I got back to my home station from a day out in Tokyo, and went to go retrieve my bike from the bike area. I found it with a small piece of paper attached, and, not knowing exactly what it meant, I went to the Koban beside the lot to inquire, since it seemed to be a ticket from them.
The officer at the desk didn’t speak a word of English (we’re in the inaka) so I used my limited Japanese and was able to explain it was attached to my bicycle and had no idea what it meant. He nods and walks away from the desk. A minute later, the door opens and this other officer comes out. She asks to see where my bike was parked, so I led her to it.
She explained in halting but understandable English that the ticket was a reminder I needed to pay 100 yen to use the parking lot, per day. She then took me to the ticket machine (it was hidden behind some vending machines) and walked me through the process. We then chatted in English and Japanese for a few minutes. The first officer also came out, wished me a good night, and drove off on his scooter.
I’m pretty sure they could have fined me, as I’ve never paid for parking there before (legit had no idea it was needed), but they were super chill and friendly.