Driving Directions and Google Map of Japan — Roads, Routes & Navigation Guide
Japan is an archipelago nation of approximately 377,975 square kilometres stretching across roughly 3,000 kilometres from north to south in the north-western Pacific, comprising four main islands — Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku — together with approximately 6,800 smaller islands. With a population of around 125 million, Japan has one of the most extensive and technically sophisticated road networks in the world, including a dense expressway system connecting its major cities and an incomparable culture of road safety and driving discipline. For foreign visitors, however, Japan presents a unique set of challenges that distinguish it from driving in Europe or North America.
The most fundamental difference is that Japan drives on the left-hand side of the road, with the steering wheel positioned on the right side of the vehicle. This is the same convention as the United Kingdom, Australia, and a number of other countries with historical British influence, but it is the opposite of continental Europe, North America, and most of Asia. Visitors who normally drive on the right must consciously adapt to left-hand traffic, particularly at junctions, roundabouts, and when pulling out of parking spaces — the tendency to drift into the right-hand lane is a well-documented hazard for newly arrived right-hand traffic drivers.
Japan also differs significantly from European countries in its driving licence requirements for foreign visitors. An International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention is required, together with the original national driving licence. Japan is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic but has not ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention; IDPs issued solely under the 1968 Vienna Convention are not valid in Japan. Most major tourist-origin countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and EU member states — issue 1949-type IDPs through their national automobile associations. Visitors should obtain their IDP before arriving in Japan, as it cannot be issued from abroad once in the country.
Expressways (高速道路, kōsoku dōro) are virtually all toll-operated in Japan. The Electronic Toll Collection system — universally known as ETC (エレクトロニック トル コレクション) — is the standard payment method and is strongly recommended for all expressway travel in Japan. ETC transponders are available with rental cars, and the system offers significant discounts over cash payment on many routes. Visiting drivers should enquire about ETC rental when booking their vehicle.
The drink-drive limit in Japan is a strict 0.03% BAC — lower than in most other countries — and enforcement is uncompromising; Japanese law also penalises the occupants of a vehicle whose driver is found to be over the limit. Emergency services are reached by calling 110 (police/Keisatsu) or 119 (fire brigade and ambulance/Shōbō and Kyūkyū). For roadside breakdown assistance, the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation / ジャフ) operates a 24-hour service on 0570-00-8139 from mobile phones or 0120-00-8139 from landlines. Use the route planner on our homepage to plan driving distances and journey times across Japan.
The Japanese Road Network
Japan’s road network is one of the most extensive in the world, covering approximately 1.2 million kilometres of public roads across the four main islands and many smaller inhabited islands. The network is administered through a hierarchy of national expressways, national highways, prefectural roads, and municipal roads, with the expressway system forming the high-speed backbone used for inter-city and long-distance travel.
At the summit of the hierarchy sit Japan’s National Expressways (高速国道, kōsoku kokudō), identified by a green shield with an E-number, operated by three regional companies collectively known as NEXCO: East Japan Expressway Company (NEXCO East, covering Tohoku and Kanto), Central Japan Expressway Company (NEXCO Central, covering Chubu), and West Japan Expressway Company (NEXCO West, covering Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu). Together the NEXCO network spans approximately 8,500 kilometres. In addition, Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd. (首都高速, Shuto Expressway, or informally Shuto-kō) operates the complex urban expressway network within Greater Tokyo, and the Hanshin Expressway Company operates the equivalent network across the Osaka–Kobe–Kyoto region.
Japan’s most important expressway is the Tomei Expressway (E1), running 346 kilometres between Tokyo (Higashi-Nihonbashi) and Nagoya (Komaki Junction), and one of the most heavily trafficked roads in the country. Its modern parallel route, the Shin-Tomei Expressway (E1A), opened progressively between 2012 and 2024, offers higher design standards and includes some of Japan’s first permanent 120 km/h sections between Shin-Fuji and Shin-Kani. Together, the Tomei and Shin-Tomei form a dual-corridor Tokyo–Nagoya connection.
