Author: tocoo

You can use public transportation such as trains and buses to travel around Japan, but a rental car may be better if you have a lot of luggage, or want to visit nice sightseeing spots that can only be reached by car.

However, many people might be anxious about driving in Japan due to the unfamiliar Japanese traffic rules. Below are some of the most important rules for driving in Japan. If you know these, you can be assured! If you want to learn even more, click the Road Signs link at the bottom of this post.

1. Drive on the Left Side of the Road

In Japan, everyone drives on the left side of the road.

2. Intersections

Unlike some countries, in Japan, you can’t turn right or left if the light is red – no “right turn on red.” You can only turn on the green light.
However, you must yield to pedestrians even if the light is green.

3. Speed Limit

In Japan, the speed limit for ordinary roads is generally 60 km/h, and for expressways 100 km/h. Some roads’ speed limits may be higher or lower than the general limits listed, so please confirm the speed limit sign on the road. If you are caught speeding by the police, you will have to pay a high penalty. Respect the speed limit and drive safely.

4. Stop Signs

You must come to a complete stop for a few seconds immediately before the stop line or intersection when you see either of the signs above (they mean the same thing). Also, you must not block the intersection for crossing vehicles. 

5. Slow Down

When you see either of the above signs, you must slow down to a level where you can stop immediately. The above two signs have the same meaning.

6. No Lane Changes

Lane changes are prohibited where there is a solid yellow line on the road.

7. Bicycle Lane

The bicycle lane is for bikes only, and you cannot use this lane to pass if you are in a car.

8. Dedicated Lanes, such as Bus Lanes

This means that the designated lane is only to be used by the specified vehicle type, such as buses.

9. Priority Lanes, including Bus Priority Lanes

This sign means that you must give priority to buses (or the specified vehicle) in this lane. Other vehicles can also use this lane, but when there is a bus approaching or a bus stop nearby, you must give priority to the bus.

Click Road Signs here to learn about more road signs in Japan.

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Please see the below Japanese road sign information for foreign customers renting car in Japan. It features only the necessary signs and explains in detail the meaning of each sign. Read this in advance and start a safe and secure drive in Japan!

