Day 6 of our Japanese adventure began at a shipping yard in Osaka – the final resting place for cars before their global export. This place was overflowing with iconic JDM metal! From Civic EG’s to  S15’s to legendary Skyline’s and a rare Hakosuka GTR finished in Millenium Jade, it was a true feast for the eyes.

Spotted amongst these beauties was our latest acquisition – a Honda Acty HA4 patiently awaiting its voyage to Tegiwa HQ. We couldn’t resist giving it the Tegiwa treatment, proudly emblazoning it with our decals. This Acty is looking immaculate – the cleanest we’ve ever imported, boasting features like air conditioning, unworn seats, and a surprising lack of patina!

We then headed towards the legendary Kakimoto Racing, renowned for their exhaust systems and performance parts. Their showroom was a treasure trove, overflowing with everything from gleaming wheels and potent engines to their signature exhausts and walls adorned with motorsport memorabilia.

What was really cool was the hand sanitiser bottle sat in the end of an exhaust tip and the handrails made out of exhaust pipe!

The cherry on top? Two monstrous R33 Skyline GTRs built for domination in their respective disciplines. One, a track-focused beast, was primed for ripping up the asphalt. Its counterpart, a drag strip monster, left no room for doubt with its imposing parachute strapped to the rear.

As we made our way to the next stop, the unexpected became reality. Cruising through the bustling streets, we stumbled upon a sight that stopped us in our tracks – the coolest Honda dealership, ever! This unplanned stop revealed a towering, five-story structure resembling a giant matchbox, overflowing with Hondas. The pièce de résistance? An NSX-R GT300 car perched atop this mechanical masterpiece. Sadly, a closer look proved elusive – this beauty was accessible only by car lift, not by showroom explorers like us.

Next on the agenda: Teramoto, a company specialising in go-faster goodies for both cars and motorbikes. The star of the show? The ingenious T-Rev valve. This marvel of engineering alters the crankcase’s internal pressure, allowing for freer-revving engines. We even got to test it out for ourselves on a Subaru Levorg. Teramoto’s showroom was another treat, packed with goodies and allowing us to indulge our inner biker with a chance to test-sit their motorcycles.

Day 6 was a perfect example of how the Japanese adventure keeps surprising us at every turn. Join us next time for our final day in Japan, where we promise more JDM delights and a touch of bittersweet goodbyes!

Day 5 was an absolute whirlwind of adventure! We squeezed in visits to no less than 4 legendary Japanese companies, each one a treasure trove of performance parts and iconic machinery.

Our first stop was TOM’S Racing, a name synonymous with the blisteringly fast Castrol Supra that dominated the 90’s racing scene and of course Gran Turismo. After a chat about business, we explored their showroom which showcase some of their parts, merchandise, and historical motorsport memorabilia.

The real stars of the show, however, were the TOM’S demo cars. The first, a GR Yaris, showcased a tasteful OEM+ approach.

But the real showstopper was the stunning Toyota GR86 in Ignition Red. This machine, adorned with a full TOM’S body kit and their iconic quad-barrel exhaust, was a true head-turner. The guys at TOM’s even went the extra mile, moving the car out for epic street side photos – now that’s hospitality!

Next on the agenda: WedsSport HQ. While the office itself wasn’t a showroom, the meeting held a special treat – a sneak peek at some prototype wheels! The first was the TC-105X DSR, a masterpiece in matte blue, expected to be released later this year. They also unveiled the multi-spoke SA-62R, a versatile wheel available in various sizes and already gracing the shelves of Tegiwa.com – big thanks to the WedsSport crew for their hospitality and the amazing Super GT experience!

We then ventured to Tomei Powered Inc. This is a brand that we were familiar with, but not one that we have had any business with. Interesting fact; Tomei are named after the expressway that there facility is located on.

Stepping into their facility was like entering a petrolhead’s paradise. One of Tomei’s technician took us on a tour of their restricted zones. Witnessing their engine room filled with legendary RB26s, one even roaring to life on the dyno with its signature turbo flutter, was pure magic.

The tour continued through the machining room where camshafts were meticulously crafted. Engine parts were everywhere you looked, from a VQ35 block to a collection of gleaming titanium exhausts. A hidden gem awaited us in the old dyno room – a vintage 1300cc engine with massive trumpets, pushing out 150 horsepower!

Outside, two hidden gems awaited a dramatic reveal. The first cover peeled back to unveil a top-spec drift machine – a Toyota Chaser packing a monstrous 1,000 horsepower 2JZ engine. Lurking beneath the other cover was a Nissan R35 GTR, a development platform for Tomei’s upcoming VQ35 parts line. This beast boasted premium upgrades like AP Racing brakes, Bride bucket seats, and a Tomei titanium exhaust system that blessed our ears with a glorious rev.

