A Comprehensive Guide to Driving in Japan

First step: obtain an official translation of your license

The first essential step to driving in Japan is to obtain an official translation of your driver's license. This translation must be issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and can be arranged by you or through an approved travel agency.

For licenses issued by certain European countries (France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Monaco), it is possible to drive in Japan with a simple JAF translation. You can do this online by sending us your scanned driver's license. You can do this before you leave, or directly on the spot. It doesn't take more than a few days, and you can print your translation at the kombini by entering a code that you'll receive by e-mail. This translation will be valid for one year from the date of your entry into the country, provided that your national license does not expire before then.

Please note that if you proceed in this way, you must have the original of your national license, the printed translation and your passport with you. A car rental agency may refuse to give you the keys, even for a reservation paid for in advance, if you don't have these three documents with you.

Rent a car in Japan

There are numerous car rental agencies in Japan, both in and out of town, with varying rates and services. The big names, such as Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car and Nippon Rent-a-Car, offer services in English, making it easier for foreign travelers to get around. Special mention should be made of Niconico Rent-a-Car, which is very practical for small budgets!

Prices vary greatly depending on the day, the season and the location of the agency: the earlier you book, the better the rates. On average in Tokyo, you can expect to pay around 10,000 yen per day for a compact city car, including insurance. For a more spacious sedan, rates start at around 15,000 yen per day. Almost all cars in Japan are equipped with automatic gearboxes, making them easy to handle. More luxurious cars are also available, even in generalist agencies.

A GPS is often integrated into the vehicle. If not, you can request one in English at no extra cost. We strongly recommend that you take out the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) option, available for a small supplement of around 500 yen for the entire rental period. Some stretches of freeway cannot be used without this system. Electronic toll collection gives you the peace of mind to drive wherever you want, and to pay the full amount when you return to the agency at the end of your rental.

As for fuel types, there are two main ones,regular/unleaded petrol ("レギュラー") and diesel ("軽油"). The type of fuel to be put in the vehicle will be communicated to you at the time of rental and will be written on the papers given to you. All agencies will ask you to fill up the tank before returning the vehicle. In town, a pump attendant will be at your service at most service stations. If not, you'll have to help yourself. Occasionally, the pump will give you a ticket to enter into a machine to pay separately. Cards and cash are generally accepted.

Japanese Highway Code: everything you need to know

The first major difference with most other countries is that traffic flows on the left. However, signage, well-designed junctions and the widespread use of automatic gearboxes make it easy to adapt. Just remember that the indicators and windscreen wipers are reversed compared with a vehicle designed for right-hand drive. Don't panic: you'll get used to it very quickly, after just a few kilometers.

Direction signs are systematically translated into the Latin alphabet, so you won't get lost. A notable difference is the "stop" sign, which appears as an inverted red triangle bearing the inscription "止まれ". Turn prohibitions are often indicated by blue arrows signaling the obligation to go straight ahead, rather than by arrows crossed out in red as in Europe. There are no traffic circles in Japan, so no stress at junctions! Note that traffic lights are on the opposite side of the intersection to you, in the manner of the USA.

You'll also notice the stickers below on some vehicles. The yellow and green badge represents a young driver, while the four-colored cloverleaf indicates an older driver.

Priority rules and behavior at intersections

At Japanese intersections, priority rules differ slightly from those in Europe. Here are the main points to remember:

• At intersections, cars going straight ahead and those turning left have priority. Vehicles turning right must wait. If you're turning right, you should drive to the middle of the junction (a white stripe often indicates this position) and wait for other vehicles to pass before completing your maneuver.
• Pedestrians have absolute priority at crosswalks. At crossroads, you often have to let them cross before you can turn. This rule is strictly enforced, and in the event of an accident involving a pedestrian, the driver will generally be held responsible.
• Be particularly careful with cyclists, who can ride on sidewalks and cross at crosswalks. In many places, the distinction between lanes for cars and those for pedestrians is not clearly demarcated, requiring extra care.
• Before crossing a level crossing, drivers are obliged to bring their vehicles to a complete stop in all situations, even when the barriers are up.
• The use of the horn is frowned upon, and the Japanese rarely use it.

Speed limits and controls

Speed limits in Japan are generally lower than in Europe, and vary according to the type of road:

• In built-up areas: between 30 and 50 km/h
• In suburbs and on other roads: 60 km/h
• On expressways: between 60 and 80 km/h
• On freeways: generally 100 km/h, with some sections at 120 km/h

Parking

Parking in the city is generally subject to payment and can be expensive. Parking spaces are often equipped with a vehicle blocking system: an articulated bar rises automatically from the ground to rest against the underbody of the car, preventing it from leaving before payment has been made. To retrieve your vehicle, you'll need to identify the number of your parking space, enter this number into the automatic payment machine, then insert the required amount (credit cards are not always accepted).

Parking takes place in dedicated spaces, very rarely in the street. On the plus side, you'll never have to make any complex maneuvers. Some cities have automated parking lots where your vehicle is stored in a tower or underground via an elevator. This system optimizes space, but can be confusing for unaccustomed drivers. Free parking may be available, especially outside the cities.

The authorities are strict about illegal parking. Dedicated patrols patrol the cities and can impose fines of up to 18,000 yen.

Good to know

Japanese drivers are generally courteous and respectful of traffic rules, which makes driving relatively safe. However, there are some specific behaviors worth mentioning to prepare you for them.

• Driving in rural areas offers magnificent scenery, but has its own particularities. Two-way roads can be very narrow, sometimes barely wider than your vehicle. On some mountain roads, crossing with buses or trucks can be particularly tricky.
• In town, it's not uncommon to take side roads where there are no sidewalks to speak of. So it's a good idea to step aside and watch out for pedestrians when another vehicle is coming towards you.
• Rest areas on Japanese freeways are very well equipped, always with a wide selection of affordable restaurants, clean and functional toilets, and several souvenir stores. It's a pleasant change from the highway services you'd find in Europe.

Want more news on Japan and Japan travel? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram!