Japan Driving Guide
Japan Driving Guide
Sometimes driving a car is just what is needed to explore the paths less ventured and often the best places you may find are also those that you happen to path on your journey.
Sometimes driving a car is just what is needed to explore the paths less ventured and often the best places you may find are also those that you happen to path on your journey.
This guide aims to give you all the knowledge you need to feel comfortable driving in Japan.
This guide aims to give you all the knowledge you need to feel comfortable driving in Japan.
Need to rent a car? Take a look at our Renting a Car Guide for everything you need to know when it comes to renting a car in Japan!
Need to rent a car? Take a look at our Renting a Car Guide for everything you need to know when it comes to renting a car in Japan!
Licence Requirements
Those who have a drivers licence from Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium or Monaco:
Drivers Licence
Japanese translation of drivers licence (can be obtained from the issuing authority of the driver's license or the embassy / consulate of that country in Japan or JAF)
Passport
Those who have a drivers licence from a country not listed above:
Drivers Licence
International Drivers Permit (issued by a certifying body in one of the signatory countries/territories of the Geneva Convention based on the format of the Geneva Convention)
Passport
Those who have a drivers licence from Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium or Monaco:
Drivers Licence
Japanese translation of drivers licence (can be obtained from the issuing authority of the driver's license or the embassy / consulate of that country in Japan or JAF)
Passport
Those who have a drivers licence from a country not listed above:
Drivers Licence
International Drivers Permit (issued by a certifying body in one of the signatory countries/territories of the Geneva Convention based on the format of the Geneva Convention)
Passport
Road Rules
General road rules in Japan don't differ too much compared to other countries around the world, however there are a few specific rules that you should remember:
All passengers must wear a seatbelt and children under the age of 6 must be in a child seat
Drive on the LEFT side of the road
You may only turn left at a traffic light intersection if the lights are green or there is a green arrow
You must come to a complete stop and check for oncoming trains at all railway crossings before proceeding
Drivers must give way to pedestrians at a pedestrian crossing
Japan has very strict driving under the influence of alcohol limits (0.03% compared to 0.05% in Korea and Australia and 0.08% in the US and UK)
Speed limits if there are no signs are 60km/h (37mph) on ordinary roads and 100km/h (62 mph) on expressways
General road rules in Japan don't differ too much compared to other countries around the world, however there are a few specific rules that you should remember:
All passengers must wear a seatbelt and children under the age of 6 must be in a child seat
Drive on the LEFT side of the road
You may only turn left at a traffic light intersection if the lights are green or there is a green arrow
You must come to a complete stop and check for oncoming trains at all railway crossings before proceeding
Drivers must give way to pedestrians at a pedestrian crossing
Japan has very strict driving under the influence of alcohol limits (0.03% compared to 0.05% in Korea and Australia and 0.08% in the US and UK)
Speed limits if there are no signs are 60km/h (37mph) on ordinary roads and 100km/h (62 mph) on expressways
General Road Signs
Stop
Must come to a complete stop before proceeding
Slow Down
Reduce speed to a level where you can stop immediately
No Entry
Not permitted to enter this street from this direction
One Way
Arrow depicts the direction of the one way street
Direction
Only drive / turn in the directions stated by the arrows
Direction Lanes
Indicates the directions you may proceed in depending on your lane
No Parking
No parking on side of street or road (stopping for short periods with hazard lights on is allowed). If time is written, sign only applies during those times
No Stopping or Parking
No stopping or parking on side of street or road. If time is written, sign only applies during those times
Speed Signs
Maximum Speed Limit
Speed limit displayed in km/h
Minimum Speed Limit
Speed limit displayed in km/h
Speed Limit Start
The arrow pointing right means the sign above starts from here
Speed Limit End
The arrow pointing left means the sign above ends from here
100 km/h Maximum Speed Limit
Generally seen on expressways, if the speed sign has no number inside, the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h
Variable Speed Limit Sign
Sign on the left is for vehicles with trailers, heavy trucks over 8t and 3 wheelers, sign on the right is for all other cars (normal passenger cars, SUVs etc.)
