Kurume (久留米) is a real city with universities, factories, and a growing number of foreign residents — not just a stop on the way to Fukuoka. You can buy a used car here. You do not have to drive to Hakata first.
KMC JAPAN is in Ogori (小郡市三沢), the next municipality north of Kurume. By car that is often 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic on the belt and Route 3. Nishitetsu and JR also stitch the two towns together. We work auctions and English-speaking walk-throughs from that yard.
The legal steps are the same as anywhere in Fukuoka Prefecture: residence card, parking paper, name change, shaken, insurance. Full sequence: Buying a used car in Fukuoka as a foreigner.
Where to look in Kurume
- Route 3 / bypass lots — kei boxes and compact hatches aimed at local families. Japanese-only paperwork is common; bring a friend or use us as interpreter for the 車検証.
- Nishitetsu Kurume / city-center walk-ins — smaller stock, easy if you have no car yet.
- KMC JAPAN (Ogori) — auction grades explained in English, export-capable cars if you might leave Japan later, delivery discussion for Kurume addresses.
Contact us (mention Kurume) View inventory
What size of car fits Kurume
Older streets near the Chikugo river and apartment mechanical parking favor kei (N-BOX, Tanto, Spacia). If you commute toward Tosu, Fukuoka IC, or Sasebo on weekends, a regular compact (Aqua, Fit, Note) is less tiring. Comparison: kei vs regular. Cheap shortlist: best cheap used cars for foreigners.
Parking, shaken, insurance
Most regular cars need a 車庫証明 from the police station that covers your Kurume (or Ogori) garage — not Hakata. Draft maps and applications on kmcjapan.org. Explainer: parking certificate guide.
Name change for ordinary cars is at the Fukuoka transport branch system; 軽自動車 uses the light-vehicle association. Ask which counter before you take a day off work.
Compulsory 自賠責 is not full cover. Optional 任意 should start the day you drive: Japanese car insurance for foreigners. Budget: cost to own a car in Japan.
Students, factory staff, Navy visitors
Kurume University-area renters: check the apartment’s stall width before you fall in love with a Freed. Factory shift workers in the Chikugo area: night 任意 quotes and a car with remaining shaken matter more than gadgets.
If you are stationed at CFA Sasebo but shopping inland: used cars near Sasebo — Kurume/Ogori is a realistic Saturday trip.
When you leave
Sell, export, transfer, or scrap before you fly: what to do with the car. Domestic 買取: kmccar.com.
This is local orientation, not legal advice. Confirm offices with Kurume City and Fukuoka Prefecture notices.
