Driving in Japan

Overview

Japan is a fantastic country for road trips, with well-maintained roads, stunning scenery, and a highly organized transportation infrastructure. While major cities like Tokyo and Osaka can be challenging to navigate by car, the countryside — especially Hokkaido, Kyushu, and the Noto Peninsula — is best explored behind the wheel.

Japan drives on the left side of the road, which can be an adjustment for visitors from right-hand-drive countries. Traffic laws are strictly enforced, and drivers are expected to be courteous and patient.

License & Documents

International Driving Permit (IDP): Required for most foreign visitors. Must be obtained in your home country before arriving in Japan. Only the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP is accepted.
Exceptions: Visitors from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Estonia, Monaco, and Taiwan can drive with an official Japanese translation of their domestic license.
Carry at all times: IDP or translated license, passport, and your original domestic driving license.

Important: US, Canadian, and UK citizens must obtain an IDP through their national automobile association (AAA, CAA, or AA) before departing.

Rules of the Road

Drive on the left, overtake on the right
Speed limits are strictly enforced by cameras and patrol cars
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): 0.00% — absolute zero tolerance. Even a trace of alcohol will result in severe penalties
Mobile phones: Strictly prohibited while driving, even at traffic lights
Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers, front and rear
Child seats: Required for children under 6 years old
Horn usage: Use sparingly — honking is considered rude in Japan

Road Conditions & Types

Expressways (高速道路)

Japan’s expressway system is excellent but expensive. The main operators include NEXCO East, Central, and West.

ETC (Electronic Toll Collection): Highly recommended. Rent an ETC card with your rental car for faster toll passages and discounts
Service Areas (SA) & Parking Areas (PA): Frequent rest stops with restaurants, fuel, convenience stores, and clean restrooms
Speed limit: 100–120 km/h depending on the section

City Driving

Expect heavy traffic in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya
Many one-way streets and complex intersections
Parking can be extremely expensive — budget ¥500–3,000 per hour in central areas

Rural Roads

Beautiful mountain passes and coastal roads
Some roads are narrow and winding, especially in rural areas
Watch for wildlife, particularly deer in Hokkaido and Nara

Fuel & Charging

Fuel types: Regular (レギュラー), Premium (ハイオク), Diesel (軽油)
Prices: Approximately ¥160–180/liter for regular gasoline (as of 2026)
Full-service stations are still common — attendants will pump fuel, clean windows, and direct traffic
EV charging: Growing network of CHAdeMO fast chargers at expressway service areas and convenience stores

Parking

Never park illegally — Japan is very strict about illegal parking, and your car will be towed
Coin parking (コインパーキング): Automated lots found throughout cities, ¥200–500 per 30 min
Parking apps: Times Car Park, akippa
Hotels: Most provide free parking outside major cities

Tolls & Fees

Expressway tolls are distance-based and can add up quickly. Tokyo → Osaka costs approximately ¥10,000–12,000 one way
ETC discounts: Up to 30% off during late night hours (0:00–4:00)
Expressway passes: Foreign visitors can purchase the TEP (Tohoku Expressway Pass), HEP (Hokkaido Expressway Pass), or KEP (Kyushu Expressway Pass) for unlimited travel in specific regions

Car Rental Tips

Major companies: Toyota Rent a Car, Nissan Rent a Car, Times Car Rental, Nippon Rent-A-Car
Kei cars (軽自動車): Small, fuel-efficient, and cheaper to rent — perfect for rural exploration
GPS: Most rental cars come with GPS navigation in English
Insurance: CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) is included by default, but consider additional NOC (Non-Operation Charge) waiver
Pick-up/Drop-off: One-way rentals are available but may incur extra charges

Emergency Information

Service	Number
Police	110
Fire / Ambulance	119
Roadside Assistance (JAF)	#8139
Tourist Helpline	050-3816-2787

In an accident: Do not move the vehicles until police arrive. Call 110 immediately.
JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) provides 24/7 roadside assistance, available in English.

Cultural Tips

Patience is key: Japanese drivers are extremely courteous. Do not honk, tailgate, or show frustration.
Thank-you hazards: When someone lets you merge, flash your hazard lights briefly twice as a “thank you” — this is a common and appreciated custom.
Flashing headlights: An oncoming car flashing its headlights usually means “you go first.”
Pedestrian priority: Pedestrians always have right of way at crosswalks.
Drinking and driving: Zero tolerance. If you plan to drink at dinner, designate a driver or use public transport.