Parking
There are several different parking options within Japan:
There are several different parking options within Japan:
Street Parking
Generally in city areas indicated by a sign with a P and a number which indicates the maximum minutes you can park for
Times written above the sign indicate the times when the parking restriction is applicable. Outside of these times parking is free and untimed
Depending on the area, parking restrictions may not apply on Sundays, Public Holidays and January 1-3
You must park within the designated white parking boxes in these areas
Parking is charged (generally around ¥300 per hour) and your timing starts automatically via in ground sensors
You must pay for parking when you start parking (as opposed to before you leave the spot) by putting coins in the parking meter next to the spot or the parking meter for the general area
Parking meters only take ¥100 coins
After parking time ends, you must move your car (you cannot add more coins to park for additional time as the in ground sensors will not reset)
Generally in city areas indicated by a sign with a P and a number which indicates the maximum minutes you can park for
Times written above the sign indicate the times when the parking restriction is applicable. Outside of these times parking is free and untimed
Depending on the area, parking restrictions may not apply on Sundays, Public Holidays and January 1-3
You must park within the designated white parking boxes in these areas
Parking is charged (generally around ¥300 per hour) and your timing starts automatically via in ground sensors
You must pay for parking when you start parking (as opposed to before you leave the spot) by putting coins in the parking meter next to the spot or the parking meter for the general area
Parking meters only take ¥100 coins
After parking time ends, you must move your car (you cannot add more coins to park for additional time as the in ground sensors will not reset)
Time Charged Parking Lots
Things to note:
Not all parking lots have a daily maximum
Parking in busy areas such as Ginza or Shibuya can be very expensive (i.e. ¥440 per 12 minutes)
Payment machines may only accept ¥1,000 notes or coins
Parking lots with a green '空' means there are available spots and those with a red '満' are full
Not all parking lots have a daily maximum
Parking in busy areas such as Ginza or Shibuya can be very expensive (i.e. ¥440 per 12 minutes)
Payment machines may only accept ¥1,000 notes or coins
Parking lots with a green '空' means there are available spots and those with a red '満' are full
Smaller parking lots all around Japan
Payment is made after you have parked and are ready to leave. A metal in-ground flap will rise after parking (may take a few minutes) and will only flatten after payment has been made
To pay, enter your parking bay number (indicated on the ground) and press the confirm button '精算'. The machine will indicate the payment amount
Depending on the parking lot credit cards may be accepted
Parking signs can be complicated. The sign in the image can be read as follows:
Between 8:00 and 22:00 - Fee is ¥500 per 30 minutes
Between 22:00 and 8:00 - Fee is ¥100 per 60 minutes
Monday to Saturday (月〜土) maximum charge per 24 hours is ¥3,900
Sunday and Public Holidays (日・祝) maximum charge per 24 hours is ¥1,600
Smaller parking lots all around Japan
Payment is made after you have parked and are ready to leave. A metal in-ground flap will rise after parking (may take a few minutes) and will only flatten after payment has been made
To pay, enter your parking bay number (indicated on the ground) and press the confirm button '精算'. The machine will indicate the payment amount
Depending on the parking lot credit cards may be accepted
Parking signs can be complicated. The sign in the image can be read as follows:
Between 8:00 and 22:00 - Fee is ¥500 per 30 minutes
Between 22:00 and 8:00 - Fee is ¥100 per 60 minutes
Monday to Saturday (月〜土) maximum charge per 24 hours is ¥3,900
Sunday and Public Holidays (日・祝) maximum charge per 24 hours is ¥1,600
Parking at Shrines and Historical Sites
Outside of the major cities, paid parking may be required at certain shrines or other government historical sites
Generally there will be a person manning the parking area or in a parking booth which you will have to pay prior to entering and receive a parking slip
Payment can only be made in cash
Parking in these areas are generally charged per entry
Outside of the major cities, paid parking may be required at certain shrines or other government historical sites
Generally there will be a person manning the parking area or in a parking booth which you will have to pay prior to entering and receive a parking slip
Payment can only be made in cash
Parking in these areas are generally charged per entry
Mechanical Parking
Some areas especially in major cities, shopping areas and hotels have mechanical parking systems
These parking areas will have an attendant that will guide you in entering the mechanical parking garage
Once you have parked, turn off the car and exit the vehicle. The attendant will give you a parking ticket
Payment is made at the end of your parking session via a payment machine nearby (some payment machines may accept credit card)
