Essential Traffic Rules and Tips for Renting a Car in Japan

Renting a car in Japan opens great travel flexibility, especially outside major cities. To enjoy a safe and legal trip, know local traffic rules, driving etiquette, and rental requirements before you get behind the wheel.

• Driver license requirements
  Bring your valid international driving permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention or an official translation if required. Check with your rental company which documents they accept.
• Drive on the left
  Japan drives on the left. Practice lane keeping and roundabout entry. Pay attention when exiting parking lots and turning at intersections.
• Speed limits
  Typical limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on expressways. Observe posted signs and adjust for weather.
• Seat belts and child seats
  Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers. Bring or rent approved child seats for young children.
• No drinking and driving
  Japan has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Penalties are strict for drivers and sometimes for passengers who encourage risk.
• Use of mobile phones
  Holding a phone while driving is prohibited. Use hands free if needed and pull over safely to use navigation.
• Parking rules
  Illegal parking can result in fines and towing. Use designated lots, pay attention to street signs, and note parking payment methods.
• Toll roads and ETC
  Many expressways are tolled. Consider renting an ETC card from the agency for faster electronic payment.
• Insurance and excess
  Confirm included insurance, collision damage waiver, and excess amounts. Consider adding supplemental coverage for peace of mind.
• Road signs and markings
  Basic signs follow international shapes but might use Japanese text. Learn common symbols like stop, yield, and no entry.
• Emergency procedures
  In case of accident, ensure safety, call 110 for police or 119 for ambulance/fire, and notify the rental company immediately.
• Practical driving tips
  Plan routes in advance, allow extra time for mountain roads, keep cash or card for services, and respect local etiquette such as polite signaling and careful merging.

With preparation and respect for local laws, driving in Japan can be a rewarding way to discover regional attractions. Confirm rental details before departure and drive responsibly.

Top 5 Scenic Drives in Hokkaido for Your Next Road Trip

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a paradise for road trip enthusiasts. With its vast open roads, breathtaking natural landscapes, and relatively light traffic compared to the rest of Japan, renting a car here offers an unparalleled sense of freedom. Whether you are chasing the vibrant colors of autumn leaves, the pristine white snowscapes of winter, or the blooming flower fields of summer, a road trip in Hokkaido is an unforgettable experience. Here are the top five scenic drives you must explore on your next visit.

1. The Patchwork Road in Biei

Located in the heart of Hokkaido, the town of Biei is famous for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. The Patchwork Road is not a single highway but a network of scenic country roads that wind through agricultural fields. During the summer months, these fields bloom with a variety of crops, creating a colorful patchwork quilt effect. Driving along this route, you will encounter famous landmarks such as the Ken and Mary Tree and the Seven Stars Tree. The gentle curves of the road and the expansive skies make this a truly relaxing and visually stunning drive.

2. The Shiretoko Pass

For those seeking a more rugged and wild experience, the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the perfect destination. The Shiretoko Pass connects the towns of Utoro and Rausu, winding through dense forests and offering spectacular views of Mount Rausu. As you drive, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including Ezo red foxes and deer. At the peak of the pass, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Sea of Okhotsk and, on clear days, even spot the Kunashiri Island. Note that this road is closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall.

3. The Shakotan Peninsula Blue Coast

If coastal drives are more your style, the Shakotan Peninsula offers some of the most dramatic ocean views in Hokkaido. The route takes you along winding coastal roads with steep cliffs dropping into the crystal-clear waters known as "Shakotan Blue." Stop at Cape Kamui, where a short hike from the parking area rewards you with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the ocean. The drive is particularly beautiful in early summer when the sea is calm and the local sea urchin (uni) is in season, making it a perfect culinary road trip as well.

4. The Roller Coaster Road in Furano

Just a short drive from Biei is Furano, another region renowned for its scenic beauty. The Roller Coaster Road is a 2.5-kilometer straight stretch of road characterized by steep inclines and declines, giving drivers the thrilling sensation of being on a roller coaster. Surrounded by vast fields and with the Tokachi Mountain Range in the background, this drive is as scenic as it is fun. It is a fantastic spot for photography, capturing the essence of Hokkaido's vast agricultural landscape.

5. Lake Toya and Mount Yotei Circuit

This route offers a classic Hokkaido experience, combining a serene caldera lake with a majestic volcano. Start your drive around Lake Toya, enjoying the tranquil waters and the central Nakajima Island. From there, head towards Niseko, with the impressive Mount Yotei, often referred to as the "Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido," dominating the skyline. The roads here are wide and well-maintained, passing through charming farming villages and offering numerous spots to pull over and take in the magnificent views.