From Nagoya westward, the Meishin Expressway (E1) continues to Kobe, passing through Nagoya, Gifu, and the Kansai region to complete the Tokyo–Osaka corridor. The Sanyo Expressway (E2) extends westward from Kobe to Fukuoka in northern Kyushu. The Tohoku Expressway (E4) runs north from Tokyo through the Tohoku region to Aomori at the northern tip of Honshu, from where the Seikan Tunnel connects by rail to Hokkaido (no road crossing of the Tsugaru Strait exists). The Chuo Expressway (E20) runs northwest from Tokyo through Yamanashi, Nagano, and on to Nagoya, passing through the Japanese Alps. The Hokuriku Expressway (E8) runs along the Sea of Japan coast from Maibara (near Nagoya) to Niigata, with certain sections offering 120 km/h limits.
Below the expressway network, National Highways (国道, kokudō) form the primary inter-city road network and carry the prefix ‘Route’ with a number. Route 1 (Tokai-do) connects Tokyo to Osaka along the Pacific coast; Route 2 continues from Osaka to Shimonoseki; Route 4 heads north from Tokyo to Aomori. National highways carry a 60 km/h speed limit outside built-up areas unless signed otherwise and do not charge tolls. Prefectural roads (都道府県道, toadō fuken-dō) and municipal roads form the dense secondary network.
Driving Rules and Regulations in Japan
Japan’s traffic law is governed by the Dōro Kōtsū Hō (Road Traffic Act), enforced by the Kōtsū Keisatsu (Traffic Police). The single most important adaptation for visiting drivers from right-hand traffic countries is remembering to keep to the left side of the road. This becomes instinctive for experienced left-hand traffic drivers, but newly adapted drivers must remain especially vigilant at junctions, where the tendency to swing right when turning left (or left when turning right) can place a vehicle in the path of oncoming traffic. GPS navigation systems, which prompt turn directions, can help reinforce the correct lane positioning.
International Driving Permit requirements: Foreign visitors must carry a valid IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, together with their original national driving licence. Japan does not recognise the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP. In practice, IDPs issued by automobile associations in most major countries — including the United States (AAA), United Kingdom (AA/RAC), Canada (CAA), Australia (NRMA/RACV/RACQ), Germany (ADAC), France (AA), and most EU nations — are of the 1949 Geneva type and are valid for use in Japan. However, drivers from some countries that ratified only the 1968 Vienna Convention should contact their national automobile association to confirm IDP validity before travel, or obtain a Japanese translation of their driving licence through the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation), which is the accepted alternative for nationalities without a valid IDP for Japan. IDPs are valid for one year from the date of issue and cannot be obtained after arrival in Japan.
At intersections, Japan applies the rule that vehicles on the main road have priority over those entering from side roads. At unmarked intersections of equal-width roads, the convention is that the vehicle approaching from the right has priority — the same underlying principle as continental Europe, but adapted to left-hand traffic geometry. In practice, most urban intersections in Japan are signal-controlled, and traffic signals are obeyed with very high compliance.
Pedestrian crossings (横断歩道, ゼブラ, zebra) carry significant legal weight in Japan: drivers must stop for pedestrians who are waiting at or crossing a zebra crossing, even when no traffic light is present. Failure to yield to a pedestrian at a marked crossing is an offence actively enforced by traffic police, particularly in urban areas and near schools. Japan’s pedestrian crossing compliance rate is among the highest in the world, and drivers should expect pedestrians to step out at crossings without checking for vehicles.
Turns at signals: Unlike some countries, Japan does not permit a ‘left turn on red’ as a general rule (the left-side equivalent of the US right-on-red). At a red signal, a vehicle must stop and wait regardless of direction unless a specific green left-turn arrow is displayed. Some intersections display a separate left-turn arrow that permits a left turn while the main signal is red, but this must be explicitly signalled. Drivers who turn left on a plain red signal risk a fine and potential licence points.
Narrow roads: A significant proportion of Japan’s residential and rural road network consists of very narrow single-lane or near-single-lane streets (細道, hosomichi) that require one vehicle to pull into a passing space to allow oncoming traffic through. Kei cars (軽自動设, 軽カー) — Japan’s distinctive small yellow-plate vehicles with engine displacements up to 660cc — are specifically designed for these narrow road conditions and are ubiquitous throughout rural Japan. Foreign drivers in standard or larger rental vehicles should be prepared for these conditions on rural and mountain routes.
