Driving in Japan: 25 Tips for Americans (2026)

25 Things US Drivers Wish They Had Known About Japan

1. An IDP is non-negotiable. Japanese rental agencies refuse pickup 100% of the time without a 1949 Geneva IDP from AAA or AATA. Bring the paper booklet, not a photo.
2. Drive on the LEFT. Steering wheel on the right, traffic flows opposite to the US. Spend the first 10 minutes in the rental lot getting the muscle memory.
3. Look RIGHT first at intersections. Your American left-look reflex is the wrong direction in Japan — the nearest oncoming car is to your right.
4. Pulling out of parking lots is the danger moment. Slow down, point your car into the LEFT lane, and breathe.
5. Roundabouts go clockwise in Japan. Yield to traffic already in the circle.
6. Wipers and signals are reversed on Japanese RHD cars. You will flick on the wipers when turning the first day. Don't worry about it.
7. Automatic transmission is standard. Nearly 100% of Japanese rentals are automatic — no stick shift required.
8. ETC card = your toll system. Most rentals include one free. Use the purple expressway lanes; cash lanes are slow and sometimes closed.
9. Expressway tolls are expensive. Budget ¥30+/km. Tokyo → Osaka can run ¥10,000+ one-way.
10. Memorize 6 kanji: 止まれ (Stop), 一方通行 (One Way), 駐車禁止 (No Parking), 進入禁止 (Do Not Enter), 出口 (Exit), 入口 (Entrance).
11. Expressway lane rule is opposite of US. LEFT lane = cruising. RIGHT lane = passing only. Sitting in the right lane is a fineable offense.
12. Speed limits are lower than you expect. 40–60 km/h urban, 80–100 km/h expressway. Japanese drivers obey them — follow the local flow.
13. Speed cameras (オービス / Orbis) are everywhere. Often stealth — you may not see a flash. Tickets arrive at the rental agency weeks later.
14. 0.0% BAC. Period. One beer puts you over. Drunk driving is a criminal offense — up to 5 years prison, ¥1,000,000 fine, and deportation.
15. No turning on red. Japan doesn't allow it in either direction. Wait for the green.
16. Daytime headlights in tunnels. Mandatory. Most rentals have auto-headlights — confirm.
17. Phone use = ¥6,000 minimum. Mounted hands-free navigation is fine. Touching the screen while moving is a fine.
18. Seat belts required for everyone, including back seat. ¥6,000 fine per unbelted passenger — you (the driver) pay it.
19. Parking is scarce and expensive in cities. Use municipal "coin parking" (コインパーキング) at ¥200–¥600/hour. Never park on the street in central Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto.
20. Skip driving in central Tokyo and Osaka. Trains are faster, infinitely cheaper, and stress-free. Rent only when leaving the city.
21. Google Maps works perfectly. The car's built-in nav may be Japanese-only — use your phone on a mount.
22. Convenience stores are your friend. 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart — clean restrooms, hot food, working ATMs, and reliable English-friendly staff.
23. Hokkaido and Tohoku winter = snow tires. Effectively mandatory November–April. Reputable rentals include them automatically — confirm at pickup.
24. Be politely visible. Use turn signals early, bow your head slightly when another driver yields, and never honk except for emergencies. Japanese road culture is exceptionally courteous.
25. At a police stop: stay calm, hand over documents with both hands, bow slightly. Officers are formal and patient. Have your IDP, US license, and passport ready.

What to Do at a Japanese Police Stop

Japanese police (Keisatsu) are formal, polite, and patient — especially with foreigners. They are not adversarial. Follow these steps:

1. Pull over fully and immediately. Engine off, hazards on, hands visible on the steering wheel.
2. Lower your window and wait. Do not get out of the car unless asked.
3. Greet politely: "Sumimasen, konnichiwa" (Excuse me, hello). A slight bow of the head is appreciated.
4. When asked, hand over documents with both hands: US license, IDP (国際免許証 / kokusai menkyoshou), and passport.
5. If language is a barrier: Say "Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?" (Do you speak English?). In tourist areas most officers speak basic English; in rural areas they may call a translation service.
6. Never argue or raise your voice. Even if you believe you're right, accept the citation politely and dispute it later if needed.
7. If issued a "blue ticket" (青切符, minor offense): you can pay at any post office or convenience store within 30 days.
8. If issued a "red ticket" (赤切符, serious offense): you must appear in court. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo (+81-3-3224-5000) for guidance.

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