Japan – Driving

Is Japan safe to drive in?

Japan’s road safety record stands among the most impressive anywhere in the world. Data from the National Police Agency shows that traffic fatalities across the country in 2024 totalled 2,663 — the third lowest figure ever recorded since statistics were first compiled in 1948. Given that Japan is home to more than 125 million people and tens of millions of registered vehicles, this represents an exceptionally low rate by any global measure.

In international comparisons, Japan consistently ranks at the lower end of traffic fatalities per capita. Drivers accustomed to conditions in parts of Southeast Asia or Latin America — where road discipline and enforcement can vary considerably — will find Japan’s roads noticeably well-ordered, clearly marked, and predictable. Even set against much of Western Europe, Japan’s per-vehicle fatality figures are remarkably low.

In 2022, Japan recorded a mortality rate of 2.6 deaths per 100,000 population, placing it 4th among OECD member countries with comparable data. This sustained downward trend over decades reflects the combined effect of government road safety initiatives, improvements in vehicle engineering, and consistent enforcement of traffic regulations.

From the mid-1990s onwards, the widespread adoption of features such as airbags contributed to a fall in fatalities. More recently, the proliferation of active safety technologies — including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance — has driven further gains. The growing use of in-car dash cameras is also considered to have reinforced more disciplined driving behaviour.

Japan’s road infrastructure is broadly of high quality. Expressways (高速道路, kōsokudōro) are well-kept toll roads linking the country’s major urban centres, while streets within cities — especially older districts — can be extremely narrow. On rural roads, drivers occasionally need to pull aside to allow oncoming vehicles to pass, and single-lane bridges are not uncommon in the countryside. Rural roads may also have open drainage channels along their edges, making it important to stay alert when approaching the kerb.

One area that warrants particular attention is pedestrian safety. Pedestrians accounted for 36% of all road deaths — a significantly higher proportion than in most other OECD nations. Older people are disproportionately affected: half of all traffic fatalities among those aged 75 and above involve pedestrians. Drivers should exercise extra care at crossings and in residential neighbourhoods. The Cabinet Office publishes annual statistics in its White Paper on Traffic Safety in Japan, which is the authoritative source for the latest figures.

What side of the road do you drive on in Japan?

Traffic in Japan keeps to the left, and all rental vehicles are right-hand drive as a result. This arrangement is shared with countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, India, and South Africa — so anyone already familiar with left-hand driving will find the transition seamless.

For drivers coming from right-hand-traffic countries — including most of continental Europe, the Americas, and mainland East Asia — some adjustment will be needed. In busy traffic, the flow of surrounding vehicles tends to keep your instincts on track. The greater challenge arises when pulling onto a quiet or empty road, where there are fewer visual cues to guide you.

Extra vigilance is warranted when exiting car parks, making turns at low-traffic junctions, or driving early in the morning when the roads are largely deserted. A helpful mental cue is that in left-hand traffic, the driver is always seated closest to the centre line. Some newcomers stick a small reminder note to the dashboard during their first days. With regular driving, the adjustment typically becomes second nature within a few days.

It is also worth noting that overtaking in Japan is done on the right — the opposite of what drivers from right-hand-traffic countries are used to — which can catch people off guard when checking mirrors before passing.

What are the main driving rules in Japan?

All public road usage in Japan is governed by the Road Traffic Act, which is administered and enforced by the National Police Agency (NPA). While much of the framework will be familiar to drivers from other countries, several rules differ in ways that are important to understand before getting behind the wheel.

Speed limits
Standard speed limits are 100 km/h on expressways, 50–60 km/h on general rural roads, 40 km/h in urban zones, and 30 km/h in side streets. Where no sign is posted, the default limits are 60 km/h on ordinary roads and 100 km/h on expressways. Unlike Germany’s unrestricted sections of motorway, Japan’s expressway maximum is firmly set and actively monitored. Speed cameras are deployed widely, and exceeding posted limits reliably results in penalties.

Right of way and intersections
At intersections, vehicles going straight ahead or turning left have priority. Drivers turning right must yield to oncoming traffic travelling straight or turning left before proceeding. This is the inverse of right-hand-traffic countries, where a left turn is typically the unobstructed manoeuvre. In Japan, a right turn requires giving way — much like a left turn in continental Europe. Pedestrians and cyclists always have priority over motor vehicles.

Stop signs and railway crossings
A stop sign in Japan demands a complete halt — slowing without stopping does not comply. The same full-stop requirement applies at all railway level crossings. Japanese police enforce these rules actively, and failure to stop constitutes a traffic offence.