Parking: Japan has extremely strict parking enforcement. Parking on city streets outside designated bays is prohibited and enforced vigorously by contracted parking enforcement officers (驐車監視員). An illegally parked vehicle can be ticketed within minutes and may be towed rapidly. Coin parking (コインパーキング) lots are widespread throughout Japanese cities — typically small lots with automated payment terminals and rising-plate barriers that lock under the car until payment is made. Hourly rates vary considerably; central Tokyo rates can be extremely high. Most tourist attractions, department stores, and restaurants offer validated parking or nearby coin parking facilities.
Mobile phones while driving are strictly prohibited. The 2019 revision of the Road Traffic Act significantly increased penalties for phone use while driving: using a handheld phone while moving now carries a fine of up to ¥180,000 and potential imprisonment, and causing an accident while using a phone is a serious criminal offence. Hands-free systems built into modern vehicles are legal.
Horn use: While horns are not prohibited, Japanese driving culture strongly discourages gratuitous horn use. Sounding the horn unnecessarily in urban areas is considered aggressive behaviour and may attract social disapproval. Horns are used primarily as a safety warning signal in genuine hazard situations.
Speed Limits on Japanese Roads
Japan’s speed limits are set under the Road Traffic Act and enforced by the National Police Agency and prefectural police. Posted speed limits in Japan are often lower than the legal maximum for the road category, and many urban roads carry 40 or 50 km/h signs even where the statutory urban maximum is 60 km/h. Drivers should always follow posted signs rather than assuming the general statutory limit applies.
| Road Type | Standard Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Expressway (kōsoku dōro) | 100 km/h | 120 km/h on designated sections (Shin-Tomei E1A, Hokuriku E8) |
| Metropolitan / Urban Expressway (Shuto-kō, Hanshin) | 60–80 km/h | Variable by route; inner loop sections often 60 km/h |
| National highway outside urban area | 60 km/h | Lower limits often posted; dual-carriageway nationals may be 70 km/h |
| Urban road (built-up area) | 60 km/h | Many roads signed 50, 40, or 30 km/h; follow posted signs |
| Residential / seikatsu dōro | 30 km/h | Narrow residential streets; pedestrians have priority |
| School zone (sukuuru zōn) | 30 km/h | Active during school hours; additional restrictions may apply |
The introduction of 120 km/h sections on certain expressways represents a significant policy shift. Following a pilot program from 2017, NEXCO and the National Police Agency designated permanent 120 km/h sections on selected stretches of the Shin-Tomei (E1A) and the Tohoku Expressway (E4) from 2019 onward, with further designations on the Hokuriku Expressway (E8) near Kanazawa extended in subsequent years. These sections are clearly marked with speed limit signs at the start of each 120 km/h zone. The remainder of the NEXCO expressway network retains the 100 km/h limit.
Speed enforcement in Japan combines fixed radar cameras, mobile enforcement by traffic police, and increasingly, average-speed measurement on expressways. Fixed speed cameras (オービスカメラ) are positioned at regular intervals on expressways and national highways and are not always preceded by warning signs. Japanese traffic police also conduct routine stop checks on national highways, where officers use handheld laser guns. Fines for speeding in Japan are set by the Road Traffic Act and include both a monetary penalty and potential loss of driving points on the Japanese licence system; for foreign drivers, repeated or serious violations can result in detention pending payment of fines.
Kei cars were historically subject to a lower expressway speed limit of 80 km/h, but this was raised to the standard 100 km/h limit in 2000. All passenger vehicles, regardless of engine size, now observe the same expressway speed limit.
Expressway Tolls and the ETC System
Japan’s expressways are almost universally toll-operated, making tolls a significant and unavoidable cost of driving long distances. NEXCO tolls are calculated on a distance-based formula; indicative rates for a standard passenger car are approximately ¥24.6 per kilometre on NEXCO expressways (before discounts), meaning that a Tokyo–Osaka journey of approximately 550 kilometres on the Tomei/Meishin corridor costs roughly ¥8,000–13,000 depending on route and discount applied. Metropolitan Expressway and Hanshin Expressway use different pricing structures.
The ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system is Japan’s standard method for expressway toll payment and is strongly recommended for all drivers who plan to use expressways. ETC requires a transponder unit (ETC車載器) mounted on the vehicle’s dashboard and an ETC card (®credit-card-sized, issued by participating card companies) inserted into the transponder. When a vehicle equipped with a working ETC system passes through an ETC lane at a toll gate, the barrier rises automatically and the toll is deducted from the linked card. ETC lanes are marked with a green overhead sign; cash lanes (itten) are marked with blue or white signs.