Parking fees are similar to 'Time Charged Parking Lots', however discounts may be applicable for shopping centres and hotels (if staying)
Mechanical parking systems have different vehicle dimension restrictions so depending on the parking lot, your car may or may not fit
Some areas especially in major cities, shopping areas and hotels have mechanical parking systems
These parking areas will have an attendant that will guide you in entering the mechanical parking garage
Once you have parked, turn off the car and exit the vehicle. The attendant will give you a parking ticket
Payment is made at the end of your parking session via a payment machine nearby (some payment machines may accept credit card)
Parking fees are similar to 'Time Charged Parking Lots', however discounts may be applicable for shopping centres and hotels (if staying)
Mechanical parking systems have different vehicle dimension restrictions so depending on the parking lot, your car may or may not fit
Shopping Centres (Self Park)
Many shopping centres in Japan have parking available
You will be required to get a parking ticket to enter the parking lot where you can park in most spaces except for spaces marked with '月極' which are monthly reserved parking spaces
Payment will be made at a ticket machine prior to leaving
Fees are similar to 'Time Charged Parking Lots', however many shopping centres offer free parking if you make a purchase (i.e. 1 hour free if you spend ¥3,000)
When making a purchase, ask for a 'chu-sha-ken' and hand over your parking ticket or the cashier will give you a validation ticket to insert in the machine when paying
Check the website for each shopping centre details on discounts available and applicable stores
Many shopping centres in Japan have parking available
You will be required to get a parking ticket to enter the parking lot where you can park in most spaces except for spaces marked with '月極' which are monthly reserved parking spaces
Payment will be made at a ticket machine prior to leaving
Fees are similar to 'Time Charged Parking Lots', however many shopping centres offer free parking if you make a purchase (i.e. 1 hour free if you spend ¥3,000)
When making a purchase, ask for a 'chu-sha-ken' and hand over your parking ticket or the cashier will give you a validation ticket to insert in the machine when paying
Check the website for each shopping centre details on discounts available and applicable stores
Tolls (ETC)
Most expressways throughout Japan are subject to tolls which can either be paid manually at the toll gate or automatically via ETC (electronic toll collection).
Most expressways throughout Japan are subject to tolls which can either be paid manually at the toll gate or automatically via ETC (electronic toll collection).
Link to 'Renting a Car in Japan' guide for more information on getting, using and paying for an ETC card when renting.
Link to 'Renting a Car in Japan' guide for more information on getting, using and paying for an ETC card when renting.
Tolls can be fairly expensive (i.e. ~¥11,000 from Tokyo to Osaka), however they can save a significant amount of time (~6 hours vs ~11 hours from Tokyo to Osaka).
Tolls can be fairly expensive (i.e. ~¥11,000 from Tokyo to Osaka), however they can save a significant amount of time (~6 hours vs ~11 hours from Tokyo to Osaka).
ETC Toll Booth
If your car is equipped with an ETC card, drive slowly through lanes marked as 'ETC 専用' and the gate should automatically open
Manual Toll Booth
When entering the tollgate, collect your toll ticket from the machine. When exiting the tollgate, give the attendant your toll ticket and pay by cash or credit card.
Other Useful Tips
Other Useful Tips
Hazard lights are used as a way to thank drivers for giving way
Honking is rare and may be considered rude in some areas of Japan unless used as a warning
Hazard lights are also commonly used to indicate that you are coming to a standing stop when traffic grinds to a halt (often used on expressways)
Only use the right lane for overtaking on expressways
You might see other drivers exceed the speed limit on expressways, but be aware that exceeding the speed limit by 30 km/h or more is considered a criminal offence in Japan!
In rural towns, mostly at night, traffic lights may flash yellow indicating you should 'proceed with caution' or flash red indicating you should 'stop and then proceed when safe'
Look out for cyclists when turning through a crossing
Hazard lights are used as a way to thank drivers for giving way
Honking is rare and may be considered rude in some areas of Japan unless used as a warning
Hazard lights are also commonly used to indicate that you are coming to a standing stop when traffic grinds to a halt (often used on expressways)
Only use the right lane for overtaking on expressways
You might see other drivers exceed the speed limit on expressways, but be aware that exceeding the speed limit by 30 km/h or more is considered a criminal offence in Japan!
In rural towns, mostly at night, traffic lights may flash yellow indicating you should 'proceed with caution' or flash red indicating you should 'stop and then proceed when safe'
Look out for cyclists when turning through a crossing