If you’re a fan of classic cars, make sure to visit the Coppa di Tokyo event in Tokyo’s Shiodome district on November 23.
This annual gathering showcases over 100 iconic classic cars from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, displayed at Shiodome West Park, also known as Tokyo’s Italian Square. Visitors have the opportunity to get an up-close, free-of-charge view of these legendary vehicles.
The cars won’t just be parked in the square; they’ll also take to the streets of Tokyo in a competitive rally, where drivers go through checkpoints in Ueno and Asakusa, aiming to hit each location at designated times.
The event has classic car enthusiasts thrilled. “Can you imagine more than a hundred legendary cars cruising through Tokyo streets, set against the backdrop of Ueno and Asakusa’s historic temples and shrines?” says Yasunori Yasumoto, an employee of Stars and Stripes’ Zama Office. “It’s like watching a parade in a famous theme park.”
Yasumoto adds that European classic cars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s are particularly photogenic and often sport neo-futuristic, spaceship-like designs.
“I’m especially fond of the Heinkel Trojan 200 (1963), known as the ‘bubble car,’ as well as the Messerschmitt KR200 (1958) and BMW Isetta 300 (1959), which have a quirky, washing-machine-like appearance,” he says.
As autumn deepens, why not head to Tokyo’s scenic Italian Square and fall in love with one or more of these timeless classic cars?
2024 Coppa di Tokyo
Location: Shiodome Italian Square, 2-17-1 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo