Page 386 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

384  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Traveling around by Car

Japan is an enjoyable and relatively safe country in which to
take to the road. In the countryside, renting a car is usually the
best and most flexible way to get around, though car-rental
companies tend not to be used to dealing with customers in
English. It is surprisingly inexpensive to rent a vehicle;
however, the cost of road tolls and parking charges can
quickly mount up. Road surfaces are usually good, and rental
cars are very well maintained. Driving is on the left. The main
problem foreign drivers in Japan will face is navigation. It can Road sign at a crossing in Kyoto, with some
be difficult trying to find one’s way around Japan’s towns and romaji transliteration
cities, which often have networks of one-way streets. Only
main thoroughfares have names, and although rented cars front and rear should be
are usually equipped with sat-nav systems, these are in observed carefully when
Japanese. Very heavy traffic is a common feature of Japan’s approaching traffic lights.
major cities. Other problems include hazards such as roads Street signs are easier to
decipher in cities, but the
blocked by snow in winter, flooding during the rainy season, pressure of traffic and the
and occasional landslides. network of roads, which
may include several one
on top of another, can be
daunting for even the most
experienced driver from
abroad. A wide berth should
be given to dump trucks,
whose drivers are paid by the
load and are therefore under
pressure to drive fast. Although
they are less of a problem
now than they used to be,
watch out for large gangs of
notorious boso-zoku (“crazy
drivers”), who often gather
on weekends in con voys of
customized cars and motor-
cycles, with the sole intention
of waking up neigh borhoods
Quiet road in the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido and causing trouble.
For visitors who wish to
Drivers’ Licenses Driving in Japan acquaint themselves with
Vehicles are available for Japanese drive on the left- driving conditions in Japan, the
rental at ports of entry, major hand side of the road. On local Japan Automobile Federation
train stations, and local dealers. roads, the maximum speed publishes “Rules of the Road”
Visitors must produce an allowed on unmarked roads in five langu ages. This can be
international driver’s license is usually 37 mph (60 kph), purchased for ¥1,000 from its
(International Driving Permit) although it may be less, from regional offices, which are listed
at the car-rental agency. 18–31 mph (30–50 kph). On on its website. It is unlikely
Unfortunately, Japan does expressways, maximum speeds that English speakers will be
not recognize international vary between 50–62 mph available at most JAF offices.
driving permits from (80–100 kph). Drivers may not
Switzerland, Germany, and turn left on a red light in Japan, Roads and Tolls
Taiwan. However, drivers are as is allowed in some other
instead allowed to drive in countries. Japan has an extensive system
Japan for up to one year with Drivers don’t always drive of expressways, but they
an official Japanese translation sensibly, and although there are invariably charge tolls. The rate
of their license; available from some drivers who adhere to the for a standard size car is typically
the Japan Automobile laws, most tailgate, speed, and about ¥24.6/kilo meter, so the
Federation or their country’s have a habit of driving over 202-miles (325-km) journey
embassy or consulate in Japan. inter sections after a light has from Tokyo to Nagoya on the
A valid passport must be turned red. It is not a good idea expressway would cost ¥7,100
carried at all times. to follow suit. Vehicles to the in tolls for a standard size car.

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