Driving in Japan: Essential Guide for International Travellers

Exploring Japan by car gives you the freedom to discover mountains, hot springs, and rural villages at your own pace. However, driving here can be very different from your home country—especially in winter. This guide provides essential information to help all international travellers prepare for a safe and enjoyable journey in Hakuba and beyond.

1. Licences and Documents

Check Requirements: Regulations differ depending on your nationality. Always confirm the exact requirements before travelling.

International Driving Permit (IDP): Most visitors need to carry a valid driver’s licence from their home country plus an IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. Please arrange this before travelling, as it cannot be issued in Japan.

Passport: You must carry your passport together with your licence at all times while driving.

2. Basic Driving Rules

  • Left-Hand Traffic: Japan drives on the left. The driver sits on the right side of the car.
  • Speed Limits: Generally 40 km/h in towns, 50–60 km/h on rural roads, and 80–100 km/h on expressways.
  • Stop Signs: Look for the inverted red triangle sign that says "止まれ" (STOP). You must come to a complete stop.
  • No Turn on Red: Unlike in some countries, you cannot turn left on a red light unless specifically indicated by a green arrow signal.
  • Zero Alcohol Tolerance: The legal alcohol limit is 0.00%. Strictly NO drinking and driving.

3. Petrol Stations (Fuel Types)

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Know Your Fuel Colors
Misfuelling can damage the engine. In Japan, fuel nozzles are color-coded:

  • 🔴 Red Nozzle = Regular Gasoline (Most rental cars use this)
  • 🟡 Yellow Nozzle = High Octane (Premium)
  • 🟢 Green Nozzle = Diesel (Do NOT put this in a gasoline car! Note: In some countries, green is for unleaded, but in Japan, it is Diesel.)

4. Expressways & ETC

Japanese expressways utilize a toll system. When entering or exiting, you will see different lanes:

  • "ETC" (Purple Sign): Only for cars equipped with an ETC card. Do not enter unless you have a card inserted.
  • "General" / 一般 (Green Sign): For cash or credit card payments. Take a ticket at the entrance and pay at the exit.

5. Winter Driving in Hakuba

Driving in Nagano during winter (December to March) requires special care.

  • Snow Tires: All our vehicles come with studless winter tires. Chains are also available upon request.
  • Icy Roads: Roads may be frozen (black ice) even if they look wet. Avoid sudden braking and acceleration.
  • Wipers: When parking overnight, lift your windshield wipers off the glass to prevent them from freezing to the windshield.

6. In Case of Accident

If you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor (even a scratch), you must follow these steps to be covered by insurance:

  1. Safety first: Move to a safe area and help anyone injured (Call 119 for ambulance).
  2. Call the Police (110): You MUST get a police report. Without it, insurance will not cover the damage.
  3. Contact Hakuba Rent a Car immediately.

We want your trip to be safe and memorable. If you have any questions about driving rules or routes, please feel free to ask our staff when you pick up your car.

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