Note:Disclaimer
I am not a tax, insurance, investment or real estate advisor
Consult with a professional for your situation to get accurate/specific advice
Use these material only for gaining knowledge
For ease of understanding, I have simplified as required
Numbers/facts do change over time, I refresh them whenever I can
Uncopyrighted (except for where I credit) / To share with those in need
Owning a car in Japan is convenient, especially for families and those living outside major cities. But many people don’t realize how many different costs are involved—whether you drive every day or only occasionally.
Let’s break it down in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
Two Main Types of Costs
Costs You Pay Whether You Drive or Not
These are fixed monthly expenses just for owning a car, like:
Car Loan (EMI) – If you buy a new car on a 5-year loan, your monthly payments will range from ¥35,000 (compact) to ¥80,000 (big 7-seater).
Insurance (Mandatory & Optional) – All car owners must pay basic insurance (around ¥2,000). Optional private insurance adds another ¥5,000–¥9,000 depending on the car size.
Car Tax (Zeikin) – Paid monthly and based on the engine size (from ¥2,000 to ¥4,000).
Parking Fees – Most people living in apartments pay around ¥22,000 per month for a parking space.
Shaken (Vehicle Inspection) – Required every two years, roughly ¥5,000–¥7,000 monthly if averaged.
Maintenance (Tenken) – Regular checkups cost around ¥3,000–¥5,000 monthly on average.
Costs Only If You Drive
Gas (based on 400 km/month) – Varies from ¥3,400 (small car) to ¥6,800 (big car).
ETC (Toll Road Fees) – Around ¥5,000/month, depending on how much you travel.
Monthly Cost Estimates
| Car Type | Monthly Cost (Approx.) |
| Small Car (Compact) | ¥82,400 |
| Medium Car (SUV) | ¥113,533 |
| Big Car (7-seater) | ¥140,800 |
These numbers are for new cars bought with a loan. Buying a used car or paying upfront can reduce monthly costs. Also, Kei cars (small yellow-plate cars) are cheaper in tax and insurance.
Other Things to Note:
- Gas and ETC vary based on your travel distance and time of day (day/night discounts).
- Customizations or unexpected repairs are not included in this estimate.
- If you own a house with free parking, you can save ¥22,000 every month!
FAQs:
Q1: Are yellow plate (Kei) cars really cheaper?
A: Yes! Kei cars have lower insurance, tax, and fuel costs. They’re perfect for city driving and small families.
Q2: Can I save money by not driving every day?
A: You can save on gas and tolls (ETC), but most fixed costs like loan, insurance, and parking stay the same even if the car is parked all month.
Car ownership in Japan can be expensive—but with proper planning, it’s manageable. Whether you’re a new buyer or thinking of upgrading, knowing these real costs can help you make a smart choice.
