DESTINATIONS japan tokyo car-travel-123

TRAVEL TIPS

Car Travel

You need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in Japan. IDPs are available from the American Automobile Association. These international permits, valid only in conjunction with your regular driver's license, are universally recognized; having one may save you a problem with local authorities. Drivers must be 18 years of age. Driving is on the left, and bear in mind that this adjustment may be difficult for some drivers.

Major roads in Japan are sufficiently marked in English, and on country roads there's usually someone to ask for help. However, it's a good idea to have a detailed map with town names written in kanji (Japanese characters) and romaji (romanized Japanese).

Car travel along the Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima corridor and in other built-up areas of Japan is not as convenient as the trains. Roads are congested, gas is expensive, and highway tolls are exorbitant (tolls between Tokyo and Kyoto amount to ¥10,550). In major cities, with the exception of main arteries, English signs are few and far between, one-way streets often lead you off the track, and parking is often hard to find.

Car-rental rates in Tokyo begin at around ¥5,500 a day and ¥37,800 a week, including tax, for an economy car with unlimited mileage.

Local Agencies

Nippon Rent-A-Car. 03/6859–6234; www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english.

Nissan Rent A Car. nissan-rentacar.com/english.

Toyota Rent a Car. 03/5954–8020; 0800/7000–815; rent.toyota.co.jp/eng/.

Gasoline

Gas stations are plentiful along Japan's toll roads, and prices are fairly uniform across the country. Prices are high—roughly ¥150 per liter. Credit cards are accepted everywhere and are even encouraged—there are discounts for them at some places. Self-service stations have recently become legal, so if you pump your own gas you may get a small discount. Often you pay after putting in the gas, but there are also machines where you put money in first and then use the receipt to get change back. Staff will offer to take away trash and clean car windows. Tipping is not customary.

Parking

There is little on-street parking in Japan. Parking is usually in staffed parking lots or in parking towers within buildings. Expect to pay upward of ¥300 per hour. Parking regulations are strictly enforced, and illegally parked vehicles are towed away. Recovery fees start at ¥30,000 and increase hourly.

Road Conditions

Roads in Japan are often narrower than those in the United States, but they're well maintained in general. Driving in cities can be troublesome, as there are many narrow, one-way streets and little in the way of English road signs except on major arteries. Japanese drivers stick to the speed limit, but widely ignore bans on mobile phone use and dashboard televisions.

Roadside Emergencies

Emergency telephones along highways can be used to contact the authorities. Car-rental agencies generally provide roadside assistance services. Mobile phones are now so widespread that local drivers can call for help from the middle of nowhere.

Emergency Services

Police. 110.

Rules of the Road

In Japan driving is on the left. Speed limits vary, but generally the limit is 100 kph (60 mph) on motorways, 40 kph (25 mph) in cities. Penalties for speeding are severe. By law, car seats must be installed if the driver is traveling with a child under six, while the driver and all passengers in cars must wear seat belts at all times. Driving while using handheld phones is illegal.

Many smaller streets lack sidewalks, so cars, bicycles, and pedestrians share the same space. Fortunately, considering the narrowness of the streets and the volume of traffic, most Japanese drivers are technically skilled. However, they may not allow quite as much distance between cars as you're used to. Be prepared for sudden lane changes by other drivers. When waiting at intersections after dark, many drivers, as a courtesy to other drivers, turn off their main headlights to prevent glare. Since 2006 there has been a nationwide crackdown on drunk driving, following a spate of horrific, headline-grabbing accidents, so it's wisest to avoid alcohol entirely if you plan to drive.

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