If you’re a foreigner coming to Japan and plan on driving here, we have some driving in Japan tips for you.
It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations here.
The roads in Japan are very different from those in your home country, so it’s crucial that you know what to expect before getting behind the wheel.
In this article, we’ll provide some tips and tricks for driving in Japan, as well as a few things you should avoid doing while on the road.
Let’s get started with some driving tips in Japan!
Before you travel, familiarize yourself with Japanese traffic signs
The signs in Japan are very different from those in your home country, so it’s important to know what they mean.
Also, pay attention to the speed limits.
Most roads have a maximum speed limit of 60 km/h (37 mph), unless it’s marked otherwise.
So, familiarize yourself with the Japanese driving laws.
For me, in Nagoya, that meant realizing that people drive like crazy.
In Japan, which side of the road do we drive on?
In Japan, you drive on the left, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car.
This means that if you’re from most of Europe, the Americas, or Asia, you’ll have to drive on the opposite side in Japan.
And everything inside the car will be the opposite of what you’re used to.
One easy thing to keep in mind is that the driver is always on the same side as the line that divides the road lanes.
Most Japanese cars have automatic transmissions, so you won’t have to worry about using “the other hand” to change gears.
Head out on the highway
There are no tolls on most normal roads in Japan, but highways will cost you.
Signs for highway access are green and square.
As in many other countries, the toll is based on how far you drive on the highway and the size of your vehicle.
You have to pay it when you leave the highway, not when you join.
When you get on the highway, you’ll get a ticket from a station that is usually unattended.
At the exit gate, where you’ll pay your fare, you’ll need to show this ticket.
If the car you rent has something called an “ETC” (Electronic Toll Collection) card, you can use separate gates to get on and off the highway without stopping.
The ETC card needs to be linked to a credit card that will be charged for the highway fees.
Ask your rental agency for more information and instructions if needed.
You can also rent ETC cards, which makes driving across Japan much easier.
Please keep in mind that regular gates are marked in green with the kanji for “cash,” while ETC gates have a purple sign that says “ETC.”
Buying Petrol or Gas
Japan uses diesel, ordinary gasoline, and high-octane gasoline.
High-octane pumps are yellow; diesel pumps are green or gray, and regular pumps are red.
Prefecture-specific gas prices vary.
Most highways in Japan have a lot of places to stop and get gas.
Most of these rest areas, or “service areas,” have shops where you can buy local food and other goods, along with local souvenirs.
This is a great way to try out some of the best things in the area.
Japan’s Gas Stations
Gas stations mostly contain Japanese instructions.
The procedures to put gasoline in the tank are always the same (if you’re not using a self-service station).
Just tell the attendant the quantity and kind of gas if you cannot do it yourself.
Obey the rules
Japan has different regulations than your nation.
And it’s your responsibility to follow them.
International Driving Permits (IDPs)
With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can drive in Japan for up to one year, even if the IDP is valid for longer.
Before you can use an International Driving Permit again, you must leave Japan for at least three months in a row after a year.
Japan doesn’t give out International driving permits, so you’ll need to get one in your home country before you go.
No “right-on-red”
You can’t turn right (or left) on a red signal, unlike in the US.
Once the light turns green, you may drive to the road’s center to turn.
You must wait for a green signal or for traffic to halt before turning.
Come to a halt at the crossing.
In Japan, regardless of a sign near a railroad, one must stop before crossing the tracks.
Even when the bar is up and there are no oncoming trains.
The Japanese police enforce this restriction strictly.
Never drive drunk
Japan’s drinking and driving laws are among the world’s strictest.
Even a few sips of mild alcohol can trigger a breathalyzer.
Never drive drunk.
You may risk yourself and others and suffer legal repercussions.
My Experiences Driving
I have a Toyota Vellfire, which is not so common outside of Asia.
They have a big factory in Mie prefecture, which is not far from where I’m based in Nagoya.
It’s very similar to the Toyota Alphard.
Drivers in Japan are like drivers elsewhere, although they are not very kind.
They rarely stop to let you go and you’ll need to push your way out if you want to get out of a side road.
A few other points of interest:
- Japan has a ton of traffic lights.
- Roundabouts or rotaries are usually only in front of stations.
- Many car parks are free
Do I really need to drive in Japan?
Now, if you are traveling to Japan for the first time during a two-week period, I could understand why you might be a bit apprehensive about renting a car.
And if you come to Japan for the first time and visit cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, will you need a car to get around?
No, not really.
Public transport in all those cities is second to none.
However, if you do want to go off the beaten path a little bit and do something a bit more unique, renting a car will unlock a lot of possibilities.
Before You Leave
So for the more adventurous traveler, Japan is a fantastic destination to drive around.
I hope these driving in Japan tips have helped.