Mobile phones
Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal. This applies whether you are making a call, reading a message, or interacting with the device in any way — even while stationary at a red light. Hands-free calling is permitted, but physically handling the phone at any point is an offence and attracts a fine.

Drink driving
Japan’s legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.03%, which is substantially lower than the 0.08% threshold common in the United States and the 0.05% standard used across much of Europe — roughly half the European limit. In practical terms, even a single drink may push many people over the limit. Crucially, residual alcohol from the previous evening can still constitute an offence the following morning. Serious penalties apply not only to drivers but also to passengers who knowingly travel with an impaired driver and to anyone who encouraged that driver to drink.

Seatbelts and child restraints
Seatbelt use is compulsory for all occupants. Children under six years old must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat suited to their age and size. A child may not be seated in the front of the vehicle unless in a rearward-facing seat with the airbag deactivated. Older children travelling in the rear must use appropriate booster seating and belts.

Left turns on red
Turning left at a red light is not permitted in Japan unless a specific green arrow signal authorises the manoeuvre. This contrasts with the United States, where right-on-red is broadly allowed (and some jurisdictions permit a left-on-red equivalent). Do not assume that a left turn is free on red — wait for a green signal or arrow.

Always verify current fines and penalty points directly with the National Police Agency or through the Japan Automobile Federation’s (JAF) English-language resources, as these can change.

What equipment are you legally required to carry in your car in Japan?

Compared with a number of other countries, Japan’s statutory requirements for equipment carried in the vehicle are relatively limited. France, for example, has at various times required drivers to carry a breathalyser and a high-visibility vest, while several Central European countries mandate fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Japan’s legal requirements centre on a smaller set of core items.

The following are either legally required or effectively essential when driving in Japan:

• Your driving licence (or IDP plus your original foreign licence): You must have your licence with you whenever you are driving. Failing to produce it when requested by a police officer is a violation.
• Warning triangle (on expressways): A red triangular warning device is required if you drive on expressways. It must be placed out if you break down or are forced to stop in an emergency on the motorway network. It is not a statutory requirement on ordinary roads, but is strongly advisable to carry regardless.
• Vehicle inspection certificate (Shaken): All cars in Japan must undergo this compulsory roadworthiness inspection every two years, except newly purchased vehicles for which the first inspection falls due three years after purchase. The certificate must be kept inside the vehicle at all times. Rental companies ensure this is in order for their fleet.
• Compulsory insurance certificate: Every vehicle on a public road in Japan must be covered by mandatory third-party liability insurance (Jibaiseki Hoken). The insurance certificate must be carried in the vehicle.

There is no legal requirement in Japan to carry a breathalyser, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, or high-visibility jacket — unlike countries such as Spain or Austria where one or more of these items are compulsory. That said, many drivers travelling long distances or into rural and northern areas such as Hokkaido choose to carry a basic first aid kit and a torch as a sensible precaution.

For long-term residents who own a vehicle, keeping the shaken certificate current is essential. Allowing it to lapse can result in substantial fines, impoundment of the vehicle, and suspension of driving privileges. Always consult the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) for the most up-to-date guidance on in-vehicle requirements.

What are the most important road signs in Japan?

Japan’s road sign system is built primarily on pictograms, meaning most signs can be understood without any knowledge of Japanese. In terms of shape and colour conventions, the system broadly echoes international practice: red circles denote prohibitions, blue circles or rectangles carry obligations and information, and triangular signs indicate hazards. However, Japan is not a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, so there are notable differences from the European standard that drivers should be aware of.

Perhaps the most critical difference is the stop sign. Internationally, the stop sign is almost universally an octagon. In Japan, it takes the form of an inverted red triangle bearing the text “止まれ (STOP)” in Japanese. A complete stop is required at this sign, followed by checking in both directions before proceeding. Memorising this inverted triangle is essential for any driver in Japan, given its significant departure from the octagonal red stop sign used across the Americas, much of Europe, and elsewhere.

Traffic signal placement also differs from what many drivers are used to. In Japan, signals are positioned on the far side of the intersection rather than before it. This means you should bring your vehicle to the stop line and look ahead to the signals beyond the junction, rather than looking at signals immediately in front of you.

Japan’s traffic lights commonly feature a double amber phase before switching to red. At roadworks, temporary signals often include a countdown display showing the seconds remaining until movement is permitted. Green arrow signals indicate a permitted direction of travel at intersections, functioning similarly to dedicated turn signals in other countries.