ETC offers significant advantages over cash payment:
- Nighttime discount: 30% reduction on NEXCO tolls for passages between 22:00 and 06:00
- Commuter discount: up to 50% reduction for registered commuters on designated sections
- Weekend / holiday discount: 30% reduction on rural NEXCO expressways at weekends and public holidays (for passenger cars)
- Shorter queues: ETC lanes typically have far shorter queues than cash lanes, especially during holiday periods
For foreign tourists, many car rental companies in Japan offer ETC transponders for rental as an optional add-on; the rental fee is typically ¥330–¥550 per day. The renter’s tolls are billed through the transponder and invoiced with the rental charge. This is the most practical arrangement for tourist driving on Japanese expressways.
An alternative specifically designed for foreign visitors is the Japan Expressway Pass (JEP) and similar unlimited-access passes offered through NEXCO and rental car partnerships. These passes provide unlimited expressway access (NEXCO network, excluding Metropolitan and Hanshin expressways) for a fixed daily fee, typically ranging from ¥2,500 to ¥4,000 per day depending on duration purchased. The JEP is available only to foreign nationals and is purchased through participating car rental companies at the time of booking. For visitors planning extensive road travel across Japan — such as a circuit of Honshu or a trip from Tokyo to Hokkaido via the expressway network — the JEP can represent substantial savings over per-kilometre toll accumulation.
The Metropolitan Expressway (Shuto-kō / 首都高速) in Greater Tokyo uses a different toll structure: since 2016, it has operated a distance-based pricing system capped at ¥1,320 for most passenger car journeys, with a base charge of ¥310 for very short entries. The Metropolitan Expressway is a complex, multi-level, multi-route system with inner loops (C1 and C2) and numerous radial routes; GPS navigation is essential and is standard in all rental cars. The Hanshin Expressway in the Osaka–Kobe corridor uses a similar distance-based system with separate pricing to NEXCO.
Expressways in Japan have well-appointed Service Areas (サービスエリア, SA) and smaller Parking Areas (パーキングエリア, PA) at regular intervals. Service areas typically include restaurants (including sit-down and fast-food options featuring regional specialities), convenience stores (konbini), toilets, fuel stations, and sometimes hotels and shops. Many are significant tourist destinations in their own right; the ‘SA food’ culture (SA gurume) is a distinctly Japanese phenomenon. EV charging points are increasingly available at NEXCO service areas.
Fuel, Petrol Stations, and EV Charging
Japan’s petrol stations (ガソリンスタンド, gasorin sutando) offer three main fuel types: レギュラー (Rekyūarā, Regular) — the standard unleaded petrol, approximately 90–92 octane and used in most standard passenger cars; ハイオク (Haioku, High-octane) — premium unleaded, approximately 98–99 octane, required by sports and high-performance vehicles; and 軽油 (Keiyu, Diesel) — for diesel-engined vehicles, though diesel passenger cars are relatively uncommon in Japan. LPG is available at a limited number of stations primarily serving taxis. Prices are denominated in yen per litre and displayed prominently outside stations; as of early 2026, prices are broadly comparable to Western European levels.
Japanese petrol stations come in two service models: full-service (フルサービス, furu sābisu), where uniformed attendants fill the tank, check oil and tyre pressure, clean windows, and direct the driver out of the forecourt; and self-service (セルフ, serufu), which are pump-it-yourself automated stations with card payment terminals. Full-service stations remain common in rural areas and smaller towns; self-service stations dominate urban and suburban areas and along expressway service areas. At full-service stations, attendants will typically ask which fuel type and how much you want (満タン (mantan) = fill it up); pointing to the correct fuel type on the displayed board is sufficient if there is a language barrier.
