29. DRIVING IN JAPAN

DRIVING IN JAPAN

If you're planning to drive in Japan, it's essential to understand the license requirements, road rules, and toll systems.

🚗 License & Driving Requirements

📌 International Driving Permit (IDP) – For Short-Term Visitors

✔ Required for most foreign drivers → Based on the 1949 Geneva Convention.
✔ Must be obtained in your home country before arrival (Japan does not issue IDPs).
✔ Valid for up to 1 year → If staying longer, you may need to convert to a Japanese license.

🔄 Foreign Licenses & Japanese License Conversion

✔ If staying long-term, you may need to convert your foreign license ("gaitai").
✔ Some countries have agreements with Japan, allowing drivers to skip the driving test (but a vision test is still required).
✔ Check if your country has a mutual agreement to simplify the process.

French Nationals & Similar Cases

• Drivers from France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Taiwan, and Monaco CANNOT drive in Japan with an IDP alone.

• Instead, they must carry:
  ✔ A certified Japanese translation of their foreign license (available through Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or their embassy/consulate).
  ✔ The original foreign license.

• This translation + license is valid for one year from entry into Japan.

📌 Important: Check specific requirements for your nationality, as Japan has different policies for different countries.

🚦 Rules of the Road in Japan

General Driving Rules

✔ Drive on the left side of the road.
✔ Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
✔ Children under 6 must use a car seat.

⏩ Speed Limits

• Urban areas → 40-50 km/h

• Rural roads → 50-60 km/h

• Expressways → 80-100 km/h

🚫 Alcohol & Driving

✔ Zero-tolerance policy → ANY detectable alcohol can lead to heavy fines, license suspension, or imprisonment.

🚥 Traffic Lights & Road Signs

✔ Some traffic lights are arranged horizontally instead of vertically.
✔ Road signs follow international standards, but some unique signs exist (e.g., narrow roads, pedestrian-only zones).
✔ Some signs may only be in Japanese, so it's best to study common Japanese road signs before driving.

🛣️ Expressways & Toll Roads

Toll Fees & Payment Methods

✔ Japan’s expressways are mostly toll roads.
✔ Toll fees depend on distance traveled & vehicle type.

📌 ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) System

✔ ETC cards are widely used to pay tolls automatically.
✔ Most rental cars offer ETC card options, making travel faster & easier.
✔ Some regions (e.g., Hokkaido) offer discounted expressway passes for tourists.

RENT A CAR

Driving in Japan is an excellent way to explore beyond major cities, giving you access to breathtaking landscapes, hidden gems, and scenic routes. However, there are a few important things to know before hitting the road.

Car Rental Requirements

To rent a car in Japan, you will need:
✅ A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) (or an appropriate Japanese license)
✅ A passport
✅ A credit card (for payment and security deposit)

Major rental companies include Toyota Rent a Car, Nissan Rent a Car, and Niconico Rentacar. Rental agencies are commonly found near airports, train stations, and major cities.

Choosing the Right Car

Japanese rental companies offer a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and even eco-friendly hybrids.

🚙 For rural and mountainous areas, consider renting a 4WD (four-wheel drive) for better stability and handling, especially in winter.

⛽ Fuel & Gas Stations

• Most rental cars use regular gasoline.

• Gas stations are common along highways and in cities.

• Many are full-service, meaning attendants will pump gas, check your oil, and clean your windows.

• In rural areas, some stations close early, so plan fuel stops accordingly.

Practical Tips for Driving in Japan

1. Toll Roads & ETC Cards

Japan has an extensive toll road system with automated payment gates. To save time, rent an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card with your car (available for around 300 JPY at Toyota and other rental agencies).

Without an ETC card, you’ll need to stop and pay in cash at each toll gate. You can estimate toll costs for your trip using the NEXCO Central Japan Expressway Toll Calculator.

2. Navigation & GPS

• Many rental cars come with GPS in Japanese, but some agencies offer English-language GPS or smartphone-compatible navigation apps.

• Google Maps is highly reliable for driving directions.

3. Parking in Japan

• In cities, parking is limited and can be expensive.

• Look for coin-operated parking lots or Times Parking, where fees are charged by the hour.

• Illegal parking can result in high fines or towing, so always use designated parking areas.

4. Important Road Rules

Japan’s traffic laws are generally similar to other countries, but there are two unique rules to be aware of:

🔴 Full Stop at Railroad Crossings

• No matter the time or traffic conditions, you must come to a complete stop before crossing railroad tracks.

• Check both sides to ensure no train is approaching before proceeding.

🚦 Full Stop at Red Triangle Signs

• A red triangular sign with 止まれ (tomare) means "STOP".

• Unlike some countries where rolling stops are common, in Japan, you must come to a full stop before moving forward.

🚗 Reminder: Japan drives on the left side of the road!

5. Seasonal Considerations

If you're traveling in winter, particularly in Hokkaido, Tohoku, or the Japan Alps, ensure your rental car is equipped with snow tires or chains. Roads in these areas can be extremely icy.

For non-snowy regions like Tokyo, but if you plan to drive to Nagano/Hakuba in winter, confirm with your rental company if your car has appropriate winter tires.

6. Scenic Drives Worth Exploring 🌿🚙

Driving in Japan opens the door to some stunning landscapes. Here are a few must-visit routes:

🌉 Shimanami Kaido – A 70 km scenic road connecting Honshu and Shikoku via beautiful islands with stunning ocean views.

🗻 Hakone Skyline – A mountain road offering spectacular views of Mount Fuji.

🌻 Hokkaido’s Flower Fields – Drive through fields of lavender, sunflowers, and seasonal blooms in the summer.

7. Emergency Contacts & Roadside Assistance

🚨 Emergency numbers:

• 110 for police

• 119 for fire or ambulance

🔧 Roadside Assistance

• Most rental companies include JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) assistance for breakdowns.

• Check if your rental package includes JAF coverage.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information on driving in Japan but does not replace the official driving regulations. Drivers are responsible for following all traffic laws and ensuring their safety on the road.

🚗 Enjoy your road trip in Japan! 🌸