by Michael Satterfield - 11/29/2016
Japan is an automotive wonderland, especially for those who appreciate both the classics and the obscure. Whether you're wandering the bustling streets of Tokyo or the scenic roads of Kyoto, the country offers a car culture unlike anywhere else in the world. From unique European classics to rare domestic legends, there’s something for every kind of car enthusiast. Each day brings the possibility of spotting something new, unexpected, and often unattainable elsewhere—especially for those from America, where many of these vehicles were never imported.
During a recent trip to Japan, I was reminded of just how deep and diverse the automotive scene here truly is. It’s not uncommon to walk down a quiet street in Tokyo and suddenly come face to face with a pristine Datsun 240Z, or stumble upon a parking lot filled with R32 and R34 Nissan GT-Rs that you’ve only seen in magazines or on TV back in the States. For American car enthusiasts, Japan is a treasure trove of rare, right-hand drive cars that were either never officially sold in the U.S. or have become so scarce that spotting them at home feels like an impossible dream.
One of the highlights of exploring Japan as a car enthusiast is the chance to see some of the country’s legendary JDM cars in their natural habitat. Models like the Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7 are iconic for their performance, tuning potential, and appearances in everything from motorsport to pop culture. While you might find the occasional imported version in the U.S., they are few and far between due to strict import laws and limited availability.
In Japan, however, these cars are everywhere. The streets of Tokyo and Kyoto are practically rolling car shows, with R32, R33, and R34 Nissan GT-Rs prowling the streets alongside modified Honda Civics, Subaru Imprezas, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evos. The Nissan Skyline GT-R, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its incredible performance, advanced technology for its time, and its domination in motorsport, the GT-R is a rare sight in America—especially in its earlier forms. In Japan, though, it’s not uncommon to see one parked casually on the street, a reminder of how deeply embedded these cars are in Japanese car culture.
Japan is also home to some truly rare and classic Japanese cars that never made it to U.S. shores. One of the most striking examples is the Toyota Century, Japan's answer to the luxury sedans of Europe. While it may not be as flashy as some of the country’s high-performance sports cars, the Century is a symbol of Japanese luxury and craftsmanship. Powered by a V12 engine and often chauffeured, this car is a true statement piece, embodying understated elegance. In the U.S., spotting a Toyota Century is next to impossible, making it all the more exciting when you encounter one in Japan.
Other classics like the Nissan Fairlady Z (Japan’s version of the Datsun 240Z) or the Mazda Cosmo, with its futuristic rotary engine, also catch your eye as they glide down the street, reminding you of the innovation that Japan brought to the automotive world during the 1960s and ‘70s.
But it’s not just Japanese cars that you’ll see during a trip through Japan. The country has a thriving community of European classic car enthusiasts as well. Everything from vintage Porsches and Ferraris to quirky French Citroëns can be found weaving through city streets or parked at local car meets. Japan’s attention to detail and appreciation for fine craftsmanship extends to their love of European cars, and you’ll often find these classics meticulously maintained or restored to showroom condition.
One of the most exciting aspects of spotting European classics in Japan is the sheer variety. You’ll find rare models that you’d be hard-pressed to locate in the U.S., such as vintage Alfa Romeos or even obscure Italian brands like Lancia. The Japanese car scene is so vast and varied that, on any given day, you might spot a pristine Jaguar E-Type parked next to a Ferrari 308 GTB and across the street from a mint-condition Toyota 2000GT. It’s this variety that keeps every day in Japan as a car enthusiast an adventure.
Another uniquely Japanese aspect of the car culture is the abundance of kei cars—tiny, practical, and often quirky vehicles that are designed to meet Japan’s strict regulations for urban use. These cars, with their small footprints and even smaller engines, are common throughout the country and are beloved for their practicality and charm. Models like the Honda Beat or Suzuki Cappuccino offer spirited driving experiences in pint-sized packages. Though kei cars rarely make it to the U.S., their uniqueness and cult following among enthusiasts make them some of the most interesting vehicles you’ll see on Japan’s roads.
Beyond kei cars, you’ll also encounter an array of obscure imports from Europe and Australia that never made it stateside. Imagine seeing a Renault Alpine A110 or a Holden Monaro cruising alongside a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI. These cars, once thought of as unattainable or simply unknown to many American enthusiasts, become everyday sights in Japan’s vibrant car culture.
One of the most thrilling aspects of a trip through Japan is the fact that, unlike at a car show or a museum, these vehicles are not static pieces of history. They are being driven—often enthusiastically. You’ll hear the unmistakable wail of a tuned rotary engine echoing off the buildings in the narrow streets of Tokyo, or see a Nissan GT-R leaving a stoplight in a way that reminds you why it’s nicknamed “Godzilla.” Japan’s car culture is dynamic and alive, with enthusiasts committed to not just preserving their cars but driving them the way they were meant to be driven.
It’s this energy and passion for cars, combined with the ability to see models that are rare or even impossible to find in the U.S., that makes Japan such a paradise for car lovers. From domestic legends to European classics and kei cars to rare imports, Japan offers a unique automotive experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re strolling through the streets of Tokyo or driving through the mountains near Kyoto, every turn offers the possibility of spotting a new automotive gem.
For car enthusiasts, Japan isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a destination to explore, with every corner promising something rare, exciting, and unforgettable.
Enjoy more photos from our trip below and more on traveling to Japan. Check out our Travel Section.
_websize.jpg)
