Driving in Japan: Essential Tips

Key Differences from Other Countries

• Drive on the left — takes adjustment especially at junctions
• Turn signals on the RIGHT side of the column (wipers on left) — you’ll accidentally use wipers when indicating for the first week
• Narrow roads — especially in old towns and rural areas, many roads barely wider than one car
• Parking — often in multi-story mechanical lift systems. Follow instructions carefully.

Navigation

All rental cars have GPS navigation — request English navigation when booking. In-car GPS is more reliable than Google Maps for rural addresses in Japan.

Expressways

Japan’s toll expressways are excellent. Your rental car’s ETC card handles tolls automatically in ETC lanes. Keep the card at all times. Tolls add up: Tokyo–Osaka expressway ~¥8,000–10,000.

Gas Stations

Many are full-service. Ask for “manten” (full tank) and “regular” (レギュラー). Most accept cash and credit cards.

Parking

City parking: ¥300–600/hour. Coin parking lots ubiquitous — pay machines accept coins and usually cards. Some hotels offer parking (charged separately).