Japan Driving Rules and Road Signs (What’s Different)

The biggest differences

• Drive on the left: after turning, enter the left lane. Take care after right turns (crossing oncoming traffic) not to end up on the wrong side.
• Many cars have the wiper and turn-signal stalks reversed. Don’t panic if the wipers start when you meant to signal.
• No turning on red unless there is a green arrow.
• At a 止まれ sign (red inverted triangle), come to a complete stop at the line.
• Railroad crossings: at crossings without a signal you must stop before crossing, look both ways, then go.
• Always stop for pedestrians waiting to cross at a crosswalk.

Speed limits

• Ordinary roads: 60 km/h when no sign is posted. Residential streets are often 30–40 km/h.
• Expressways: 100 km/h when no sign is posted (110–120 km/h on some sections).
• The number in a red circle is the maximum speed.

Japanese on signs you should know

止まれ

Stop (full stop)

徐行

Slow down (to a speed where you can stop immediately)

一方通行

One way

進入禁止

No entry

通行止め

Road closed

駐車禁止 / 駐停車禁止

No parking / no stopping or parking

左折可

Left turn allowed regardless of the signal (white sign with a blue arrow)

Strictly enforced

• Drunk driving penalties are very severe. Passengers and anyone who supplied the alcohol can also be punished.
• No holding a phone while driving. Stop before operating the navigation.
• Seat belts in every seat including the back; children under 6 need a child seat.
• Street parking is strictly enforced. Use coin parking.

Rules can change — local signs and your rental company’s instructions come first.