Other signs that are distinctive or particularly common in Japan include:

• No entry (one-way): A red circle containing a white horizontal bar — visually close to the European no-entry sign. One-way street systems are widespread in city centres.
• No parking / no stopping: Blue circular signs with red crosses or diagonal lines indicate parking restrictions. These sometimes apply only during specific hours or days, with the relevant times displayed in smaller text — often in Japanese only.
• Speed limit signs: White circles with a red border and a black number showing the speed limit in km/h.
• No overtaking: A white circle with a red border depicting two vehicles side by side.
• Yellow centre line: A solid yellow centre line means no crossing. You may not cross this line to overtake another vehicle on roads where it is marked.

The Japan Automobile Federation produces an English-language “Rules of the Road” guide containing a full illustrated sign reference. This guide is available in several foreign language editions to assist international drivers in understanding Japanese traffic regulations. Both printed and digital versions can be found via english.jaf.or.jp.

What must you do if you have a road accident in Japan?

If you are involved in a road accident in Japan, the Road Traffic Act sets out clear obligations that must be followed. It is critical to adhere to these correctly — failing to report an accident to the police is itself a criminal offence, regardless of how minor the collision may appear.

1. Stop your vehicle immediately. You are legally required to halt at the scene of any accident. Leaving — even after what seems like a trivial incident — is a serious offence under Japanese law.
2. Check for injuries and contact the emergency services. Assess your own condition first, then call an ambulance on 119 if anyone is injured, and call the police on 110 to report the location and circumstances. Both numbers are accessible from any phone, including mobile phones without an active SIM.
3. Report the accident to police regardless of its severity. You are legally obliged to notify the police no matter how minor the accident. This is a statutory requirement — even a low-speed parking-lot scrape must be reported.
4. Exchange details with the other party. Obtain the other driver’s full name, address, vehicle registration number, and insurance information. Do not exchange contact cards and leave without involving the police — this is a common mistake among newcomers that can lead to complications later.
5. Do not admit fault or settle informally at the scene. Japanese law apportions liability among all parties involved in an accident. Fault may be assessed at, for example, 80% attributable to one driver and 20% to another, with fines and penalties adjusted accordingly. Any informal admission of fault made at the roadside can complicate the formal legal process.
6. Document the scene where it is safe to do so. Photograph the damage to all vehicles, their positions on the road, any relevant road markings, and nearby signs or signals. Many vehicles in Japan are fitted with dash cameras — check whether yours captured footage of the incident.
7. Inform your insurance provider promptly. Contact your insurer as soon as possible and supply all relevant documentation. If you are driving a rental vehicle, notify the rental company immediately as well.

Traffic accident matters fall under the jurisdiction of the National Police Agency (NPA), which oversees enforcement of road traffic law. Keep the police emergency number (110) stored in your phone. In any accident involving injuries, leave vehicles in position until police arrive and instruct otherwise, unless they represent an immediate safety hazard. Refer to the NPA’s website for the most current accident reporting procedures (as of 2024).

Where can you find up-to-date road traffic information for Japan?

Japan offers a well-developed ecosystem of traffic information services, integrating official government infrastructure with widely used consumer navigation tools. Whether you are travelling on urban expressways or remote mountain roads, reliable real-time information is readily available.

Official government portal: The Japan Road Traffic Information Centre (JARTIC) provides live traffic data across the national road network. An English-language interface is available alongside the Japanese version. Coverage includes congestion levels, roadworks, closures, and weather-related disruptions on both expressways and national roads.

VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System): As part of Japan’s Intelligent Transport System, VICS is integrated into most car navigation units sold in Japan. Rental cars and locally purchased vehicles equipped with built-in sat-nav typically receive live VICS data, which automatically displays congestion levels, incidents on the network, and estimated journey times.

Navigation apps: Google Maps functions reliably throughout Japan, including in rural areas, and routes correctly for left-hand traffic. It displays live congestion, estimated toll costs, and expressway options. Yahoo! カーナビ (Yahoo! Car Navigation) is the most popular local alternative and is widely regarded as having particularly accurate real-time traffic data; an English-language mode is available. Apple Maps performs well in urban environments. For journeys combining driving and public transport, Navitime is a well-regarded Japanese app offering an English-language option.

Expressway operator websites: Japan’s main expressway operators — NEXCO East, NEXCO Central, and NEXCO West — each publish live traffic updates, toll calculators, and road condition reports. These are especially useful when planning long-distance motorway travel, particularly in winter when snow-related closures are possible in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and mountainous regions. English-language information is accessible via driveplaza.com (NEXCO).

Radio: NHK Radio broadcasts traffic and weather bulletins in Japanese. Local AM and FM stations often include regional traffic updates. Most rental cars have a radio fitted, and tuning in during peak travel times can give useful advance notice of congestion ahead.

Always confirm that URLs and apps remain current before relying on them, as services and interfaces are subject to change.

