Waking up at the crack of dawn on January 3 and heading down to Daikoku Parking Area in Yokohama has become second nature.
Even though I’ve been attending the Daikoku New Year meeting for as long as I can remember, I always look forward to it. For me, this continues to be the very best unofficial car gathering Japan has to offer.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_14](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213453/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_14-1200x800.jpg)
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_07](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213430/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_07-1200x800.jpg)
I arrived before 8:00am, but even then the entire parking area was already full with an assortment of makes and models that would make any car otaku drool.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_03](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213417/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_03-1200x800.jpg)
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_06](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213427/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_06-1200x800.jpg)
As always, I’ll let the images from the morning do most of the talking.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_13](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213450/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_13-1200x800.jpg)
There were so many gems, I really did feel like a kid in a candy store.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_09](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213436/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_09-1200x800.jpg)
Starting off with this Ferrari 365 GT4 BB, which I’m pleased I snapped a few pictures of when I did, as the owner ended up leaving quite early.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_12](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213446/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_12-1200x800.jpg)
But not to worry, as other rare sightings were everywhere I looked.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_15](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213456/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_15-1200x800.jpg)
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_19](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213508/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_19-1200x800.jpg)
See what I mean?
It’s always hard to say if cars like this Speedster are the real deal, but it’s still amazing to witness such variety.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_22](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213518/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_22-1200x800.jpg)
JDM-style Euros, anyone?
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_23](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213521/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_23-1200x800.jpg)
I don’t think too many people would have checked out this Z32 Nissan Fairlady Z droptop, but they’re a pretty rare sight in Japan now, especially with a manual transmission like this one has.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_24](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213524/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_24-1200x800.jpg)
Is there anything better than a white Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI on white RAYS Volk Racing TE37s?
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_36](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213604/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_36-1200x800.jpg)
Here’s that Ultima GTR again.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_33](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213554/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_33-1200x800.jpg)
I have to give a massive thanks to the owner of this Z20 Soarer, who gifted me some sick ‘Ibaraki Style’ stickers.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_37](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213607/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_37-1200x800.jpg)
SR311 Datsun on point.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_26](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213531/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_26-1200x800.jpg)
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_31](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213547/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_31-1200x800.jpg)
I’m not sure what I was more surprised to see – the brand new Lotus Emira, of which there are not many in Japan yet, or this Nissan Silvia S13 on Australian license plates.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_40](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213616/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_40-1200x800.jpg)
I often see a Subaru Alcyone or two at Nostalgic 2Days, but it’s so cool to see one out in the wild.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_44](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213629/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_44-1200x800.jpg)
When the police began their announcements, asking people not to park in the truck spots, many owners began leaving Daikoku.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_43](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213625/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_43-1200x800.jpg)
But at the same time, just as many cars continued to roll in.
This S30 Fairlady Z is an absolute beauty.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_45](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213632/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_45-1200x800.jpg)
I even spotted Alec‘s new project car in the mix.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_46](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213635/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_46-1200x800.jpg)
Ferrari 328 or Jaguar XJS Cabrio?
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_49](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213645/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_49-1200x800.jpg)
It’s always refreshing to see a 964 with its original narrow body.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_50](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213649/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_50-1200x800.jpg)
Pretty soon, the cars arriving at Daikoku were slowed to a crawl; there just weren’t any more car park spaces to accommodate them all.
So some ended up creating their own spaces.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_52](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213656/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_52-1200x800.jpg)
This Skyline Japan shows us how it’s still hip to be square.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_53](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213659/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_53-1200x800.jpg)
As always, a large crowd ended up forming at the parking area’s exit. Here, some owners will get on it as they head up the ramp back onto the expressway.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_54](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213702/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_54-1200x800.jpg)
It’s always nice to see a well-used GT3.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_55](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213706/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_55-1200x800.jpg)
You’d be forgiven for thinking this was some annual Lamborghini meeting.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_59](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213718/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_59-1200x800.jpg)
I’m always shocked by how many Lambos show up at this gathering, and not a single one of them is stock.
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_62](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213728/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_62-1200x800.jpg)
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_66](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213742/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_66-1200x800.jpg)
Where else would you see a stanced 348 next to a Hakosuka?!
![new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_67](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02213745/new_year_meet_2024_dino_dalle_carbonare_67-1200x800.jpg)
I really don’t think there’s any better way to celebrate the New Year, than at Daikoku PA on January 3, and I hope this post showed you why. Happy 2024!
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com