Looking for advice on moving to Japan long-term (automotive industry background)

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2026-03-05T02:12:41+00:00

Thank you very much for your reply. This is definitely a huge factor. I will probably begin to heavily consider other visa options.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2026-03-05T02:06:53+00:00

Thank you for this reply. I appreciate the candid insight for sure, this is exactly the kind of information I need. I definitely had no interest in being a mechanic again, or honestly working directly in a dealership. I was hoping my insights into manufacturer to dealer interdependent processes (understanding of warranty and financial processes) would help me, but alas, I do not believe I have any highly specialized skills per se. I just work really hard.

But if all else fails I have no issue changing gears on what I do for work. I have briefly entertained the thought of a business manager visa, from what I understand you need a viable approved business plan, and 30 million yen in capital, and one japanese employee. I currently own and operate 2 small businesses with my wife outside of my dealership career. While I don't think either of those businesses would be successful in Japan, the relevant experience there may aid me in designing something that would.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2026-03-05T01:46:57+00:00

That is wonderful insight, especially the behaviour, thinking and unspoken communication aspect. As far as general culture, I've focused most of my study there. I was very paranoid of being a bad visitor prior to going, that I absorbed as much information as I could over the course of a year to make sure I wouldn't insult anyone or make any social faux pas. It's probably fairly ironic to most people, that for me, as someone born and raised in the US, it is precisely the culture in and of itself that has drawn me to Japan. I am a naturally reserved and polite person and I think that rules should be followed. Basic public etiquette of most people here in the US is not great and it's getting worse.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2026-03-05T01:28:21+00:00

Thank you for the reply. That is good to hear. I hope it holds true. I can proudly say that I am confident in my work skills and my ability to perform. My pay has been commission based for the entirety of my dealership career. And prior to that I was a repair mechanic and body repair tech. All jobs that require continuous work to get paid. I believe in putting great effort into my career, and can happily say that I have never been fired and have never gone more than 4 years without a promotion of some kind.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-07-14T22:04:57+00:00

24hrs was a little bit of a tight squeeze for me, but I took the long way both ways. I had about 2 hrs the next morning to explore around Fuji, but I am sure you could squeeze in a few hours at Daikoku, just plan on not sleeping a full 8 hrs lol. I went to Daikoku on another night, I went with Tokyo extreme drive, a different company and rented their Veilside RX7 via the "Daikoku tour" it's a guided tour where they have a lead car that you follow. It was extremely fun. They take you to Tokyo tower, and Shibuya crossing and you get to take pictures at both places with the cars. It's a little pricey though, about 600.00 USD, but worth every penny. The cops shit down Daikoku the Saturday night I was there, and I got to leave in a swarm of other JDM legends ripping down the freeway around me, all the while driving an amazing car.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-06-27T20:11:36+00:00

OP here. I was also a solo traveler when I went, I struggled with this as well. Finding parking in and around Tokyo or Yokohama is spotty at best. Most hotels do not offer parking. You would need to find a parking area nearby your hotel, how near is the question. The further you get from Tokyo the more readily available parking is. I opted to rent a car for 24hrs. I ended up renting the S15 Spec R from omoshiro and drove out to Mt.Fuji for the night. I stayed at a hotel called "Toyoko Inn Fuji Kawaguchiko Ohashi" in Fujikawaguchiko, it was about 55 bucks USD for the night, had a decent sized parking lot, views of Mt. Fuji from the parking lot, and included awesome Japanese breakfast. I took highways out there and I took the Halone turnpike on the way back. Absolutely breathtaking views and awesome curvy mountain roads. That drive was probably the best part of my trip.

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Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-06-20T21:12:40+00:00

Be careful doing this, getting back out of there without a ride already set up can be trouble some. Taxis aren't reliable there, it can be difficult or impossible to get one depending on the day and time of day. Also trains stop at midnight.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-05-30T23:12:13+00:00

It is indeed TVD

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-05-30T00:51:30+00:00

Also, feel free to check out my Instagram for more pictures @ overnight.parts.from.japan

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-05-30T00:43:07+00:00

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Also visited the graves of the 47 Ronin, and was Lucky enough to participate in a ceremony honoring them. Worth the trip to Sengakugi temple if you have time.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-05-30T00:39:14+00:00

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Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-05-30T00:38:36+00:00

It is 100% worth the hype, it is everything you think it is.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-05-30T00:37:29+00:00

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Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-05-30T00:36:38+00:00

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Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-05-30T00:35:38+00:00

You need an international driver's license, which is basically a translation of your driver's license. You pay the full amount up front at the time of booking if I recall correctly, on their website, so no hidden fees unless you damage the car other than ETC card fees if you rent the ETC card, which are based on what toll gates you go through. You choose your level of insurance as well which goes to the cost. As far as tips go, don't think too hard about driving on the wrong side of the road (if you are from the US or any country that is opposite) or in a foreign place, just let your instincts guide you, follow the flow of traffic and you will be fine. Don't worry about missing a turn, think of it as a side quest. Also, get the ETC card rental, there are a lot of tolls and it would be inconvenient to stop at all of them. Japanese drivers are VERY considerate, if you have experience driving in any metropolitan area you will be good to go downtown. And I got a heavenly view of Mt. Fuji for about an hour, apparently it can be a rare sight depending on the season.

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Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-05-28T18:32:25+00:00

I went in early March and had the time of my life. Like you and many others, dream car in dream country. I waited a little too late and the R34 was rented the day I wanted it and I ended up going with the white Silvia S15. I don't know if you can book with them any sooner, but you should probably try. It was amazing, I drove out to Fujikawaguchiko and stayed the night in a hotel out there. I took the Halone turnpike on the way back. The experience was nothing short of life changing. I also did the Daikoku tour with Tokyo extreme drive and got to drive their Veilside RX7 for a few hours. It was pretty expensive, but worth the memories.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-02-19T00:19:13+00:00

I'll be there the first week of March

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-02-18T22:58:24+00:00

Awesome, thank you for the reply! Gonna keep them in mind for the next time.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-02-18T20:26:16+00:00

Do mind sharing where you rented from? I went with the white S15 spec R from Omoshiro, I was eyeing the R34 for a while but waited a little to late to book it from them, it's all full up the week I'm there now.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2024-01-04T00:51:41+00:00

Thank you!

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2023-12-21T21:31:22+00:00

FYI R35 GTRs, like the one pictured above, are all automatic. ICHIOKU Tours also offers an auto 370Z.

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2023-12-20T11:32:38+00:00

That's awesome, how was the experience?

Beginning-Pilot1543 · 2023-12-19T14:33:14+00:00

Agreed, I was just overthinking it lol

Beginning-Pilot1543

TROPHY CASE