How does parking work in Japan?

Parking is tightly regulated across Japan, and enforcement in urban areas is both active and efficient. Unlike in some countries where on-street parking in residential areas is routine and largely overlooked, Japan operates with a very low tolerance for illegal parking in most cities.

Stopping on the street outside designated parking areas is a legal violation, and enforcement officers may issue a fine even if you have only been parked for a short time. Fines can reach ¥18,000 (as of 2024). Illegally parked vehicles are also liable to be clamped or towed away at the owner’s cost.

Paid car parks are plentiful throughout Japan, especially in cities. Parking in central urban locations can be costly, running to several hundred yen per hour. Many city car parks use automated ticket machines for payment. In densely built areas, mechanical multi-level or tower systems — including turntable-based designs that convey vehicles into stacked bays — are commonly used to maximise limited space. These systems operate on a ticketed entry basis, so always collect your ticket on arrival.

In rural towns, smaller communities, and at many tourist destinations, parking is often free — a significant contrast to city-centre charges. Convenience stores, supermarkets, and a large proportion of rural tourist sites provide free parking for visitors.

Resident parking permits (車庫証明, Shako Shōmei): Anyone who owns a car in Japan must demonstrate that they have access to a dedicated parking space before the vehicle can be registered. This garage certificate is issued by the local police station (Kōban) and requires the parking space to be within a 2-kilometre radius of the owner’s registered address. Purchasing and registering a car is not possible without this certificate — a requirement that differs substantially from many other countries. Contact your local police station or municipal office for the current application process, as requirements may vary by area.

Disabled parking: Japan operates a national disabled parking permit system. Blue wheelchair-symbol bays are provided at most public facilities, shopping centres, and hospitals. Japan does not automatically recognise foreign disabled parking badges — holders of a disability permit issued abroad must apply through their local municipality (市区町村) in Japan. Eligibility is assessed under Japanese disability classification criteria. Contact your nearest city or ward office for current application procedures and requirements, as these are administered locally and may vary (as of 2024). National-level guidance is available from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

Can you drive in Japan on a foreign or international licence?

Japan’s rules regarding foreign licences are precise and must be followed carefully. Getting this wrong means driving without a valid licence — an offence punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to ¥500,000 under Article 117-2-2 of the Road Traffic Act. This applies whether you hold an expired licence, a licence not recognised in Japan, or no licence at all.

International Driving Permits (IDPs): Visitors to Japan may drive using an International Driving Permit for a maximum of one year from their date of entry, regardless of whether the IDP itself has a longer validity period. Critically, only IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are accepted. IDPs issued under the Paris Convention (1926), Washington Convention (1943), or Vienna Convention (1968) are not valid in Japan. You must obtain your IDP before leaving your home country — it cannot be issued within Japan.

The three-month rule: Foreign residents who might consider renewing their IDP abroad every twelve months to avoid sitting a driving test should be aware that a new IDP obtained during a trip abroad of less than three months’ duration is not valid for use in Japan. A minimum period of more than three months spent outside Japan is required before a newly obtained IDP can be used on return.

Licences requiring only a certified translation (no IDP): Drivers holding a licence issued by Taiwan, Belgium, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland, or France may drive in Japan for up to one year using their original licence accompanied by a valid Japanese translation, without needing an IDP. Certified translations can be obtained through the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or authorised translation services.

Converting a foreign licence to a Japanese licence (Gaimen Kirikae): Residents planning to stay in Japan for more than one year must exchange their foreign licence for a Japanese one. Japan has concluded bilateral agreements with more than twenty countries — including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and others — that streamline this process. Holders of a valid licence from one of these countries can obtain a Japanese licence without sitting a written or practical driving test.

Drivers holding a licence from a country without a bilateral agreement with Japan — such as China, Brazil, or most US states — are required to sit both a written examination and a practical driving test. This process frequently requires multiple attempts even for experienced drivers.

1. Check your country’s status: Establish whether your country has a bilateral agreement with Japan and whether you will need an IDP or a certified translation. Consult JAF’s English-language website or your nearest Japanese embassy for current information.
2. Obtain your IDP or certified translation before you leave: Apply through your national automobile association or an authorised body. This cannot be done after you arrive in Japan.
3. Assemble your documents: For a licence conversion (Gaimen Kirikae), you will typically need your foreign licence, a certified Japanese translation, your passport bearing entry and exit stamps, and proof of your current residence in Japan.
4. Visit your prefectural Driving Licence Centre (運転免許センター): These centres operate in every prefecture. Make an appointment and bring all required documents. A vision test will be conducted, and in some cases a brief practical skills assessment is also required.
5. Confirm the three-month requirement: Check that your passport demonstrates you held your foreign licence for at least three months prior to entering Japan, as required by certain bilateral agreement countries.
6. Receive your Japanese licence: If your application is successful, your Japanese licence is issued the same day. It is typically valid for two to three years before first renewal, depending on your age and driving history.