Tips for Driving in Hokkaido

When planning your road trip, remember that distances in Hokkaido are much larger than in the rest of Japan, so plan your itinerary with plenty of driving time. If you are visiting in winter, ensure your rental car is equipped with snow tires and four-wheel drive, and always check weather conditions before setting out. Renting a car in Hokkaido is straightforward, and most rental agencies offer GPS systems in multiple languages to help you navigate with ease. Enjoy the open road and the incredible beauty of Hokkaido!

Before You Go: Licenses, Insurance, and Booking

Driving in Japan is one of the best ways to unlock remote temples, coastal roads, and mountain passes that trains can’t reach. First things first: make sure you’re legally allowed to drive. Visitors from countries that are party to the 1949 Geneva Convention need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country plus your valid national license. Citizens of a few countries (e.g., Switzerland, Germany, France) need an official Japanese translation of their license instead. Check your country’s rules well in advance.

Book with a reputable rental company—Nippon Rent-A-Car, Toyota Rent a Car, Times Car Rental, or major international brands—and compare coverage. Basic insurance is usually included, but Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and additional liability coverage reduce your out-of-pocket risk. Consider roadside assistance and full-coverage options for peace of mind.

What to Bring and How to Pick a Car

Bring your passport, national driver’s license, IDP (or translation), and a credit card in the driver’s name. Most rental cars are automatic; manual cars are rare. Choose a compact car for narrow streets and cheaper parking, or an SUV if you plan mountain travel or winter routes. Request ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card rental if you want a faster, cashless way to pay expressway tolls.

Essential Rules of the Road

• Drive on the left. The driver sits on the right side.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers; child seats are required for young children.
• Alcohol limits are effectively zero—don’t drink before driving.
• Speed limits: typically 100 km/h on expressways, 50–60 km/h on major roads, and 30 km/h in residential areas unless signed otherwise.
• Use indicators and follow road signage; many signs have English and pictograms, but expect some only in Japanese in rural areas.
• Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited unless hands-free.

Tolls, Parking, and Fuel

Japan’s expressways are tolled. Using an ETC card speeds the process and offers the convenience of automatic billing. If you don’t rent an ETC card, collect a ticket at the entry gate and pay in cash or card at the exit. Parking can be paid by coin parking meters, pay booths, or parking apps. Expect higher parking fees in city centers; look for “P” signs and hourly rates.

Fuel stations are common in rural and urban areas, but many close early in smaller towns. Most cars use regular unleaded. Pay attention to diesel vs. gas markings and refill before entering long mountain stretches.

Practical Driving Tips

• GPS and navigation: Many rentals include GPS with English settings; bring a Japanese SIM or portable Wi-Fi for Google Maps or navigation apps to complement it.
• Rest stops: Service Areas (SA) and Parking Areas (PA) on expressways are clean, with restaurants, souvenir shops, and restrooms—excellent for long drives.
• Drive defensively in rural areas where roads are narrow and visibility around curves is limited.
• In winter, check for snow tires or chains when driving in Hokkaido or the Japanese Alps.
• Keep a physical map or offline map—cell coverage can be spotty in remote regions.

Top Scenic Routes to Consider

• Hokkaido: Sapporo to Furano and Biei for rolling hills and flower fields; the eastern Shiretoko Peninsula for wildlife and dramatic coastlines.
• Tohoku: Oirase Stream and Lake Towada offer spectacular autumn colors; the coastal Sanriku drive has rugged cliffs and seafood towns.
• Chubu & Hokuriku: Takayama to Shirakawa-go (UNESCO village) and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route for mountain landscapes.
• Kansai & Kii Peninsula: Osaka to Koyasan and around the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails for spiritual sites and coastal scenery.
• Shimanami Kaido: A scenic island-hopping route across bridges between Honshu and Shikoku—great views and beaches.
• Kyushu: Drive from Beppu to Mount Aso for geothermal wonders and volcanic landscapes; coastal routes in southern Kyushu are serene and uncrowded.
• Okinawa: Rent a car for pristine beaches, local culture, and easy island exploration.

Final Checklist

• Carry IDP or translated license and passport at all times.
• Confirm insurance coverage and understand excess fees.
• Rent an ETC card if you’ll use expressways frequently.
• Plan routes with rest stops and fuel availability in mind.
• Respect local traffic laws and drive courteously—Japanese roads reward patience.

With modest preparation and a spirit of adventure, renting a car in Japan opens up unforgettable landscapes, hidden onsens, and off-the-beaten-path towns. Enjoy the ride—safely and respectfully.