Yes, owning a car in central Tokyo in 2026 is prohibitively expensive for most residents, primarily due to "hidden" costs rather than the car's price. While a used "Kei car" can be bought for under ¥500,000 ($3,300), the monthly parking in central wards like Roppongi or Ginza can cost between ¥40,000 and ¥50,000 ($260–$330)—often as much as a small apartment's rent in other countries. Additionally, Japan's "Shaken" (mandatory inspection) every two years can cost between ¥100,000 and ¥200,000 for a regular car. You are also required by law to provide "Proof of Parking" (shako shomei) before you can even register the vehicle. In 2026, with Tokyo's world-class public transit and the rise of "Anyca" car-sharing apps, most residents find it significantly cheaper to rent a car for weekend trips rather than deal with the constant financial drain of city-center ownership and the high costs of highway tolls.