Japan has one of the world’s most developed electric vehicle charging networks, largely shaped by the domestic automotive industry’s early leadership in EVs (Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Toyota plug-in hybrids). The primary DC fast-charging standard in Japan is CHAdeMO (チャデモ), a Japanese-developed standard that differs from the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard used in Europe and North America. Visitors bringing European or North American EVs should check charging compatibility before their trip, as some models may require an adapter or may not be compatible with CHAdeMO. The e-Mobility Power network (formerly TEPCO and Nissan’s collaborative network) is the largest CHAdeMO provider, with charging points at expressway service areas, car parks, dealerships, and convenience stores throughout Japan. AC slow charging uses the Type 1 (SAE J1772) standard. Tesla vehicles in Japan use adapters to access the local network; Tesla’s Tokyo-to-Osaka corridor Supercharger coverage is adequate for Model 3/Y/S/X range vehicles.
Driving in Major Japanese Cities
Tokyo is one of the most complex urban driving environments in the world. The city’s street network — outside of a few planned grid areas like the Shinjuku and Marunouchi districts — is largely organic, with narrow streets that do not follow a regular pattern and addresses that are assigned by block and building number within blocks rather than by street name. GPS navigation is essential for driving in Tokyo; all rental cars include navigation systems, though these are often in Japanese and may require some familiarisation. The romaji (romanised) mode, if available, is helpful for foreign drivers.
Tokyo’s urban expressway system, the Metropolitan Expressway (Shuto-kō), consists of the C1 inner loop (encircling central Tokyo, approximately 14.8 km), the C2 outer loop (the larger ring passing through eastern and northern Tokyo), and numerous radial routes numbered from 1 to over 20 heading outward to connect with NEXCO expressways. The Shuto-kō is elevated through much of central Tokyo, winding between high-rise buildings and over river crossings; its narrow lanes, tight curves, and frequent exit/entry points require attentive driving. Rush-hour congestion on the Shuto-kō can be severe, particularly on the C1 loop, and journey times can roughly double during morning (07:00–09:00) and evening (17:00–20:00) peak periods. Parking within central Tokyo is very expensive; rail and subway travel is far more practical for most city centre movements.
Osaka and the surrounding Keihanshin metropolitan area (Kobe–Osaka–Kyoto) are served by the Hanshin Expressway, a complex multi-level urban expressway network with its own toll system. Central Osaka’s street grid is more regular than Tokyo’s, making navigation somewhat easier, though the density of traffic signals and the volume of cyclists, pedestrians, and buses in the city centre requires constant vigilance. The Umeda and Namba districts have very limited parking; coin parking lots are widespread but expensive during business and shopping hours.
Kyoto presents a particular challenge: the city’s historic districts — particularly the Higashiyama, Arashiyama, and Gion areas — attract enormous numbers of tourists, and vehicle access to many streets is restricted, time-limited, or effectively impossible during peak visiting periods. The autumn leaf season (mid-October to mid-November) and spring cherry blossom season (late March to early April) see extraordinary visitor numbers that can make driving in the area extremely slow. Kyoto’s bus network is comprehensive and famously efficient; for most tourist movements within the city, buses, the Kyoto City Subway, and rickshaws are far more practical than a rental car. Driving is most useful for accessing rural temples and shrines outside the city’s public transport network.
Hiroshima and Fukuoka are both more straightforward cities to drive in than Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, with more navigable street networks and somewhat less severe parking constraints. Hiroshima operates trams that require the usual yielding behaviour. Fukuoka, on Kyushu island, is served by the Fukuoka Urban Expressway and connects to the Kyushu Expressway network.
Sapporo, on Hokkaido, is notable for its grid street plan — one of the few Japanese cities laid out on a North American-style grid — making it one of the more easily navigable Japanese cities for foreign drivers. However, Sapporo’s winter conditions (significant snowfall, ice, and sub-zero temperatures from December through March) require winter tyres and careful driving. The Hokkaido Expressway and Doō Expressway connect Sapporo to other Hokkaido cities including Asahikawa, Hakodate, and Kushiro.
Long-Distance Driving and Regional Routes
Japan’s expressway network enables long-distance inter-city driving, though for many route pairs the Shinkansen (bullet train) is faster and often more economical when tolls are factored in. For visitors who wish to travel by road — to access rural areas, carry luggage conveniently, or simply enjoy the journey — the expressway system provides a comfortable if expensive long-distance option.
