Parking in Japan

The most common type uses a flap lock: it rises after you park, and you pay at the machine by bay number before it lowers. You normally have a few minutes to leave after paying.

The ground plate rises after parking. Enter the bay number and pay before leaving, then verify the plate is fully down before moving the car.

Take and keep the entry ticket. Pay at the machine or facility before exiting, then insert the ticket at the gate. Follow posted instructions for ETC parking.

Use only clearly marked bays and pay as instructed during the signed hours. Overstaying or parking outside the markings can still be an offence.

Confirm your bay number or plate, select it at the machine and check the displayed vehicle before paying. Leave within the stated grace period.

Do not stop beneath no-parking signs. Legal restrictions also apply near hydrants, junctions, crossings, bus stops and yellow kerbs. Use official parking in cities.

These spaces are for customers during their visit, not as free parking for nearby sightseeing. Some malls validate parking against a purchase receipt.