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Driving in Japan offers incredible freedom to explore rural areas, coastal roads, and mountain passes. However, Japanese road rules and driving culture differ significantly from many other countries. Here’s what you need to know.
🚗 Japanese Driving Manners and Rules
1. Drive on the LEFT
Japan drives on the left side of the road, like the UK and Australia. The driver’s seat is on the right. If you’re from a right-hand traffic country, take extra care, especially at intersections.
2. International Driving Permit
Most foreign visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Check your country’s eligibility. Your home driver’s license alone is not sufficient.
3. Speed Limits
Speed limits are: 40km/h in residential areas, 50-60km/h on regular roads, 80km/h on expressways, and 100km/h on some highways. Speed cameras are common.
4. Full Stop at Railroad Crossings
Japan takes railroad crossing safety seriously. You must come to a complete stop before crossing. Look both ways and proceed only when safe.
5. Parking
Never park on narrow residential streets. Use paid parking lots (コインパーキング) which are abundant. Street parking is rarely allowed and tickets are strictly enforced.
6. Tolls and ETC Card
Many expressways are toll roads. Rent a car with an ETC card for automatic payment at toll gates. Some rental companies offer ETC card rental packages.
7. Winter Driving
If driving in winter, especially in Hokkaido or mountainous areas, use winter tires or tire chains. Many rental companies offer winter packages.
8. Traffic Circles
Roundabouts are rare but becoming more common. Yield to traffic already in the circle and signal when exiting.
9. Emergency Numbers
Dial 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. Keep your rental company’s emergency number handy.
Driving in Japan can be one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country beyond the tourist trail. Plan ahead, follow the rules, and enjoy the open road!
Driving in Japan offers incredible freedom to explore rural areas, coastal roads, and mountain passes. However, Japanese road rules and driving culture differ significantly from many other countries. Here’s what you need to know. 🚗 Japanese Driving Manners and Rules 1. Drive on the LEFT Japan drives on the left side of the road, like the UK and Australia. The driver’s seat is on the right. If you’re from a right-hand traffic country, take extra care, especially at intersections. 2. International Driving Permit Most foreign visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Check your country’s eligibility. Your home driver’s license alone is not sufficient. 3. Speed Limits Speed limits are: 40km/h in residential areas, 50-60km/h on regular roads, 80km/h on expressways, and 100km/h on some highways. Speed cameras are common. 4. Full Stop at Railroad Crossings Japan takes railroad crossing safety seriously. You must come to a complete stop before crossing. Look both ways and proceed only when safe. 5. Parking Never park on narrow residential streets. Use paid parking lots (コインパーキング) which are abundant. Street parking is rarely allowed and tickets are strictly enforced. 6. Tolls and ETC Card Many expressways are toll roads. Rent a car with an ETC card for automatic payment at toll gates. Some rental companies offer ETC card rental packages. 7.Winter Driving If driving in winter, especially in Hokkaido or mountainous areas, use winter tires or tire chains. Many rental companies offer winter packages. 8. Traffic Circles Roundabouts are rare but becoming more common. Yield to traffic already in the circle and signal when exiting. 9. Emergency Numbers Dial 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. Keep your rental company’s emergency number handy. Driving in Japan can be one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country beyond the tourist trail. Plan ahead, follow the rules, and enjoy the open road!
일본에서 운전하면 시골 지역, 해안 도로, 산길을 탐험할 수 있는 놀라운 자유를 누릴 수 있습니다. 그러나 일본의 도로 규칙과 운전 문화는 다른 많은 나라와 크게 다릅니다. 당신이 알아야 할 사항은 다음과 같습니다. 🚗 일본의 운전 매너 및 규칙 1. 왼쪽으로 운전하세요 일본은 영국이나 호주처럼 도로 왼쪽에서 운전합니다. 운전석은 오른쪽에 있습니다. 우측 통행 국가 출신이라면 특히 교차로에서 각별히 주의하세요. 2. 국제운전면허증 대부분의 외국인 방문객은 1949년 제네바 협약에 따라 발급된 국제 운전 면허증(IDP)이 필요합니다. 해당 국가의 자격을 확인하세요. 집에서 운전하는 운전면허증만으로는 충분하지 않습니다. 3. 속도 제한 속도 제한은 주거 지역에서는 40km/h, 일반 도로에서는 50~60km/h, 고속도로에서는 80km/h, 일부 고속도로에서는 100km/h입니다. 과속단속카메라가 흔합니다. 4. 건널목 정차 일본은 철도 건널목 안전을 중요하게 생각합니다. 건너기 전에 완전히 정지해야 합니다. 양방향을 살펴보고 안전할 때만 진행하십시오. 5. 주차 좁은 주택가에는 절대로 주차하지 마십시오. 풍부한 유료주차장(코인파킹)을 이용하세요. 거리 주차는 거의 허용되지 않으며 티켓은 엄격하게 집행됩니다. 6. 통행료 및 ETC 카드 많은 고속도로는 유료 도로입니다. 톨게이트에서 자동 결제를 위해 ETC 카드로 자동차를 렌트하세요. 일부 렌탈 회사에서는 ETC 카드 렌탈 패키지를 제공합니다. 7.겨울철 운전 겨울철 특히 홋카이도나 산간 지역에서 운전할 경우에는 겨울용 타이어나 타이어 체인을 사용하십시오. 많은 렌탈 회사가 겨울 패키지를 제공합니다. 8. 로터리 로터리는 드물지만 점점 더 보편화되고 있습니다. 이미 서클에 있는 차량에 양보하고 나갈 때 신호를 보냅니다. 9. 긴급 전화번호 경찰은 110번, 화재 및 구급차는 119번으로 전화하세요. 렌트 회사의 긴급 전화번호를 가까이에 보관하세요. 일본에서 운전하는 것은 관광 코스를 넘어 일본을 경험하는 가장 보람 있는 방법 중 하나가 될 수 있습니다. 미리 계획하고 규칙을 준수하며 탁 트인 도로를 즐겨보세요!