The tour concluded with a visit to their warehouse, a place of immaculate order with no box or part being out of place.

Our final stop of the day: DAMD Design. These guys are well known for their recent body kits for the new Suzuki Jimny (think Lancia Delta Integrale and Renault 5 Turbo throwbacks). Parked outside were those very Jimny’s, their attention to detail – like the quirky “non-turbo” sticker on the Renault-inspired one – was second to none.

Another mind-blowing fact: DAMD Design was the mastermind behind the iconic green Evo 7 driven by Paul Walker in 2Fast 2 Furious! Though the car’s designer wasn’t in, we scored a sweet model for our YouTube video – a win in our book!

With the official visits complete, we headed for a parking lot to stash our minivan before catching the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Osaka. We descended a couple of levels and to our absolute surprise, we were greeted with supercar heaven. You name it, it was there. Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren etc.

This parking lot was essentially being used a storage facility for anybody who had a nice car. It wasn’t hard to see why either when we learned that it only cost £5 for 48 hours parking!

As we did a few laps of the car park taking it all in, we came across something we did not expect. Nearly 4 rows packed full of the worlds rarest and quirkiest Subaru’s. A Spec C, 22B, a Colin McRae Impreza, a 360 Sedan Deluxe and a Samba just to name a few. Then, plot twist. We were told all of these Subaru’s were all owned by one collector (he goes by the name of Mr Boxer)! We worked out that he pays around £27,000 in storage fee’s to keep them all here. If you want to know (we certainly did), then check out this post on the Top Gear website.

 

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So, that was day 5 in a nutshell. Arguably our craziest yet. Stay tuned for day 6 as we encountered even more cool stuff in Japan!

Day 4 of our Japanese adventure was a whirlwind tour of legendary tuning houses, starting with the hallowed halls of Mugen. Mugen, a name synonymous with Honda performance, needs no introduction to any true JDM enthusiast.

While we waited for their doors to open, we stumbled upon an arcade – and what better way to pass the time than a virtual tear-up on the Tokyo expressway in an NSX (naturally, Luke emerged victorious).

10 am struck, and the Mugen showroom doors swung open. The coolest detail? Their entrance door handles – repurposed Formula 3000 engine conrods! We were greeted warmly and treated to a feast for the eyes in their showroom. We were then introduced to Mugen’s MD, General Manager, and Deputy Assistant Manager, followed by a fascinating presentation about the company’s history and vision.

Unfortunately, the factory tour was top-secret (no sneaky content this time!), but let’s just say we witnessed firsthand some of Japan’s most impressive manufacturing processes. We peeked through a privacy screen into the engine room, and even got to see the disassembled ARTA Civic FL5 GT500 race car – a testament to the relentless pace of Japanese motorsport, considering it had just battled for 3 hours a day and a half prior!

Back outside, a couple of Mugen demo cars awaited our attention. The Civic FK8, sporting a full Mugen catalogue – carbon fibre galore, a full titanium exhaust and an awesome rear wing – was a true embodiment of unadulterated performance. The tiny S660 kei car, meanwhile, packed a surprising punch with its Mugen makeover. Recaro seats cradled us in comfort, and the guys even fired up the engine for an experience for our ears.

Next stop: Mugen’s behemoth autoclave, a house-sized marvel responsible for crafting their exquisite carbon fibre parts, including those adorning their race cars.

The showroom tour was a sensory overload of iconic JDM treasures. The centre piece? The Jordan 198, Damon Hill’s former Formula 1 steed. Plus they had the mighty 3-litre V10 engine, a masterpiece of engineering – 121kg of pure power, screaming to a 16,500 rpm redline and churning out over 700 horsepower. To top it all off, the Mugen crew offered us the chance to climb into the cockpit – an experience most can only dream of!

Mugen’s S660 concept car, a treasure trove of motorsport memorabilia, and a smorgasbord of Mugen parts rounded out this incredible visit.

With Mugen etched into our memories, we embarked on a journey to Spoon Sports/Type One. En route, fate intervened – a glimpse of GruppeM Racing HQ! We immediately told the taxi driver to pull over so we could have a look around but unfortunately, Golden Week (a bank holiday in Japan) had them closed for business.

A detour and a long walk to the train station later, we reached Spoon Sports, only to find them closed as well – a double dose of bad timing! This was disappointing because we were told they’d be open for us to have a look round.

Disappointment aside, window shopping through their display window wasn’t a total loss. A feast of Hondas, including their latest FK8 and FL5 track weapons, were scattered around their shop.

Day 4 may not have gone exactly according to plan, but the thrill of the chase and the unexpected discoveries are all part of the Japanese adventure!

Day 3 was a bit of a whirlwind – a shift from the high-octane racing to exploring the heart of Japanese car culture. Bidding farewell to Mount Fuji, we headed back to Omoshiro rent-a-car with our rentals cruising along the scenic expressway. A quick fuel stop revealed a pleasant surprise – super unleaded, considered expensive here at £1 a litre, was still way cheaper than back home!

