Complete Guide to Driving in Japan

Japan has a safe driving environment, which owes to the strict license issuance and penalties for traffic violations. Thus, you can enjoy driving as well as little-known landscapes along the roads. Tohoku (northeastern Honshu), Five Lakes around Mt. Fuji, Kyushu, the coastlines, especially Hokkaido are all welcomed for driving.

Cars Running on the Street, Japan

What kind of Driving License is Acceptable in Japan?

Here are 3 types of driving license can be utilized in Japan:

1. The driving license issued in Japan

2. International Driving Permit (IDP) of a country complying with Geneva Convention on International Road Traffic 1949

3. The original driving license got in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan, together with the Japanese translation. You can get the efficient translation via an application to Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and the embassy or consulate of the aforementioned country in Japan after your entry.

Notes for Traffic Rules in Japan

• In Japan, all vehicles keep on the left side of the road when driving.

• As for the traffic lights, a red light means “stop”, while a green arrow indicates that cars can go towards the direction of the green arrow.

• Each person in the car, including the driver, passenger in the co-pilot position and those in the backseats, should wear the seat belt.

• A child seat must be equipped for the kids under 6 years old.

• Never drunk driving, nor using your phone while driving.

• Please pay attention the speed limits, which are assigned to all roads in Japan, and don’t over-speed.

• Please stop the car before a crossing of railroad, restart it after checking for safety or waiting for the traffic lights.

• Parking in some areas is not allowed by Japan’s laws. Thus, please find a parking lot when you want to park your car.

• Newly licensed drivers and elderly drivers must post appropriate signs outside their vehicles.

A Taxi Car in Himeji

ETC & Expressway Pass

Generally speaking, expressways have tolls in Japan. At a toll station, the tolls are collected in two ways: manual toll collection paid by cash or credit card – gates with green sign, and automatic ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) – gates with purple sign. If you have had an ETC card, it becomes easy to pass through the toll stations. Otherwise, most car rental companies can offer an ETC card for free when renting a car, the toll incurred will be charged when you return the car.

For visitors from overseas, expressway pass is cost-effective when driving in Japan by a rented car. An expressway pass usually allows the unlimited uses to pass through ETC gates on expressways in the designated regions, within the time from 2 days to 14 days. Central Nippon Expressway Pass (CEP), Tohoku Expressway Pass, Hokkaido Expressway Pass, San'in-Setouchi-Shikoku Expressway Pass (SEP) and Kyushu Expressway Pass (KEP) are all available.

Fueling in Japan

In Japan, the regular gasoline is at an approx. price of JPY 180 per liter (JPY 683 per US gallon) in mid-August of 2023. In petrol stations, both cash and credit card are acceptable. You can ask the petrol man to fill up your car, or do it yourself through the self-service machine in Japanese.

Car Rental in Japan

To rent a car in Japan, you can find one or more car rental agents at the airport, train station, or even a major attraction. Some large car rental services have their business outlets around the city or the country. Also, it is an option to reserve via a reliable online service.

The fare for renting a car is varied depending on the brands, car types and days to rent. In general, it charges JPY 5,670-9,596 per day for all car types averagely in Tokyo. What calls for special attention is that, the fare is the usage charge only, with fuel cost and expressway tolls on your own account. Confirm all the terms of rental clear before you truly rent it.

A Variety of Cars in Japan

Tips

• It is not customary to honk the horn in Japan. Please avoid frequent honking while you’re driving in Japan.

• The driving position is also placed on the right front of cars.

• Please learn the road signs in Japan well before driving.

• Along the main roads, there are road signs in English generally. If you will drive to some rural areas, it’s suggested to get a local road map or atlas in both Japanese and English.

• Make sure the full insurance is included before renting a car.

• There are roadside facilities in the parking and rest areas in many towns and cities, as Japanese people call it the post station of roads. You could park your car and take a rest there, meanwhile a range of services are offered, such as information about local culture, history, places of interest and specialties or road travel advices in Japan. You can also buy some local products and souvenirs at the shop there.