Driving in Japan

Level Crossings: The rule in Japan is to stop before every level crossing to ensure it is completely safe, even if the barriers are open. When the crossing is equipped with a traffic light, this is not necessary.

Phone while Driving: Using a mobile phone while driving is, of course, strictly prohibited.

Seat Belts: Wearing a seat belt is mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle.

Horn and Flashing Headlights: Unlike in France or other European countries, Japanese drivers rarely honk or flash their headlights to thank others or get their attention. Simply wait patiently.

Stop Signs: They are not always easy to spot. You won’t find a thick, solid line to indicate where to stop, but rather the sign とまれ, マレ, or 止まれ. It is written on the ground with a thin line, and also featured on an inverted triangle sign. Keep an eye out for them and make sure to comply.

Blood Alcohol Limits: The legal limit is 0%! Japanese traffic laws are extremely strict on this matter, and penalties are severe, ranging from license suspension to prison sentences. Furthermore, every passenger will receive a fine if the driver is under the influence.

Speed Limits: Speed limits rarely exceed 80 km/h, even on highways. Be sure to respect these limits.

Gas stations are easily accessible along main roads. Look for major chains like Apollo, Cosmo, Eneos, Idemitsu, Cygnus… In Japan, there are two types of gas stations: self-service and full-service.

If you choose a full-service station (called furu - フル), you will need to know a few words of Japanese. You must specify the type of fuel, the desired amount (say "mantan" for a full tank), and your method of payment.

Self-service stations (serufu - セルフ) with interactive terminals are almost exclusively in Japanese. But don’t panic: a staff member is usually on-site to assist you if you get stuck. However, be careful if paying with cash: change is not always returned directly at the pump; you may need to go to a dedicated change machine or directly to the counter.

Regarding hours, 24/7 service coexists with stations that close at night. For your budget, expect to pay around 170 yen per liter for standard fuel (July 2026 prices), and note that premium and diesel are just as easy to find.

All highways in Japan require a toll. You will encounter toll booths on every section of the highway. Japanese highways often charge tolls based on the distance traveled.

The Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system is widely used in Japan for fast, contactless toll payments. ETC offers time savings, toll discounts, and payment convenience.

Tolls are more expensive than in the EU, but fuel is cheaper.

In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, or even in mid-sized cities like Sapporo, parking spaces are scarce. These city centers offer numerous paid parking options, including underground, surface, and multi-story parking lots.

Some parking systems can be quite unusual. First, there are vertical parking garages (or elevator towers), designed to optimize space. The concept is simple: you position your vehicle on a lifting platform, and the automated system takes care of storing it in the tower. When you return, the machine retrieves your car and brings it back down to ground level.

Another local specialty involves small city-center parking lots that use a ground-blocking system. As soon as you park, a small metal plate rises beneath the chassis to lock the car in place. To release the vehicle, simply pay for your parking directly at the space or at the parking machine, which will lower the barrier.

Rates vary depending on location and duration. Watch our video below for more information!

• Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Japan
• 10 things to know about driving in Japan
• 7 regions to visit by car in Japan