How’s driving in Japan for you?

15 comments

1. I mean, as someone who hated growing up with forced car dependency in the US and the danger & demonstrably decreased quality of life car-centric planning brings to North American cities, I feel like driving everywhere is bad, compounded by the fact that the trains & public transit here is one of the most incredible things about the country, and I never don’t want to use them. I have gone on road trips though (a friend drove) but this is only really required for the deep countryside.

2. Just rented a car myself to drive around Shizuoka and I made sure to rent an ETC card since there will be tolls on my route

3. Driving in Tokyo is probably going to be the suckiest part as driving around Tokyo is insanely complex and one false move can mean you’re now committed to something like “oops you’re now going to Chiba”

   As someone else said get an ETC card as you’ll likely have lots of tolls and these days the tolls expect you to have an ETC so there’s little point in not having one

   Ensure you get the correct International Drivers Permit from your country

4. I’m a long term resident but I have been a car owner and driving here for about 20 years.

   Highway driving is easy, city driving depends on the city but Tokyo has a mess of confusing signage and weird intersections. Very easy to get a violation if you don’t understand the markings and signs.

   Be prepared for a lot of traffic on the highways depending on when/where you drive. It’s no joke, something like Fuji -> Tokyo can take 90 minutes or 5 hours depending on the day.

   Mountain roads are great, but slow going as they are very winding.

   I did Tokyo to Aomori and back fairly recently – northern Tohoku is really where it’s at.

5. If you have been driving right handled car, it is OK. If not, first few hours feels weird but it will be OK. Problem is, you need to focus not to shifted to the left in the lane because in Japan people tend to shifted to the right. I’ve been driving in Japan for 2 years but still tend to shift left. Never turn to left if signal is red. If you are more than 2 people group, avoid K-car. For me, Corolla or Prius is appropriate car to rent. Don’t forget to rent ETC card too. You need it to pay the toll at the highway. One more thing. Parking in the city is nightmare.

6. Does anybody have experience driving in Okinawa?

7. Countryside driving is fine for me, but I’ve had a few years to get used the other side of the road/car in Thailand. I had a little compact Nissan, can’t remember the name but it was fine.

   I rented the car outside the city already so never had to deal with big city traffic (which I always try to avoid regardless of location). If you’re already a competent city driver, I don’t see why it would be especially challenging for you.

8. Each region has its own michi no eki, which is a roadside stop with restrooms, vending machines, restaurants, and shops selling local products.

9. From what I’ve gathered in my limited time there, driving around Tokyo is not only frustrating, but there is a severe lack of parking, and it also takes much longer (and again, is more frustrating) than just walking/training. My advice is to ditch the car once you’re out of the countryside.

10. Make sure you have an international drivers permit

11. I still have no idea why there is a red light, but green arrows for all three directions on

    (I think it’s supposed to mean that it’s stopped in the opposite direction, but still…)

12. Recommend using Public transportation. It’s easy, frequent, clean, and you can relax.

13. Following – as I will be going to Japan for the 6th time (husband 3rd time), but first time driving.

    We will be going to Kyushu. So pretty much the places outside Fukuoka.

    What I/we know
    – we been driving on the right side for over 20 years, so guess it is not a problem

    – we can read Chinese. So road sign in Kanji probably won’t be a problem for us (been spending a year in Duolingo but my Japanese is still not at traveler level …)

    – will get international driving licenses prior depart

    – been watching Japanese local YouTuber’s driving trip

    – some mountain road seems very narrow and only one car can pass. Husband said he thinks there is a rule that uphill car has the right, or is it the other way round?

    – ETC – usually is it worth using it, instead of toll free road that ended up costing more on petrol?

    – so even a minor scratch without involving any other car, we still have to contact police, in order to notify the car rental company? (We will buy the top insurance package)

    – totally looking forward to go to Michi no eki 道の駅

    – we have a 5 years old, and the car seat that available to rent at car rental seems only the basic booster seat type that without the head protection – nothing we can do about it?

    – we prepared not solely rely on google map, but in car navigation system. We know it is based on Japanese map code and/or phone number. I am going to prepare a list of it – soft and hard copy
    What other Japan navigation app can be recommended?

    – should I bring my own phone mount or even dashcam?

    Thanks!

14. It’s an amazing experience. Japan has no dearth of scenic routes. If you make up your mind, I can give you some tips.

15. Keep in mind that any experience from a local resident, who probably drives once in a while if not everyday in Japan, will be totally different than a foreign tourist who drives for the 1st time, especially if one do not know the language well enough.

    And in fact, the number of accidents involving foreign tourists are on the rise.

    [https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20240514-185962/](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20240514-185962/)

    [https://asahimotors-rent.com/beware-of-accidents-rental-cars/](https://asahimotors-rent.com/beware-of-accidents-rental-cars/)