Where do you park when you drive in Japan?
If you plan to park for a few hours, I recommend using coin parking.
In this article I write about the uses and dos and don’ts of coin parking in Japan.
Meaning of Coin Parking
In Japan, we read “coin parking” as short-time (up to 12 or 24 hours) paid parking.
In English, it is called “coin-operated parking space” or “paid parking,” “toll car park,” or “metered parking.
Characteristics of coin-operated parking
There are three characteristics of coin-operated parking.
Characteristics of coin parking (1) Different parking fees
The first feature of coin parking is that parking fees vary depending on the location.
The more expensive the coin parking is located near a station or in a busy downtown area, the more expensive the parking fee is.
If you want to pay lower parking fees, we recommend that you use coin parking a little further away.
It is also important to choose other coin-operated parking facilities that have a set limit on parking fees.
Characteristics of coin parking (2) There are pre-paid and post-paid.
The second feature of coin parking is that there is both pre-payment and post-payment.
Most coin-operated parking facilities use a post-payment format.
In the case of pre-payment, a fixed parking fee is charged and you can park for up to 24 hours (12 hours).
If you pay in advance, you must leave your receipt or proof of payment on the dashboard.
It is necessary to be able to check it from the outside of the car.
Characteristics of coin parking (3): Basically, cash settlement
The third feature of coin parking is that the basic method of settlement is cash.
Recently, we have seen coin parking facilities that support cashless payment using QR codes.
However, there are many coin parking lots where the only method of settlement is cash.
It is important to have cash ready when using coin parking.
You can find coin parking on the go by searching the Internet.
How to use coin parking
This section describes how to use coin parking.
In this section, we will explain how to use the flat, postpaid style.
Park your car in the parking space.
Confirm that the lock plate is up and the number of the parking space
Pay before leaving the parking space
1 Park the car in the parking space
First, park your car in the parking space.
In paved coin-operated parking spaces, parking spaces are surrounded by colors.
Basically, you enter the parking space by backing up.
Back up until the rear wheels pass the lock plate and the car fits within the enclosed lines.
2 Confirm that the lock plate is up and the number of the parking space.
Next, check that the lock plate is working.
If it is not working, the device may be malfunctioning or you may not be parking properly.
At the same time, check the number of the parking space.
This is necessary when you settle out of the car before leaving.
Remember to lock your car when you leave it.
3 Settlement before leaving the garage
The last step is to settle your account.
The placement of the buttons on the machine to make the payment differs depending on the model.
Generally, the following method is used for payment.
Press the number of the parking space and push the “Settle” button.
Deposit the amount displayed.
If a receipt is required, press the “Receipt” button.
After settling the account, make sure the lock plate is down and exit the parking lot.
Note that you should leave the garage promptly after settling the account.
If you set the next destination in the navigation system, set it first before settling the bill.
To operate the payment machine, use an application such as “Goo○e Lens” to help you locate the buttons.
Coin-operated parking: Wise use of coin-operated parking
Here are some smart ways to use coin parking.
Coin Parking: Wise Use of Coin Parking (1) Use affiliated coin parking
The first is to use affiliated coin parking.
When using coin parking near commercial facilities or lodging facilities, choose one that is affiliated with the facility.
This offers advantages such as a discount on parking fees.
Check the facility’s website in advance.
Wise Use of Coin-operated Parking (2) Use Parking Coupons
The second method is to use parking coupons.
A parking coupon is a coupon for parking fee service at a parking lot affiliated with a store where you shop or otherwise use the coupon.
There are also parking coupons unique to the area.
There are many similarities with the first type of affiliated coin-operated parking.
Parking coupons can sometimes be purchased at a discount at nearby money stores.
They may have an expiration date, so be sure to check the expiration date and the parking lots where they can be used in advance.
コメント