{"id":3532,"date":"2019-04-22T17:39:58","date_gmt":"2019-04-22T08:39:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/how-to-get-your-car-inspected-in-japan\/"},"modified":"2025-08-28T11:34:51","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T02:34:51","slug":"how-to-get-your-car-inspected-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/how-to-get-your-car-inspected-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Your Car Inspected in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the years, we\u2019ve told you about the process of getting a driver\u2019s license<\/a> and buying cars<\/a> and motorcycles<\/a> in Japan, but we\u2019ve never gone into detail on the inspection and taxation process that all vehicle owners must deal with every two years or less. It can be a real hassle because like most any government process anywhere, it\u2019s convoluted, changes depending on your type and size of the vehicle, and involves anywhere from half a day to sometimes weeks of back and forth. So let\u2019s shed some light on it a bit and make it as pain-free as possible.<\/p>\n

Shaken, Not Stirred<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s start with the word shaken (\u8eca\u691c)<\/q> pronounced sha-KEN. It means car inspection<\/q> and is the shortened form of Jid\u014dsha Kensa T\u014drokuseido<\/a> (\u81ea\u52d5\u8eca\u691c\u67fb\u767b\u9332\u5236\u5ea6, automobile inspection registration system<\/q>). Every vehicle from large motorcycles over 250cc to large trucks must undergo this inspection annually or bi-annually. For us passenger car owners, this also coincides with the payment of road weight taxes and compulsory liability insurance (jibaiseki hoken \u81ea\u8ce0\u8cac\u4fdd\u967a, but colloquially called \u2018JCI\u2019, Japan Compulsory Insurance by expats) which are also due at the time of inspection.<\/p>\n

There are several ways to go through this process, but for us, it mostly boils down to two choices: the dealership\/auto garage way or the DIY Shaken Center<\/q> way. And as per usual, the former is easier but expensive and the latter is more complicated but cheaper. The test itself is very comprehensive and involves the following:<\/p>\n

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  1. An exterior inspection to ensure the vehicle meets Japanese exterior regulations and does not have illegal exterior modifications such as extreme body kits that increase the exterior dimensions.<\/li>\n
  2. A wheel alignment inspection to ensure the vehicle has its wheels in-line and can turn correctly.<\/li>\n
  3. A speedometer inspection to ensure the vehicle\u2019s speedometer is accurate.<\/li>\n
  4. A headlamp inspection to ensure that the vehicle\u2019s headlights are correctly placed and aligned.<\/li>\n
  5. A brake inspection to ensure the brakes work correctly.<\/li>\n
  6. An exhaust gas\/muffler inspection which includes testing carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions along with exhaust noise levels.<\/li>\n
  7. An undercarriage inspection which includes looking at (and tapping, pushing and pulling, etc on) suspension parts.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If any of the tests fail, you must get the part fixed and redo the inspection in order to pass.<\/p>\n

    Just Take My Money!<\/h3>\n

    If you don\u2019t mind parting ways with anywhere between \u00a550,000 to \u00a5120,000 in fees depending on where, you can take your vehicle to a dealership, or an auto garage like Autobacs<\/a> and Yellow Hat<\/a>. This fee is on top of the normal shaken fees because they will be pre-inspecting your vehicle at their garage, recommending any fixes they think are needed, then driving your car to the Land Transportation Office to get the government inspection done, then bringing it back and usually washing and detailing it for you.<\/p>\n

    This sounds a bit like highway robbery but its really all about convenience; In many cases, you get a courtesy car and discounts on whatever repairs are needed should the inspection fail. But I\u2019ve never gone this route because I just take it to the Land Transportation Office myself and save the money.<\/p>\n

    The Shaken-Jo Shuffle<\/h3>\n

    If you have a whole day to invest in the process, it\u2019s easy to do a \u201cuser shaken \u30e6\u30fc\u30b6\u30fc\u8eca\u691c) if you know all the steps in advance, and requires some Japanese speaking and writing ability but the people working in the facility will help you as much as possible to fill out all the forms and show you how it’s done.<\/p>\n

    Before you go<\/h5>\n

    Make sure you do the following:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Do the 60 point test yourself if possible, so you don\u2019t waste your time finding out at the Shaken Center. You can download the form here<\/a> and have a go at translating it yourself or with a friend.<\/li>\n
    2. Have your paperwork ready<\/a>. You\u2019ll need your current Shaken certificate, JCI certificate (these should be in the car at all times) Car Tax Notice from the mail. If you want, you can prepare the Shaken Inspection form, Weight Tax Application Form, and Shaken Application Forms in advance to help you(download here<\/a>) and your official name stamp (inkan\/hanko). Also, bring the form from (1) above if you did it.<\/li>\n
    3. Make an appointment online<\/a> at the test center nearest your home.<\/li>\n
    4. Bring cash. They don\u2019t take cards at the center and there\u2019s usually no ATMs on site. This will very likely mean you having over \u00a51000 in bills on your person; please be extra vigilant not to misplace your belongings!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      At the Shaken-Jo<\/h5>\n

      If you\u2019ve made an appointment, please be sure to arrive on time. Just like most government offices in Japan, don\u2019t expect much help in English; but most offices usually have signage in English, and sometimes someone on staff that speaks enough English to point out the different windows, counters, and queues you\u2019ll be standing in. You\u2019ll likely experience deja vu if you\u2019ve already gone through with obtaining your Japanese Driver\u2019s License. As per my experience and this guide<\/a>, here\u2019s how I go about the process:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Find the Information Counter. Usually, this is marked as Window #1 and is right next to the main entrance into the building. If you have an appointment, this is the place to let them know and they can confirm. The person there will check all your paperwork so far and then sell you a shaken application form to fill out. Do this, and return it to the same counter.<\/li>\n
      2. Then head over to the fee payment window and pay the shaken test fee. You can also let the person there know it\u2019s your first time going through the process, and they can give you a \u8a98\u5c0e(yuudou)<\/q> sign to wear so the staff can give you extra guidance; You\u2019ll notice most people there are mechanics and auto dealers who are being paid to do the shaken for many cars every day and likely never need any help at all.<\/li>\n
      3. If you have time and know your car will pass, you can choose to go and pay your fees at the other areas right away. I usually like to get the car test out of the way first though, so we\u2019ll continue down that path.\n