It is under the regulation in Japan that all private owned automobile must have a specific parking space. Parking by the roadside is prohibited. The width and length of the space should be sufficient for your vehicle and must be within 2 km from your registered residence address. You need to find a parking location like monthly car parking renting, your landlord, building owner, real estate agent then request for an official document to proof that the space is yours.

According to the central Tokyo police station, below are the documents (Japanese only) which you need to prepare under 2 conditions.

1. if your parking space is within your private property
   1. Application Form for Parking Space Certificate
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   2. Application Form for Parking Badge
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   3. Proof of right for Parking Space Utilization
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   4. Map of the location of the parking area and surronding
      (Document link, Entry guide)
2. if your parking space is under renting property
   1. Application Form for Parking Space Certificate
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   2. Application Form for Parking Badge
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   3. The Consent of use of parking space (a copy of the contract Is acceptable too)
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   4. Map of the location of the parking area and surronding
      (Document link, Entry guide)

Note:

1. Application requirements varies according to location. The above is for central Tokyo only.
2. The process will take approximately I week.
3. The above is only for private automobile.
4. The above is only for new application while NOT FOR the change of parking location.
5. The procedures, requirements and cost are based on the information stated in the Tokyo Police Station homepage dated 26th July 2016.
6. Small / light cars may not need this certificate in less urban areas.

In Japan, there is a category of small or light vehicle which is called as Kei-Jisdosha or K-car / Kei-car and normally below 660 cc. This category of car generally has yellow plate and in most rural areas a parking certification is exempted due to the adequate availability of space. However in certain area like central Tokyo, proof of parking is still required. Nevertheless, it is wise to confirm with Tokyo Police Station to confirm whether your area is exempted.

1. if the space is within your private property
   1. Vehicle Parking Written Notice
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   2. Application Form for Badge
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   3. Proof of Right of the Vehicle Storage
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   4. Map of the location
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   5. Document which can confirm the use of the said location (e.g. electricity or gas receipt, mail with official postmark, driving license, car inspection certificate (shaken), residency certificate etc.)
      1. apply personally - person in charge will confirm upon submission
      2. apply by representative - please attached copy
2. if the space is under rented property
   1. Vehicle Parking Written Notice
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   2. Application Form for Badge
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   3. Consent of Use
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   4. Map of the location
      (Document link, Entry guide)
   5. Document which can confirm the use of the said location (e.g. electricity or gas receipt, mail with official postmark, driving license, car inspection certificate (shaken), residency certificate etc.)
      1. apply personally - person in charge will confirm upon submission
      2. apply by representative - please attached copy