The principal east–west corridor from Tokyo to Osaka runs approximately 550 kilometres and takes around 5.5–6.5 hours of driving time via the Tomei (E1) and Meishin (E1), depending on traffic. The Shin-Tomei (E1A) parallels the old Tomei between Gotemba and Seki (near Nagoya), with its superior geometry and the 120 km/h sections reducing drive time by 20–30 minutes on that segment. Tokyo to Kyoto (approximately 530 km via Tomei/Meishin) takes around 5.5 hours. Tokyo to Fukuoka (approximately 1,100 km, combining Tomei, Meishin, and Sanyo Expressways) is a full day’s drive of 10–11 hours; most drivers break this journey overnight in the Kansai region.
Northward from Tokyo, the Tohoku Expressway (E4) runs 679 kilometres to Aomori. Intermediate destinations include Sendai (approximately 350 km from Tokyo, 3 hours), Morioka (535 km, 5 hours), and Aomori (679 km, 6.5 hours). The Tohoku region is extensively served by road, and driving offers access to coastal scenery, onsen resort towns, and rural landscapes that are less easily reached by rail. Hokkaido, the northernmost main island, is accessed from Honshu via the Seikan Tunnel by rail only; for road travel, a vehicle must be transported by ferry (several operators run car ferry services between Aomori or Sendai and various Hokkaido ports including Hakodate, Tomakomai, and Muroran).
For the San’in coast (western Honshu facing the Sea of Japan), the expressway network is less fully developed than the Pacific coast, and travel times on national highways are longer. The Chugoku Expressway (E2A) provides a central route through the mountains of western Honshu. Shikoku island is connected to Honshu by three routes of the Honshu–Shikoku Bridge Expressway: the Nishiseto Expressway (E76, the ‘Shimanami Kaido’ scenic route also open to cyclists), the Seto-Chuo Expressway (E30, Great Seto Bridge), and the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway (E28/E11), all of which carry tolls. Kyushu is connected to Honshu via the Kanmon Strait tunnels and bridges near Shimonoseki/Kitakyushu, also toll-bearing.
Holiday travel in Japan is subject to extreme congestion on expressways during Golden Week (approximately 28 April to 6 May, combining multiple national holidays), Obon (typically 13–16 August, the major summer homecoming period), and the year-end/New Year period (approximately 28 December to 4 January). NEXCO publishes detailed congestion forecasts before each major holiday period, showing peak traffic days, expected queue lengths, and recommended alternative timings. Travelling one day earlier or later than the absolute peak can reduce travel times dramatically.
Seasonal Driving: Winter, Typhoons, and Earthquakes
Winter driving in Hokkaido requires specific preparation. Hokkaido receives heavy snowfall from approximately December through March, with some areas — particularly central Hokkaido, the mountains around Asahikawa and Furano, and the eastern interior — receiving several metres of snow over the season. Studded tyres were banned across Japan in 1990 due to road surface damage; the standard solution is studless winter tyres (スタッドレスタイヤ, sutaddoresu taiya), which all rental vehicles in Hokkaido are fitted with during winter months. Black ice (ブラックアイス) is a significant hazard on Hokkaido roads, particularly on bridges and in the early morning. Speed on rural Hokkaido roads in winter should be reduced well below posted limits. Expressway speed limits on the Hokkaido Expressway network are reduced to 50–70 km/h during heavy snowfall or icy conditions.
On the Japanese Alps and other mountainous areas of Honshu, winter conditions require similar precautions. Mountain pass roads in Nagano, Gifu, and Niigata prefectures are subject to closures during and after heavy snowfall, and chains or winter tyres may be required on certain roads indicated by roadside signs. The Japan Meteorological Agency (kishochō) provides detailed road condition and snowfall forecasts; the NEXCO and prefectural road authority websites publish real-time road closure and chain regulation information.
Typhoon season runs from approximately June to October, with the peak period in August and September. Typhoons (taifū) can bring extreme rainfall, strong winds, flooding, and landslides to many parts of Japan, particularly the Pacific-facing coasts of Kii Peninsula, Kyushu, Shikoku, and the Izu Peninsula. During a typhoon, expressways and national highways may be temporarily closed by prefectural police and NEXCO; these closures are broadcast via the VICS traffic information system embedded in Japanese car navigation systems and on NHK radio and television. Drivers should not attempt to drive through flooded roads or into areas under typhoon weather alerts.
