Driving your way through Japan

Rules of the Road in Japan:

2. Follow the speed limit shown on road signs. Where there are no signs, drive at 60km/h. On highways and expressways, drive at 100km/h unless specified.

3. Do not drink and drive. This is strictly prohibited and will result in a fine, imprisonment or penalty. Passengers knowingly allowing the driver to drive will also be fined.

4. No cell phone use while driving.

5. Wear a seatbelt.

6. Always carry your driver's license.

You can drive using a foreign license with an international Driving Permit or an official translation (depending on your country) for the 1st year, but you must get a Japanese driver's license after the 2nd year. To transfer to a Japanese License, you need to submit the required paperwork to your Prefectural Driver's center in person. An eye test, written test and driving test is required for license transfer, however, people from certain countries are exempt from the driving test.

JAF Japan Automobile Federation