Returning the cars involved settling the toll road fees – a hefty £50 per car considering the short rental period. But hey, the memories were priceless!

Next on the agenda: Kemitec, a company pioneering next-generation coolant technology. Their PG55 NR358 coolant boasts a unique Propylene Glycol base that extends hose and gasket life – what’s not to love! Outside they had a brand new G80 M3 Competition which looked awesome in the afternoon sun.

We then ventured into the heart of Tokyo, the urban jungle unfolding around us. Our mission? To immerse ourselves in the city’s vibrant car culture.

First stop: the legendary Shibuya Crossing (remember the scene in Tokyo Drift when Hans and Sean drift through the busy street?), a pulsating intersection where thousands of pedestrians cross in a mesmerising wave. Fun Fact: Shibuya Crossing is considered the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world!

We managed to spot the coolest taxi ever too. When was the last time you saw a taxi rocking a set of BBS LM’s?

From there, we hit Shibuya Ward Parking, hoping to catch a glimpse of a local meet. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side. Still, the parking lot wasn’t a total failure – a stunning AE86 Trueno, a classic Land Cruiser, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and a couple of imposing G Wagons turned heads.

Undeterred, we continued our JDM quest, stumbling upon a couple of cool cars parked on the street. Mustering our best broken English, we struck up a conversation with the owners. Daikoku Parking Area, they informed us, was the place to be for a lively meet.

With a quick booking on Uber, (a luxurious Toyota Alphard, no less) we were on our way there!

However, fate had other plans. By the time we arrived, the police had shut down the meet, leaving behind a pretty deserted parking lot.

Daikoku is the largest rest area on the Shuto Expressway, located beneath the Yokohama Bay Bridge. It’s a popular night time hangout for car enthusiasts, known for its diverse car scene. The location is epic because it is surrounded by 100 metre tall roads and bridges and you can hear the cars racing around them!

Despite the lack of action, we weren’t disheartened. We were still happy to have witnessed Daikoku’s unique setting, a concrete island buzzing with car culture energy (even if it was dormant that night).

Stay tuned because day 4 promises a visit to the hallowed halls of Mugen HQ!

Day 2 of our Japanese adventure was all about the heart-pounding world of Super GT, and thanks to our amazing friends at WedsSport, it was an experience we’ll never forget.

Super GT, Japan’s premier motorsport series, is a thrilling mix of speed, strategy, and stunning machinery. It features two classes: GT500 and GT300. GT500 boasts heavily modified production-based cars with insane power – think 600 horsepower from a 2-litre turbocharged engine! These machines are aerodynamic marvels that hug the track.

The GT300 class is more diverse, with a mix of FIA GT3 spec cars and some unique Japanese machinery. Races are three-hour endurance battles, with driver changes and pit stops adding to the strategic complexity. Witnessing a Super GT race is a spectacle – from the thunderous roar of the engines to the passionate fan culture, it’s an unforgettable experience.

So, imagine this: you’re rolling into the Fuji Speedway car park and you’re greeted by a sea of legendary JDM metal – GTRs, NSXs, the works. Check out this reel that we made over on our Instagram page!

 

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First and foremost, WedsSport’s hospitality was legendary. They welcomed us with open arms and guided us around their impressive trade display in the outer paddock to kick the day off.

But the real treat was yet to come. We ventured beneath the track, gaining exclusive access to the garage housing a true beast: the WedsSport GT500 GR Supra.

This machine is a monster in disguise. While it shares the silhouette of its street-legal cousin, everything under the bonnet is a different story. We’re talking a fire-breathing, 2-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine pumping out a mind-blowing 600 horsepower! Add an insane aerodynamic package to that, and you’ve got a car that practically glues itself to the track.

The GT500 class absolutely smokes its GT300 counterpart, lapping them by a staggering 10 seconds. We even witnessed the GT500 team photo shoot and, of course, couldn’t resist snagging a few shots of our own.

Next up, a stroll down the pit lane for a closer look at the competition. The energy was electric, fuelled by the presence of the ever-glamorous race queens posing for photos.

The start/finish line opened for a limited window, and let’s just say it was a sensory overload. Fans packed the pit wall, their passion evident in the endless sea of waving flags and cheering roars. Super GT is serious business when it comes to fan engagement!

One interesting detail we learned: when the grid forms, the fastest cars from both GT500 and GT300 classes make a grand entrance, receiving a huge applause from the crowd – a true display of respect for the pole sitters.

The race itself lived up to the hype. With a rolling start, all 42 cars unleashed a cacophony of noise as they rocketed down the pit straight. It took less than 10 laps for the GT500 cars to establish dominance, lapping the GT300 contingent.

