Road safety in Japan

Cheryl · 2025-07-16T06:42:29+02:00

Explore road safety tips in Japan for expats, covering traffic rules, dangers, and experiences for driving, cycling, and walking.

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator16 July 2025 04:42:29

13907

Hello everyone,

Navigating roads and experiencing traffic in Japan as an expat can be a learning experience. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats stay safe on the road in Japan, whether driving, cycling or just crossing the street.

Are traffic rules strictly respected or enforced in Japan?

Are there any unspoken rules, unexpected habits or regulations that you had to adapt to?

Are the roads safe and well-maintained?

Are there specific times of day, weather conditions, or seasons that make driving more dangerous?

If you have children, do you feel comfortable letting them travel alone on local roads, whether on foot, by bike, or motorbike?

What are your tips or advice to stay safe on the roads in Japan?

Share your insights and experience.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
禁漫天堂 Team

wyngrove60 Serial expat

Member since 08 May 2021

wyngrove60Serial expat20 July 2025 08:03:43

369

OK聽 I don't live in Japan but as I often travel there I usually rent a car from Nissan Car rental. My normal place of renting it is in Yokohama or Mishima in Shizuoka Prefecture. Most recently I rent the same model that I have here in Indonesia.

So driving in Japan is an absolute pleasure especially when driving outside of the cities. People pretty much follow the rules and the quality of the roads is excellent. I often use Google Maps or the built in GPS if I can get some help setting it up. I've driven mostly in the areas outside Tokyo and all around the Mt Fuji area and even in the snow. That includes using the ETC toll system payment.

Once I drove from Kawaguchiko to Haneda airport at night and that was perhaps the most scary for me, especially as it was during rush hour.

Once when I brought my in-laws to Japan I let my father in law drive too. He thoroughly enjoyed it and because he occasionally drives my own car he found it very easy to drive in Japan.