Classic Japanese Cars

I have been an Auto Otaku for years and while in Japan I shot A LOT of videos of cars that we just didn't see in the USA and in other parts of the world.  I put all these videos on a YouTube Channel called AutomobileOtaku.  Currently there are 176 videos on the channel, and I think I have enough footage to get to 200.  If you are interested in Japanese cars, especially classic Japanese cars you should head over to the channel and watch all the videos.  Of couse subscribe to the channel too!

Here are a couple examples of what's over there:

Japan FAQ: "What's a Kei Car?"

This is an example of a modern "Kei Car".  You can tell it's a kei car by the yellow license plate.  The engine size is 660cc.  Here is a quote from Wikipedia on exactly what a kei car is.

Kei car, K-car, or keijidōsha (軽自動車^?, lit. "light automobile") (pronounced [keːdʑidoːɕa]), is a Japanese category of small vehicles, including passenger cars, vans, and pickup trucks. They are designed to comply with Japanese government tax and insurance regulations, and in most rural areas are exempted from the requirement to certify that adequate parking is available for the vehicle.^[1][2][3] This especially advantaged class of cars was developed to promote popular motorization in the post war era. While successful in Japan, the genre is generally too specialized and too small to be profitable in export markets.

 Modern Kei Cars are actually pretty roomy.  They don't usually feel underpowered since most of the driving you will be doing in Japan is either in traffic or on single lane roads.  I myself like the turbo or super charged kei cars for that extra "get-up-and-go".

Is Driving in Japan Expensive?

Is driving in Japan expensive? Well let see if I can answer this question for you.

1. Gas is currently 138 yen a liter (1 US gallon = 3.78541178 liters)
2. Parking is at least 100 yen an hour (off peak)
3. Vehicle inspection is like 100,000 yen every two years
4. Road tax is like 25,000 + a year. (depending on the car)
5. Highway and expressway tolls are expensive.  

Does that answer your question?  

If I were to answer this question directly I would say: "Yes, but I wouldn't give up driving in Japan.  There are too many cool places off the beaten path that you can enjoy!"

PS. No that's not my car, but DAM it is NICE!!