Driving in Japan can be a rewarding experience, but understanding local traffic rules is essential to avoid mistakes and ensure safe travel. From the direction of traffic to the specific rules of roads and motorways, this article explains everything you need to know before driving in Japan.
Driving licence in Japan
The national or international driving licence issued in France is not usable in Japan. To be able to drive in Japan, you must either have a legalized translation of your license or a Japanese driver’s license.
To obtain a certified translation in Japanese of your French permit, it is mandatory to go through the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation).
Car stickers in Japan
Sticker to indicate that a foreigner is driving
If you receive the sticker shown opposite when renting the vehicle, make sure to display it clearly on your car. This sticker warns Japanese drivers that a foreigner is driving, encouraging them to exercise caution.
Wakaba/Shoshinsha Mark – Sticker for beginners
When you get your first driver’s license, you must mark it at the front and rear of your vehicle for one year. It is called
Even if you own a scooter, you must affix the sticker on it if you are a beginner.
Korea/Momiji/Yotsuba – Senior driver sticker
It is recommended that drivers over 70 years of age affix this sticker, but anyone over 75 years of age is required to affix this sticker to their vehicle.
The tear-shaped version is known as “Momiji” in Japanese and was introduced in 1997. In 2011, the four-leaf Yotsuba version was introduced to replace the old Momiji sticker.
Choukaku Shougai – Sticker for hearing impaired driver
Drivers who are hearing impaired must affix this sticker to their vehicle. It is called the brand “choukaku shugai – hearing impaired” in Japanese.
Shintai Shougai – Handicapped driver sticker
Handicapped drivers must put this sticker on their vehicle. It is called the brand “Shugai Shintai – Physical Impairment” in Japanese.
Car rental in Japan
Unless you arrive in Japan with your own car by ferry (which would require a vehicle stop at customs pending delivery of your permit translation and valid insurance), you will probably have to rent a car.
The main car rental companies in Japan are Toyota Rentacar, Nippon Rentacar, Orix Rentacar, Times Car Rental (formerly Mazda Rentacar), Nissan Rentacar and Ekiren. Each has hundreds of agencies across the country, offering vehicles of all sizes, including vans, buses and recreational vehicles.
Most companies offer online reservation systems in English or have a telephone number for reservations in English. In terms of prices, the majority of companies offer similar rates, around 5000 yen for 24 hours of rental.
General rules of conduct
Left hand drive
In Japan, vehicles run on the left side of the road. This rule is essential to avoid confusion and ensure safe conduct.
Red lights and mandatory stops
When you approach a red light, all vehicles must stop, whether they continue straight, turn left or right. If pedestrians are present, they always have priority.
However, if a directional light (green arrow) is lit under the main light, you can move forward in the direction indicated.
Right priority
If you turn right at a green light and a vehicle arrives in front of it, it has priority. You have to wait until he passes or turns left before turning your turn.
Attention to pedestrians and cyclists
Pedestrians always have priority. Before turning left or right, stop if pedestrians cross the street. The same applies to bicycles crossing a pedestrian crossing.
Mandatory stop on signs “
You must mark a complete stop before the white line in front of the signs ” If there is no line, stop before the sign. Failure to comply with this stop may result in heavy liability in the event of an accident.
Stopping at level crossings
All drivers must stop before crossing a railway, check that no train approaches and wait until the vehicle in front has crossed completely before starting.
Road signs in Japan
It is important to become familiar with Japanese road signs, which include indications of the speed limit, directions and mandatory stops. The signs are usually illustrated and some are accompanied by an English translation.
Parking in Japan
Highways
Crossing of motorway tolls
Japanese highways are paid and have toll portals. Some vehicles are marked “ETC If your car isn’t equipped, use the general lane.
If you rent a vehicle, you can subscribe to a toll reduction plan (JEP). More information onthis site.
Rest areas on motorways
The Japanese motorway network has many rest areas:
- PA (Parking Areas): rest areas with toilets and sometimes vending machines.
- SA (Service Areas): larger areas, often with restaurants, shops and gas stations.
These areas are located approximately every 15 to 50 km.
Fuel and fuel stations
Self-service stations
In these stations, you will have to serve yourself. Here are the steps to follow:
- Select the payment method on the screen:
- (genkin) = species
- (kuredito kaado) = credit card
- Indicate if you have a loyalty card:
- (ari) = yes
- Nashi = no
- Choose the fuel type:
- Regular= ordinary petrol (red pump)
- High Octane= super
- (keiyu)= diesel
- Select the quantity in litres or yen. Optionmantanmeans complete.
- Pay and fill up.
Stations with service
At these stations, an employee will fill up for you. When you arrive:
- Turn off the engine and wait for instructions from the employee.
- Indicate the filler with “mantan” (
- Specify the method of payment: “genkin de” (in cash) or “kuredito kaado de” (by credit card).
- During filling, the employee will clean your windows and may provide you with a cloth for the interior of the vehicle.
- If the station is on a busy road, you will be asked your exit direction:
- “hidari ni” = left
- “migi ni” = right
By understanding these rules and tips, you can drive calmly in Japan and fully enjoy your journey by car.
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