🇯🇵 Driving in Japan: What to Know Before Road Trip

Driving in Japan is an experience that is both challenging and exciting, especially for tourists who want to travel freely and explore places that are inaccessible to public transport. Although Japan's traffic system is highly organized and safe, there are many details to know before leaving.

🚗 1. Driving "close to the left."

The first thing to remember is that the Japanese drive on the left, the steering wheel is on the right of the car, which is like Thailand driving on the left, so it is not difficult for Thais to be careful when turning, especially on the right to cross the traffic lane (because we turn right while the car is running, so we have to stop before the park and turn right with caution).

🪪 2. Driver's license valid in Japan.

Tourists can drive in Japan using

International Driving Permit (IDP), issued in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Conventions (Thailand is already a party)

Don't forget to bring the real Thai driver's license with you, because some car rental companies will request to check both documents.

🚦 3. Traffic rules to know.

No overdue driving - Most speed restrictions are 40-60 km / h in the city and 80-100 km / h on the expressway, but the host doesn't drive this speed, haha.

Do not drive phones unless hands-free.

Drinking and driving is absolutely prohibited. Japanese law is very strict. Even a little alcohol is considered guilty.

Pedestrians always come first, especially crosswalks. They have to stop every time.

🅿️ 4. Parking

Japan has a very organized parking system, but it can be complicated for newbies (not rare in google map, just serve parking lot in the area to go to and see the service photo in the google map example).

Accommodation with parking should be selected.

‼️, maybe there is a spender to inquire with the shelter too. ‼️

If you are parked in the city, there will be a coin-operated or raised-floor automatic parking lot. Instructions must be read carefully.

Ban on street parking without a license sign - could face fines of up to 10,000 yen ‼️

⛽ 5. Refueling

Gas stations in Japan are full service and self service.

Gasoline is usually divided into Regular (), High Octane (), and Diesel ().

The payhead will be colored by type. Be sure to check before filling up. ✅ Ask with the car rental operator when getting the car. Ask in color is the easiest. ✅

🗾 6.Expressway and Toll (ETC)

Expressways in Japan have relatively high tolls, but save a lot of travel time.

Tourists can rent a car with an ETC system (Electronic Toll Collection) to pay automatically. No need to stop paying at all checkpoints.

🌸 7. Travel Driving Tips

Use Google Maps or Navi App with English.

Prepare coins and credit cards to pay for the freeway or parking.

Drive calmly. Because the Japanese will not honk or drive the end pendant.

If you go to a province like Hokkaido or Kyushu, driving is convenient and the view is beautiful.

But actually, if people like convenience and have a budget, recommend renting a car to drive all the time

(But choose a small car. It's easy to park in the city)

🧭 Summary

Driving in Japan is a great way to experience nature, culture and places that are not on the main tourist routes. Just get ready to document, study traffic rules, and drive with care so you can enjoy traveling freely and safely throughout Japan.