Planning a road trip through Japan is an absolute dream—until you hit the neon-lit, bustling streets of Tokyo. If you’ve ever tried to park in a high-profile district like Shinjuku, you know the struggle is real.

During my recent trip, I quickly learned that while rural Japan is a breeze for drivers, Tokyo parking fees can feel like a burden. In some spots, you’ll see rates as high as 400 yen for just 20 minutes, with no price cap! But since we had a friend to catch up with in Shinjuku, we had to find a solution.

That’s when I struck gold: Kabukicho Kobanzen Parking Lot (歌舞伎町交番前駐車場). If you want to explore Tokyo without breaking the bank, this is the “parking gem” you’ve been looking for.

About Kabukicho Kobanzen Parking Lot

Located in the heart of the action, this parking lot is situated within the Humax Pavilion Shinjuku Kabukicho building. It’s a professional, mechanical parking facility that offers a seamless experience for those who want to be right in the middle of Shinjuku’s entertainment district. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch or an overnight stay, its location—just minutes from the station—is unbeatable.

How “Cheap” Are We Talking?

In an area where prices usually skyrocket, this place is a total steal. For our 4-5 hour meetup, their mid-range option was perfect. Here is the breakdown:

Finding a 1,000 yen flat rate for 5 hours in Shinjuku is almost unheard of! It allowed us to enjoy our catch-up without constantly checking our watches.

The Experience: How to Use the Rotating Carousel System

The lot uses a cool Rotating Carousel System. It might look intimidating at first, but it’s actually very efficient. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Parking Your Car

• The Turn: Drive into the circle in the center of the vestibule. Stay inside your car! A staff member will push a button to rotate your car so it faces the elevator.

• The Descent: Gently drive into the elevator shaft. The lift will take you down. If it doesn’t move automatically, don’t panic—there are floor buttons inside with English instructions.

• The Spot: When the doors open, simply drive out and find your designated parking space.

Retrieval (When you’re ready to leave)

• The Alignment: Drive back onto the circular platform in front of the elevator. You might need to hop out for a second to press the rotating button nearby.

• The Entry: Once your car is rotated toward the shaft doors, drive in gently.

• The Exit: Follow the prompts inside the lift. Press the [確認] (Confirm) button, then the [F1] button to return to the ground floor.

How to Pay

Once you arrive back at the entrance level, a staff member will assist you with the payment. One of the best parts? They speak English! The process was smooth, friendly, and completely stress-free.

Why We Give This Spot 5 Stars

Aside from the price, there are four major reasons why this is our go-to recommendation:

Ultimate Safety: The name “Kobanzen” literally means “In front of the Police Box.” The Kabukicho police box is right across the street, making it incredibly safe for overnight parking. Plus, the mechanical system means no one can bump into your car or break in while it’s stored away.

Stress-Free Access: The entrance is easy to find (3 minutes west of the Shinjuku Ward Office Street intersection), even if you aren’t used to driving in Tokyo.

No Price Comparisons Needed: It is genuinely the lowest price in the area. You can spend your money on Shinjuku’s amazing food instead of the pavement!

Convenience: It’s a 3-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station and a 5-minute walk from the main Shinjuku Station.

Final Verdict

If you are driving into Tokyo, don’t let the fear of parking fees ruin your trip. The Kabukicho Kobanzen Parking Lot offers the perfect mix of security, affordability, and central location. We had a fantastic experience and will definitely be using them again on our next Japanese road trip!

Access Map

Quick Info About Kabukicho Kobanzen Parking Lot

Address: 1-20-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Humax Pavilion 1F)
Phone: 050-2018-3495
Best for: Long stays (5–24 hours) and peace of mind.

Did this entry help you? Or Did you enjoy my photos? Help support my small blog by giving a little cup of joe. I am always grateful when readers reach out wanting to support 🙂

p.s. This post is independently created. However, when you book or purchase something through the retail links, I may earn an affiliate commission to help keep Ploy’s Little Atlas running. Thank you very much for your support!

p.p.s All images used (unless specified) are owned by the author of the blog and permission is required for a repost. Please, reach out via social media channels to ask beforehand if you’d like to use them.