Earthquake protocol: Japan is one of the world’s most seismically active countries, and the possibility of experiencing an earthquake while driving is a genuine consideration, especially in certain regions. If you feel an earthquake while driving, the recommended procedure is: gradually ease off the accelerator (do not brake suddenly); keep a firm grip on the steering wheel; carefully pull over to the left side of the road in a safe location (avoiding overpasses, tunnels, and areas susceptible to landslide or tsunami); turn off the engine; leave the keys in the vehicle (to allow emergency vehicles to move it if necessary); activate hazard lights; listen to emergency broadcasts on NHK Radio 1 (both AM and FM frequencies broadcast emergency information) or via the J-Alert national warning system on modern smartphones; and do not resume driving until local authorities confirm roads are safe. Japan’s expressways are equipped with seismic sensors that automatically broadcast alerts and can remotely control variable message signs and speed limits.
Road Safety and Emergency Procedures
Japan has one of the world’s best road safety records: annual road fatalities per 100,000 population are among the lowest globally, reflecting both the high standard of road infrastructure and strong driving discipline in Japanese culture. The country achieved fewer than 2,700 road fatalities annually as of the mid-2020s — an extraordinary figure for a nation of 125 million with one of the world’s most heavily used road networks. Pedestrian protection, intersection safety engineering, and strict DUI enforcement are key pillars of Japan’s road safety strategy.
The JAF (Japan Automobile Federation / 一般社団法人日本自動車連盟) is Japan’s principal motoring organisation, providing 24-hour nationwide breakdown and roadside assistance. JAF can be reached on 0570-00-8139 from mobile phones or 0120-00-8139 from landlines within Japan. Non-members can access JAF services but will be charged a call-out and repair fee; annual membership is available and includes reciprocal benefits for members of affiliated overseas clubs (such as AAA, AA, ADAC, RAC, NRMA). On NEXCO expressways, orange emergency call boxes are positioned at approximately 1-kilometre intervals; pressing the button connects directly to an expressway control centre that can dispatch assistance and emergency services.
Drink-driving is treated with zero tolerance in Japan. The criminal BAC threshold is 0.03% (or 0.15 mg per litre of breath under breath testing), which is lower than in most other countries. The 2002 revision of the Road Traffic Act introduced one of the world’s most severe drink-driving penalty regimes: a driver above 0.03% BAC faces up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ¥500,000; a driver above 0.05% (the ‘drunk driving’ threshold rather than merely ‘driving under the influence’) faces up to five years’ imprisonment and up to ¥700,000 in fines. Critically, Japanese law also penalises those who provide a vehicle to a drunk driver, those who encourage a drunk person to drive, and those who ride as passengers in a vehicle they know is being driven by someone over the limit — all occupants can face criminal charges. Police conduct regular roadside breath-testing operations, particularly near entertainment districts on Friday and Saturday evenings.
In the event of a traffic accident, drivers in Japan are legally required to stop, render assistance to any injured persons, ensure the safety of the scene (hazard lights, warning devices), and report the accident to both the police (110) and, if there are injuries, the ambulance service (119). Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence. For minor collisions with no injuries, drivers exchange details and contact their respective insurance companies; a police report (jiko shōmei) may be required by insurers. Third-party liability insurance (jōsha seki) is compulsory for all vehicles in Japan and is included in the standard rental car agreement.
Required equipment in a rental car in Japan typically includes a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and emergency reflective triangle or flares. On expressways, if the vehicle must be stopped for a breakdown, activating hazard lights and placing the warning triangle at least 50 metres behind the vehicle on the hard shoulder is mandatory before approaching the emergency call box or using a mobile phone to call for assistance. Drivers should stay behind the barrier rail on the hard shoulder side of the vehicle while awaiting rescue.
FAQ: Driving in Japan
Q: Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Japan?
A: Yes, in almost all cases. Japan requires a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, carried alongside your original national driving licence. Japan does not recognise the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP. IDPs from most major countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and most EU nations) are 1949-type and are valid. If you are unsure, contact your national automobile association before travelling. Note that IDPs must be obtained before arriving in Japan — they cannot be issued once you are in the country. Some nationalities may need a Japanese translation of their licence from the JAF instead; check the JAF website for country-specific guidance.
Q: Which side of the road do you drive on in Japan?
A: Japan drives on the left-hand side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle. This is the same as the United Kingdom and Australia. Drivers from right-hand traffic countries (continental Europe, North America, most of Asia) must consciously adapt, especially at junctions and when pulling out of parking spaces. Take extra time to settle in at the start of your trip, and use GPS navigation to help reinforce correct lane positions at complex junctions.
