Driving in Japan Rules

Travelling by car is an excellent way to explore new places in Japan. You can easily access rural hideaways, beyond tourist hotspots. But driving in a different country can be confusing and stressful. 

Learn the rules, our tips, and what you need to know to help you drive safely and confidently around Japan. 

Driving in Japan  – left or right?

Cars should always drive on the left side of the road in Japan. This is because Japan has often followed the British style of left-hand traffic. Britain always adopted the left-hand rule for horse-drawn carts, railways and automobiles. 

Driving in Japan as a tourist

If you are visiting Japan for a short period (a business trip or vacation), you may need both:

1- A copy of your driver’s license from your home country

And

2 – An International driver’s license or a translation of your home country’s license. 

Countries requiring Driver’s License from home country + Legal Translation (No International License required!) :

Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Estonia, Monaco

Can I drive in Japan with a US license?

Americans must get either an International Driver’s license or Japanese driver’s license to drive in Japan. 

How to get an International Drivers License 

You must get an International Driving license BEFORE arriving in Japan. They cannot be obtained in Japan.

• US – Apply Here

• UK – Apply Here

• Australia – Apply Here

Driving rules for foreigners living in Japan

If you plan to stay in Japan for over 1 year, you must obtain a Japanese drivers license. The difficulty in obtaining this will depend on your country of origin.

Some countries allow you to convert your license through paperwork:

Countries and regions exempted from the Driving Test in Japan:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Taiwan, South Korea, or USA (only Maryland [from Jan 2016] or Washington State

If you would like to convert your home country’s license to a Japanese one, contact the Driver’s License Center in your prefecture. They will let you know the booking procedure and necessary documents to bring with you.

All other countries require you to take a driving test to obtain a license. Apply for a learner’s license at your nearest Driver’s License Center and schedule an exam date. 

Can I take the Japanese driving test in English?

The written test is available in English. The practical exam does not require Japanese fluency, but some basic Japanese skill will help (JLPT N5 – N4).

If you are looking for a English speaking driving school in Japan, please see two option below:

• EDS International Driving School –  Itabashi-ku, Tokyo

• Okui Driving School –  Sashiogi, Saitama

Is driving in Japan safe?

Japan is considered a safe country for driving. However, you may find driving very different to what you are used to. For example, Japanese roads can be much narrower compared to roads in the US.

It is important to research Japan’s road rules before you start driving in Japan. Many rules may be different from your home country.

Green arrows under Red lights

• It is ok to turn right at a red light if there is a green arrow flashing underneath

Yellow Arrow Traffic Signal

• Vehicles may not turn right at a yellow arrow. This is for streetcars (trams/ trolleys) only.

Zero Alcohol tolerance

• Some countries allow a certain legal blood alcohol limit for driving. However Japan has a zero alcohol tolerance. Please note alcohol can be detected in the blood for up to 6-12 hours

Go easy on the Horn

• Most Japanese drivers are very polite and respectful. Try not to use the car horn unless it is an emergency. 

Road signs for driving in Japan

Some road signs may look different in Japan. Here are some examples:

Stop /  止まれ, / とまれ

• Stop signs are often triangle shaped (not octagon). Some may have English but beware that they are often written in Kanji / hiragana only. You must come to a complete stop before the stop line or sign.

Kindergarten or School Ahead

• Be careful of small children and children running into the road

Source: ToCoo!

Sound Horn

• You must beep your car horn while driving when you see this sign. This is to notify your presence to other drivers if your car is not visible.

Tanuki / Racoon Dog

• Tanuki are adorable but they get scared and panicked easily. They are not familiar with cars and often get run over. Be careful driving in these areas.

Monkey / Saru 

• Japan has a large population of wild monkeys. The monkey often forage for food in tourist hotspots and rural areas. Be careful driving around them as they may cause accidents. 

Driving in Japan is a convenient way to explore hidden areas that trains don’t reach. With patience, attention to detail, and respect for the rules, you’ll adapt in no time.

If you are looking to start your life in Japan, apply to join our team of inspirational ALT today.