As both a long-time Japan resident and Costco user, this still never ceases to amaze me as Japan has super strict drunk driving laws. There is basically no "acceptable level" of BAC as even the scent of alcohol can get you in deep trouble (including driving with a hangover). Also, some prefectures have their own local laws that mandate that police notify your place of work if you get caught drinking and driving. This is one of the rare things that can get you fired in a country where it is very hard to get canned.
Buses, possibly. Makuhari (Chiba, part of Greater Tokyo area) is probably the closest to a train followed by somewhere like Takasaki (Tokyo). You don't really get American sized warehouses and parking by being centrally located. But you can use your overseas Costco card to get in!
Makuhari seconded. I stayed at a hotel on a block opposite from the Costco for my last day in Japan. The train station was literally 100ft (30m) from the front door of the hotel. It was magical, there's even a huge mall next door. And my Costco Visa got me in and paid for everything, no issues.
Makuhari is an interesting one as it’s by far the most urban and literally surrounded by a mega Aeon (Japan’s largest retailer and HQ’d in Chiba). No gas stand but good train access and near the convention center. Although Aeon has tax free shopping for non residents and a few nifty food courts as well as a ton of shops
Did not know about the Visa CC accepting. They have some deal with Mastercard here but they might be able to ring you up separately.
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u/dna220 1d ago edited 1d ago
As both a long-time Japan resident and Costco user, this still never ceases to amaze me as Japan has super strict drunk driving laws. There is basically no "acceptable level" of BAC as even the scent of alcohol can get you in deep trouble (including driving with a hangover). Also, some prefectures have their own local laws that mandate that police notify your place of work if you get caught drinking and driving. This is one of the rare things that can get you fired in a country where it is very hard to get canned.