Q: What is ETC and do I need it for Japanese expressways?
A: ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) is Japan’s cashless expressway toll payment system. You don’t strictly ‘need’ it — cash payment is possible at non-ETC toll lanes — but ETC is highly recommended. It provides significant discounts (30% nighttime, 30% weekend, and other reductions), eliminates queuing at toll gates, and is the standard expectation for expressway users. Ask your rental car company about including an ETC transponder rental; they are inexpensive and the tolls are billed to your rental invoice. For extensive expressway travel, ask about the Japan Expressway Pass, which provides unlimited NEXCO access for a fixed daily fee for foreign tourists.
Q: What is the speed limit on Japanese expressways?
A: The standard limit on NEXCO national expressways is 100 km/h. Selected sections of the Shin-Tomei (E1A) and Hokuriku (E8) expressways have been upgraded to 120 km/h and are clearly posted. Metropolitan Expressway routes (Shuto-kō in Tokyo) and Hanshin Expressway routes typically have limits of 60–80 km/h, posted at each section. Always follow posted speed limit signs, as limits can change frequently on urban expressways.
Q: What is the drink-drive limit in Japan?
A: Japan’s criminal drink-drive threshold is an extremely strict 0.03% BAC (0.15 mg/L breath), compared to 0.05% in most European countries and 0.08% in the USA. In practical terms, even a small amount of alcohol is likely to push some individuals above this limit. Japanese cultural norms around drink-driving are also very strict: there is essentially zero social tolerance for driving after any alcohol consumption. The penalties — up to five years’ imprisonment for ‘drunk driving’ above 0.05% — are among the most severe in the developed world. If you have consumed any alcohol at all, do not drive.
Q: What should I do if there is an earthquake while I am driving?
A: Ease off the accelerator gradually, maintain control of the wheel, and carefully pull over to the left side of the road when it is safe to do so. Avoid overpasses, underpasses, and cliff faces. Turn off the engine and leave the key in the ignition (so the vehicle can be moved by emergency services if needed). Activate your hazard lights. Do not resume driving until authorities broadcast an all-clear. Listen to NHK Radio 1 for emergency information. On expressways, the VICS traffic information system in your navigation display will update automatically with road closure and hazard information.
Q: Do Japanese petrol stations have self-service pumps?
A: Both types exist. Self-service (serufu) stations are common in urban areas and along expressway service areas; you select the fuel type, choose your payment method (usually card or cash via the terminal), fill the tank yourself, and pay. Full-service (furu sābisu) stations are more common in rural and suburban areas; an attendant will fill the tank, check oil, and clean windows. At a full-service station, saying mantan (満タン) means ‘fill it up’, and pointing to the correct fuel type (レギュラー for regular petrol) will usually be sufficient if there is a language barrier.
Q: Is GPS navigation reliable in Japan?
A: Japanese car navigation systems (karnabu) are sophisticated and highly reliable for Japan’s complex road network. All rental cars include navigation systems, though many are primarily in Japanese. Requesting an English-language or romaji mode from the rental company may be possible. Standalone GPS devices (Garmin, TomTom with Japan maps) and smartphone apps (Google Maps, Apple Maps) work well in Japan and update in real time. Google Maps in Japan is very accurate and provides excellent public road and expressway guidance. For expressways, note that navigation apps may not automatically route through toll roads if the toll-avoidance setting is enabled; ensure toll roads are permitted if you want expressway routing.
Sources and Update Note
This guide draws on information from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF / 日本自動車連盟), NEXCO East, Central, and West Japan, the Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd., the National Police Agency of Japan (Keisatsu-chō), the Japan Meteorological Agency, and the Japanese Road Traffic Act (Dōro Kōtsū Hō). Information on IDP validity reflects current JAF guidance as of February 2026. Expressway toll rates, ETC discounts, speed limit designations (including 120 km/h sections), and pass product offerings are subject to revision; drivers should verify current information via the JAF website (jaf.or.jp), the NEXCO toll calculator, and ASFINAG’s equivalents before and during travel. Typhoon and earthquake conditions should be monitored via NHK World Radio or the Japan Meteorological Agency website during the relevant seasons.