Japan is one of the calmest places in the world to drive. Drivers are patient, roads are immaculate, and almost nobody honks. But a few rules work differently from home, and accidents involving foreign rental drivers have climbed as tourism has grown. Ten minutes with this page will make your drive a lot smoother.
Keep left. Stop fully at the red downward triangle (止まれ). Never drink and drive — not even one. Don't hold your phone. Give way to pedestrians at crossings. Stop, look and listen at railway crossings. And take right turns slowly: they're where visitors get caught out most.
The essentials
- Drive on the left, overtake on the right. See driving on the left.
- Zero alcohol. Japan's limit is very low and penalties are severe. They can also reach passengers who ride with a drunk driver and people who supplied the drinks.
- No phone in your hand. Mount it or leave it.
- Seatbelts for everyone, front and back.
Signs that matter
| Sign | Looks like | Means |
|---|---|---|
| Stop | Red downward-pointing triangle with 止まれ | Stop completely at the line |
| Speed limit | Number in a red circle | Maximum speed in km/h |
| No entry | Red circle with a white bar | Don't enter |
| No parking | Blue circle, red border, one diagonal line | No parking |
Japan's stop sign is a triangle, not an octagon. It points down, it's red, and it says 止まれ (tomare) — "stop". Many visitors drive straight past their first one.
Speed limits
Always follow the posted sign. As a rough guide: ordinary roads are often 30–60 km/h, Tokyo's urban expressways are commonly 50–80 km/h, and intercity expressways are often 80–100 km/h, occasionally more. Cameras and unmarked police cars are common.
Turning
- Right turns cross oncoming traffic — the equivalent of a left turn at home. Wait for a clear gap and watch for pedestrians on the crossing you're turning into.
- No turning on red unless a green arrow allows it.
- Pedestrians have priority at crossings. Stop for them.
Railway crossings
At level crossings without signals, you must stop, look and listen before crossing, even when no train is coming. It's the law, and police do check.
Expressways
- Tolls are paid by ETC card or at a cash booth; some Shuto Expressway entrances are ETC-only. See the Shuto Expressway guide.
- Exits and junctions can split left or right with short warning. Read overhead signs early.
- Missed your exit? Keep going to the next one. Never stop or reverse.
Parking
Parking on the street is restricted in most of Tokyo, and fines are enforced. Use paid car parks and check height and width limits — wide sports cars don't fit everywhere.
If something happens
- Stop safely and turn on your hazard lights.
- Help anyone injured. Call 119 for an ambulance or fire service.
- Call the police on 110. In Japan you must report accidents, even small ones — and insurance usually depends on it.
- Call your rental company.
If police stop you for any reason, stay calm and show your licence, IDP and passport.
Frequently asked questions
What is the drink-driving limit in Japan?
Very low, with severe penalties. The only safe rule is not to drink at all if you're driving.
Can I use my phone for navigation?
Yes, if it's mounted and you don't hold or operate it while moving.
What should I do if I get lost on the expressway?
Keep driving to the next exit or rest area. Never stop on the main road or reverse.
Do I need to stop at every railway crossing?
At crossings without signals, yes — stop, look and listen before crossing.