Always verify current requirements with the National Police Agency or your prefectural driving licence centre before beginning the process, as accepted documentation and procedures are subject to change (as of 2024).

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving in Japan

Do I need special car insurance as a foreign driver in Japan?

Every vehicle operating on Japan’s public roads must be covered by mandatory third-party liability insurance (Jibaiseki Hoken). For resident-owned vehicles, this cost is typically incorporated into the shaken certificate fee; for rental cars, it is included in the hire price. Because mandatory insurance does not offer comprehensive protection, taking out additional voluntary cover is strongly advisable. If you are renting, make sure you understand the excess and scope of cover before driving away. Long-term residents can arrange voluntary comprehensive insurance (Nin’i Hoken) through major Japanese insurers, and some international providers also offer Japan-compatible policies.

How do toll roads work in Japan, and how do I pay?

Japan’s expressways are toll roads designed for long-distance travel between major cities and regions. They are well maintained but charge fees that vary according to distance and vehicle class. Payment options include cash, credit card, and the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system, which uses a vehicle-mounted transponder for automatic processing and can offer discounted rates. Tolls between major cities for a standard vehicle can range from ¥2,000 to ¥39,000. Rental cars can usually be equipped with an ETC device on request — arrange this at the time of booking.

What are the penalties for drink driving in Japan?

When breath alcohol reaches 0.15 mg per litre, a driver is classified as Driving Under the Influence (DUI), carrying a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour and a fine of up to ¥500,000. Higher alcohol levels attract even harsher sentences. A drunk, speeding, or recklessly negligent driver who causes death faces up to 15 years in prison. Foreign nationals also face the possibility of deportation. With a BAC limit of just 0.03%, Japan’s standard is effectively zero tolerance — a single drink can be enough to put many people over the legal threshold.

Are there winter driving requirements in Japan?

Japan has no single nationwide legal requirement for winter tyres, but they are a practical necessity in northern and mountainous areas. Roads in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and highland zones throughout Honshu can remain snow- and ice-covered for months. Many local authorities and expressway operators either require or strongly recommend studless winter tyres or snow chains from approximately December through March in affected areas. Rental car companies in Hokkaido routinely fit winter tyres during this season. Before travelling in winter, check current requirements with the relevant prefectural authority or NEXCO expressway operator.

Can I use Google Maps to navigate in Japan?

Yes — Google Maps is dependable throughout Japan, including in rural regions, and routes correctly for left-hand traffic. It also provides live traffic information, estimated toll costs, and expressway route options. For a locally preferred alternative, Yahoo! カーナビ (Yahoo! Car Navigation) is widely used and considered particularly accurate for real-time traffic data. Many rental cars are fitted with a built-in Japanese navigation system that receives live VICS traffic information; an English-language mode is commonly available on newer models.

Are there specific rules for driving with children in Japan?

Under Article 71-3, Paragraph 3 of the Road Traffic Act, an appropriate child safety seat is mandatory for all children under six years of age. Children may not travel in the front seat unless placed in a rearward-facing child seat with the airbag deactivated. Older children seated in the rear must use suitable booster seats and belts. When renting a vehicle, request a child seat at the time of booking as availability cannot be guaranteed. Failure to comply with these rules may result in a fine.

What is the “Daiko” driving proxy service?

Daiko, or Untei Daikou (Driving Proxy Service), is a widely used and entirely legal service in Japan whereby you hire a professional driver to take your car home on your behalf. It is most commonly used after consuming alcohol — for instance, following a company dinner, a round of golf, or a wedding reception. A second car follows behind to collect the Daiko driver once your vehicle has been delivered, which means you do not need to leave your car parked overnight. The service is well established and widely used by residents throughout Japan.

What is Shaken, and do I need to worry about it as a new resident?

Shaken is Japan’s compulsory vehicle roadworthiness inspection. It is required every two years for most vehicles, with newly purchased cars receiving a slightly longer grace period of three years before the first inspection is due. The total cost of shaken typically falls between ¥100,000 and ¥200,000, encompassing the inspection fee itself, a vehicle weight tax, and the mandatory insurance renewal. If you are buying a used car, always check when the next shaken falls due — a recently completed shaken is a reliable indicator of the vehicle’s condition and legal status. Rental cars will always have a valid shaken in place.