and insurance

• Shaken and maintenance expenses

Looking back, living in Tokyo taught me that I did not need a car. Living in Narita taught me how much I now depend on one.

That difference was something I never expected before experiencing both lifestyles myself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a car necessary in Tokyo?

Usually not, especially in central Tokyo. The train and subway network is extensive, and many daily necessities are available within walking distance.

Is a car necessary in rural Japan?

In many areas, yes. Public transportation may be limited, and a car can make shopping, hospital visits, commuting, and family travel much easier.

What is Shako Shomei?

Shako Shomei is Japan’s parking certificate system. For many standard passenger cars, you need to prove that you have a legal parking space before registering the vehicle.

Is owning a car expensive in Japan?

It can be. In addition to the purchase price, owners usually pay taxes, insurance, fuel, maintenance, vehicle inspection costs, and sometimes monthly parking fees.

How much does Shaken cost?

The total varies depending on the vehicle and whether repairs are needed. Many owners pay around ¥100,000 to ¥150,000, although the amount can be lower or higher.

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If you are comparing different places to live in Japan, you may also find my guide to 

👉average home prices across Japan’s regions helpful.

Housing costs and transportation needs are closely connected, and looking at both can give you a more realistic picture of daily life in each area.