If you want to see some of the most unique cars in the world, Japan is a must. It was always on my bucket list and, to my surprise, it’s the first place I managed to cross off so, Japan, here we go!
After a 2-hour flight, followed by another 5-hour one, ending with a time-travelling experience of ELEVEN hours, non-stop, aboard a Boeing 777-300ER, we finally arrived at Kansai International Airport. Stepping off the plane, a mix of exhaustion and excitement hit me – this was finally happening!
Confusion hit hard after all this, because we saw the sun rise, set, and rise again – at some point, I wasn’t sure if we were chasing time or it was chasing us. Even the next morning, after a good night’s sleep, no one really knew which way was north.
With no time to lose and eager to explore the streets of Tokyo, I stumbled upon my first find: a Mercedes G63 AMG, squeezed into a comically tight space.
I love G-Wagons, so even though my day had just begun, the sound inside my head was like hitting the jackpot on a Las Vegas slot machine – times a thousand! At this time I was far from knowing that finding a G-Wagon in Japan is as easy as bumping into a Renault Clio in Portugal and I’m not joking. You’ll see what I mean along the next posts about Carspotting in Japan.
Already an intimidating vehicle due to its sheer size, a “black-on-black” spec only amplifies its imposing presence on the road. I would have loved to check out this beauty from other angles and hear its exhaust tone.
We wandered through back alleys, making our way toward Hie Jinja Shrine – a gorgeous place, which you can check out here, on my photography website.
Anxious and scanning every shadowy corner, I knew I was in the right place – but the cool cars weren’t appearing as often as I had hoped. Since there was nothing I could do about it, I took a deep breath and kept following our guide.
But just as I let go of my expectations, a gorgeous rear end emerged from the wild – what appeared to be a bone-stock FL5 Honda Civic Type R!
The car was tucked away in a company parking lot, out of reach. But thanks to my Canon and telephoto lens, I managed to capture my first sighting of one!
The Honda Civic is no longer just a small hatchback. In terms of size, it’s only 131mm shorter than a previous-generation Accord CU1 – that’s less than half a Subway Melt sandwich, for anyone measuring in snack terms!
With 320 horsepower from its 2.0L turbocharged engine and killer looks, it packs a serious punch and goes straight onto my bucket list!
Sadly, the FL5 Type R isn’t nearly as common as G-Wagons – I only spotted this one during my entire stay.
Just to the right, hiding behing a couple of other vehicles – which isn’t hard, given its tiny size – was another beloved Kei car: the Daihatsu Copen.
This wasn’t the regular Copen Robe though.
At first, I thought it was an odd color choice for such a cute and fun little car. But then again, not everyone wants to stand out from the crowd. British Green Mica only made sense once I realized what a Cero really is – a retro-styled variant inspired by the original Copen from the early 2000s.
Both models are mechanically identical, but unlike the Robe, the Cero features round headlights and taillights for a more classic and nostalgic look. I must admit, I took the photo in a bit of a hurry and didn’t even suspect it wasn’t a first-gen Copen until a couple of days later, while scrolling through my photos and noticed some suspicious differences. Its more curvaceous body shape, with softer lines, also play a major role in the disguise. Well played, Daihatsu!
A little further ahead, in the temple’s parking lot, a giant.
This wasn’t my first encounter with an ultra-luxurious Bentley Bentayga, an SUV that blends opulence with performance. The first was right outside Oporto airport with my friend Filipe (JCDrives). But no matter how many times I see one, its sheer size and muscular stance never cease to amaze me. And it’s gorgeous too! I’ve always been a big fan of the Continental, and this feels like a taller version of the already stunning GT.
Bentley offers a range of powerful engine options, including a V8, a W12 and a hybrid variant. Sadly, I never came across a W12, but the 4.0-liter V8 under the hood of this sanctuary of luxury, packs a serious punch too. With 550 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque, it’s the perfect ride for a sunday prayer-run!
Behind the temple’s main area, in a small parking lot, I found a lone wolf. It may not be a particularly rare car, but as a big fan of full-sized saloons, the Lexus LS500h immediately caught my eye.
Despite being over five meters long, I had never seen one in person – likely due to its hefty tag. With a price tag of 160000€, most buyers in this range only consider the German big three. In the past, I’d agree, a tastefully specced S-Class, 7-Series or, my personal favourite, the Audi A8, was money well spent. But today, I can’t say the same. Without hesitation, I would take the LS500h over any of the current models I just mentioned.
Striking a perfect balance between luxury and restraint, this Lexus doesn’t need flashy gimmicks to impress. Despite its modern tech, it maintains that timeless, old-money charm.
Rather than fitting a certain straight-six that would obliterate the competition, Lexus opted for a humble 3.5L V6 paired with an electric motor, producing a very modest 354 horsepower. I’m pretty sure I could take a peaceful nap in the back seat, even if the chauffeur decided to race the Shinkansen.
With just a short walk through Tokyo’s streets, I had already come across an eclectic mix of cars. From rugged G-Wagons to the ultra-luxurious Bentayga, and even a lone Lexus LS500h quietly holding its own. Japan was already proving to be a goldmine for a car enthusiast like me.
But this was just the beginning. The deeper I went into Tokyo, the more surprises awaited. In the next post, I’ll dive into some of the rarest and most unexpected finds. Cars that made me stop in my tracks and rethink everything I thought I knew about car culture in Japan. Stay tuned!
