In fact, one of the main drivers of the inspection system is to encourage the purchase of new cars, as the system effectively represents an additional tax on the ownership of used cars. Even owners of a perfectly maintained vehicle can expect to pay 100,000 yen ($899) for a two-year inspection, and the requirements are even stricter for vehicles older than 10 years, resulting in an extremely high effective tax rate. This is in contrast to vehicle taxation systems in other developed countries, where the tax or registration fee is based on the current market value of the vehicle, meaning that older vehicles have a lower tax burden. Japan`s auto industry has long supported the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and it is highly unlikely that the policy will be revised in the near future. Despite the narrow roads, tight curves and different rules, owning a car is another level of freedom that adds depth to life in Japan. But know that it will come at a price. More information on the change of ownership process is available on the MILT website. However, if you intend to take the plunge and get the car of your dreams, or just the one that will take you from point A to point B, here is our guide to the good, bad and ugly aspects of owning a car in Japan. As mentioned earlier, if you live in the country, owning a car is a great advantage and worth the investment. I`ve had my car for about 4 years and I drive as much as I can because I love driving. I wouldn`t trade it for anything in the world, and there are millions of others who live here like me.

Cars are a great tool and give you an extra level of independence in Japan. Remember, independence can be expensive, so be smart, plan ahead and get ready to enjoy the freedom of the road! Do you live in Japan and plan to own a car? On the one hand, it can be great! It opens many doors and allows comfort and efficiency. But beware of buyers: owning a car in Japan is expensive! Even more so if you live in the city rather than in the country; Owning a car is generally not recommended for city dwellers. The trains are just too comfortable. Once the price has been agreed, the seller must conclude a contract that includes the price, payment terms and date of transfer of ownership. They may also include a disclaimer for problems that arise after the transfer of ownership. Last but not least, and probably most importantly, before a dealership allows you to leave the property with your new car and get a property, you need to prove that you have a place to place the vehicle. This means having a parking space. Depending on where you live, parking can be free or over 20,000 yen! Usually, you need to have the place ready and the police will come and check it to see if it fits your vehicle.

If you don`t have a parking space yet, you`ll have to look for one. You may even have to pay the first two months` rent for the parking space. The documents required by the seller can be divided into three categories. New documents that need to be created, existing documents essential for the transfer of ownership, and non-essential (but important) documents that should accompany the car. Then comes the shaken and pronounced ShAh-Ken. These are the mandatory maintenance costs to own a car. It`s basically about making sure your vehicle is working and not causing more pollution than allowed. Again, kei cars cost you less; about 70,000 to 100,000 yen. Vehicles with a white license plate cost from ¥80.00. Also shaken must be renewed every 2 years.

If your car is new from the dealer, shaken must be renewed within the third year after the car is manufactured. So don`t forget to set aside a little money each month so you don`t get stuck when the wonderful day of the shaken arrives! If you agree on a date for the transfer of ownership, don`t be too optimistic. The next steps, two, three and four can take 2 weeks or more. We did some research on car ownership in Japan. Let`s separate facts from beliefs. As mentioned earlier, changing the license plate is only necessary if your car`s current registration is in a prefecture other than your registered official address. It also requires you to take the vehicle to the transport office. If you don`t change your license plate, you can make all the owner changes without actually putting the car in the middle. Hopefully, the reality of owning a car will start to set in. I didn`t want to start with the essential details because I feel like it might put you off completely.

And rest assured, once you know what you`re getting into and weigh it against the benefits, owning a car will definitely be worth it. With that in mind, it`s time for the harsh reality of car ownership. Let`s start with taxes! Take a deep breath. Once you have gathered all the required documents, you will need to complete the registered change of ownership application and bring it along with the required documents to the nearest MILT transport office – the same place you go to when you first apply for a Japanese driver`s license. They correspond to the zones displayed on the license plates. If you live in Tokyo, you know them – Shinagawa (near Samezu Station), Tama, Nerima, Adachi and Hachioji. A full list of offices for the Kanto region can be found here. The stamp duty for registering the change of ownership varies depending on the type of vehicle, but is usually around 500 yen. Motorcycles Note that you cannot ride any motorcycle in Japan with your International Driving Permit IF it indicates that you are allowed to do so on your home driving license.