The 3-hour race allowed us to explore different vantage points around the track, each revealing a new perspective of the action. We even stumbled upon a pristine NSX-R with a mere 6,000 kilometres on the clock – a proper JDM unicorn!

As the checkered flag signalled the end of the race, drama unfolded. A GT500 car, mere metres from the finish line, sputtered to a halt – a heartbreaking conclusion after battling for hours. To top it off, a BMW GT3 car’s tyre met a catastrophic end on the finish line, the force of the explosion shredding its rear quarter and sending debris flying. It was a stark reminder of the immense stress these machines endure over the gruelling 3-hour race.

The post-race celebrations were a sight to behold. The cars lined up and the drivers emerged to a round of applause, and the sheer spectacle of it all left us in awe.

Back in the outer paddock, we explored the various brand exhibits, including a stunning GR Yaris nestled in the Yokohama Advan tent.

Escaping Fuji Speedway proved to be an exercise in patience, thanks to the post-race exodus. While waiting for our ride back, Dave and Mitch embarked on a mini car-spotting adventure, scoring sightings of a DC2, a 911 GT3, and a Lotus Exige.

Make sure you check back for day 3 as we make our way to Tokyo!

After 9 months of planning, a 14-hour flight, and bam! We were finally in the land of the rising sun, Japan. But this trip wasn’t going to be your typical tourist adventure. We weren’t here for temples or sushi (well, maybe a little bit of sushi). What we were here for was to discover the pulse of JDM culture and everything that went with it!

Omoshiro Rent-A-Car

Our first stop? Omoshiro rent-a-car, a haven for JDM enthusiasts with a mind-blowing selection – Skylines, Supras, you name it. We’d booked the cars three months in advance. This is the timeline of when they open up bookings (from the date you want to return the car), so if there’s something particular that you fancy, you need to be on it with your booking! All you need is your domestic driving license as well as an international driving license too. Check out their website, here.

The prices were respectable too, with the crash damage waiver and EDC card options ticked, the Evo came in at £280 and the Skyline was £600. This was from 11am on a Friday until 12pm on a Sunday. All that we had to pay for was fuel and toll road fees.

Dave, our media manager, went for the iconic Evo 8, while Luke, Co-owner of Tegiwa, snagged the head-turning R33 GTR.

With the car inspection over and the paperwork signed, we were officially ready to conquer Japan!

A Pit Autobacs

Our first destination was a visit to the legendary, Autobacs. This Japanese automotive giant is a one-stop shop for everything automotive-related. From full titanium exhaust systems and turbocharger kits to HKS built engines and incredible merchandise, Autobacs caters to just about every driver’s needs. We browsed the aisles, soaking up the atmosphere and picking up a few essentials for our JDM adventure.

Autobacs also had a workshop too (the most immaculate we have ever seen). Here, you can get your new parts fitted by trained technicians in a simple drive-in, drive-out basis. Tucked away in the corners of the workshop was a MK1 Golf GTI and a Lamborghini Huracan Sterrarto!

Upgarage Yokohama

Next on the agenda was a trip to Upgarage. Unlike Autobacs with its brand new goodies, Upgarage is a treasure trove of secondhand parts and accessories. It’s a paradise for car tinkerers and JDM enthusiasts on a budget, offering a chance to snag rare finds and breathe new life into older parts. We spent a good amount of time digging through the shelves, never knowing what gem we might uncover next.

In a nutshell, Upgarage is essentially a real life eBay for all things car parts, motorcycles, wheels and even cars too! We found S2000 coilovers for as little as £50, an NSX wing for £100 and a S2K FRP hardtop for £250. There really are some bargains to be had here.

At the Yokohama store that we visited, they also had a warehouse that was solely dedicated to wheels. In there was everything you could imagine from OZ Rally Racing to Volk TE37’s to BBS’s!

Just across the road from the parts store, there was also an Upgarage car dealership. This was pretty cool because all the cars in here had been modified. Tucked away at the back of the showroom was a red Toyota AE86!

Sampling the local cuisine

After fuelling our car obsession for a short while, it was time to refuel ourselves. We ventured to a local food market, ready to embrace the exciting (and sometimes questionable) world of Japanese cuisine. Let’s just say, our taste buds had an interesting adventure!

With full stomachs and a taste for adventure, we set off for the majestic Mount Fuji. Our destination: Fuji Speedway, where we’d witness the heart-pounding action of the Super GT race the following day. The 2-hour drive from Tokyo to Fuji was a highlight in itself. As the sun dipped towards the horizon, casting an orange glow over the landscape, we raced against time to capture some epic photos of our JDM rides with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. The winding mountain roads provided the perfect driving experience, and the stunning scenery made for some truly unforgettable memories.

You can check out the full gallery of images from day 1 in Japan, below. Stay tuned for Day 2, where the real racing action unfolded at Fuji Speedway!