	＜Closed＞ Road is closed to all pedestrians, vehicles (cars, light vehicles, motorcycles, etc.), trains
	＜Closed to Vehicles＞ Road is closed to all vehicles (cars, light vehicles, motorcycles, etc.)
	＜Vehicles Prohibited＞ Vehicles (cars, light vehicles, motorcycles, etc.) cannot enter
	＜Closed to Cars Other than Motorcycles＞ Only vehicles with 2 wheels are allowed
	＜Closed to Vehicles (Combination)＞ Vehicles displayed on the sign cannot use the road (the sign here means no cars or motorcycles)
	＜Can only proceed in the marked directions＞ Cannot proceed except in the same direction as the arrows (straight or left only)
	＜Can only proceed in the marked direction＞ Cannot proceed except in the same direction as the arrow (left only)
	＜Can only proceed in the marked direction＞ Cannot proceed except in the same direction as the arrow (straight only)
	＜Can only proceed in the marked directions＞ Cannot proceed except in the same direction as the arrows (left or right only)
	＜Can only proceed in the marked directions＞ Cannot proceed except in the same direction as the arrows (straight, left, or right only)
	＜Can only proceed in the marked direction＞ Cannot proceed except in the same direction as the arrow (left only)
	＜No Vehicle Crossing＞ Crossing beyond this sign (trying to enter a shop or parking lot) is prohibited ※Turning right normally is allowed
	＜No Turning＞ No U-turns allowed
	＜No Passing＞ No overtaking other cars on the right
	＜No Parking＞ Cannot park or stop (in this sign, parking and stopping is prohibited in the time zone of 8:00-20:00)
	＜No Parking＞ No parking (in this sign, parking is prohibited in the time zone of 8:00-20:00) ※Brief stops within 5 minutes (i.e., unloading luggage, stopping to let passengers out, stopping when the driver can move the car immediately) is allowed
	＜Time-Limited Parking＞ Parking is only allowed in the specified time (in the sign here, you can park for up to 60 minutes between 8:00-20:00)
	＜Speed Limit (Maximum)＞ Vehicles must not exceed the limit indicated on the sign (here, it is 50km/hour)
	＜Speed Limit (Minimum)＞ Vehicles must not drive slower than the limit indicated (here, it is 30km/hour)
	＜Vehicles Only＞ Pedestrians, motorcycles, and light vehicles are not allowed
	＜Bicycles Only＞ Indicates that the road is bicycles-only, and cars, pedestrians, etc. cannot use the road
	＜Bicycles and Pedestrians Only＞ Only bicycles and pedestrians can use the road
	＜Pedestrians Only＞ Only pedestrians can use the road
	＜One Way＞ Cars can only drive in the indicated direction (here, it is left)
	＜One Way＞ Cars can only drive in the indicated direction (here, it is straight)
	＜Dedicated Lane＞ The designated lane is only to be used by the specified vehicle type (here, it is buses)
	＜Bicycle Lane＞ The designated lane is only to be used by the specified vehicle type (here, it is bicycles)
	＜Priority Lanes, including Bus Priority Lanes＞ This sign means that you must give priority to buses (or the specified vehicle) in this lane. Other vehicles can also use this lane, but when there is a bus approaching or a bus stop nearby, you must give priority to the bus
	＜Direction Specific Lanes＞ You must use the indicated lane for the indicated direction
	＜Direction Specific Lanes＞ You must use the indicated lane for the indicated direction (here, you can turn left or go straight)
	＜Direction Specific Lanes＞ You must use the indicated lane for the indicated direction (here, you can only turn left)
	＜Direction Specific Lanes＞ You must use the indicated lane for the indicated direction (here, you can only go straight)
	＜Clockwise Roundabout＞ You must drive in a clockwise direction at the roundabout
	＜Parallel Parking＞ Parking spaces with this sign (including time-limited parking zones) must be parked parallel to the side of the road
	＜Right-Angle Parking＞ Parking spaces with this sign (including time-limited parking zones) must be parked at a right angles to the side of the road
	＜Diagonal Parking＞ Parking spaces with this sign (including time-limited parking zones) must be parked diagonally against the side of the road
	＜Sound Horn＞ If this sign is present, you must sound a horn while driving
	＜Slow Down＞ You must slow down to a level where you can stop immediately
	＜Slow Down＞ You must slow down to a level where you can stop immediately
	＜Stop＞ You must come to a complete stop before the stop line or sign
	＜Stop＞ You must come to a complete stop before the stop line or sign
	＜Closed to Pedestrians＞ Pedestrians cannot walk past this sign
	＜No Pedestrian Crossing＞ Pedestrians cannot cross the road here
	＜＋Shaped Road with Intersection＞ Sign indicating that there is a cross-shaped road intersection ahead
	＜┣ or  ┫ Road with Intersection＞ Sign indicating that there is a ┣ or  ┫shaped road intersection ahead
	＜T-Shaped Road with Intersection＞ Sign indicating that there is a T-shaped road intersection ahead
	＜ Y-Shaped Road with Intersection＞ Sign indicating that there is a Y-shaped road intersection ahead
	＜Rotary＞ Sign indicating that there is a roundabout ahead
	＜Right (or Left) Curve Ahead＞ Sign indicating that there is a right (or left) curve in the road ahead
	＜Right (or Left) Turn Ahead＞ Sign indicating that there is a right (or left) turn in the road ahead
	＜Right (or Left) Curve Ahead＞ Sign indicating that there is a winding road with a right curve at the beginning, immediately followed by a left curve
	＜Right (or Left) Sharp Bend Ahead＞ Sign indicating that there is a winding road with a sharp right curve at the beginning, immediately followed by a sharp left curve
	＜Right (or Left) Curves Ahead＞ Sign indicating that there is a winding road with a that starts to the right and continues several times
	＜Railroad Crossing＞ Sign indicating a railroad crossing ahead
	＜Train Crossing＞ Sign indicating a train crossing ahead
	＜Preschool, Kindergarten, School Ahead＞ Sign indicating that there is a school, kindergarten, or nursery ahead
	＜Stoplight Ahead＞ Sign indicating that there is a stoplight ahead
	＜Slippery Road＞ Sign indicating that the road surface ahead is slippery (slippery) due to sand, rain, freezing, etc.
	＜Falling Rocks＞ Sign indicating that there is a risk of falling rocks from mountain or cliff ahead
	＜Uneven Road＞ Sign indicating that the road ahead is bumpy and uneven
	＜Merge Ahead＞ Sign indicating that lanes merge ahead
	＜Lane Decrease＞ Sign indicating that the number of lanes will decrease ahead
	＜Narrow Lane＞ Sign indicating that the road is narrowing ahead
	＜Two-Way Traffic＞ Sign indicating that the current road is a two-way street without a center line or median
	＜Steep Slope＞ Sign indicating that there is a steep uphill slope ahead (the sign number indicates the degree of the slope)
	＜Steep Slope＞ Sign indicating that there is a steep downhill slope ahead (the sign number indicates the degree of the slope)
	＜Road Work＞ Sign indicating that the road ahead is under construction
	＜Crosswinds＞ Sign indicating caution regarding crosswinds ahead
	＜Animals on Road＞ Signs indicating that animals may jump out on the road (other than deer, there are monkeys, foxes, bears, etc.)
	＜Other Danger＞ Sign indicating that there is danger ahead
	＜Track Driving Allowed＞ Sign indicating that cars can drive on the train tracks (if specified as an auxiliary sign, only the designated car is allowed)
	＜Parking Allowed＞ Sign indicating that parking and stopping are allowed
	＜Stopping allowed＞ Sign indicating that stopping is allowed
	＜Priority Road＞ Sign indicating that the specified road is a priority road
	＜Center Line＞ Sign indicating that the position directly below the sign is the center line of the road
	＜Stop Line＞ Sign indicating the stop line for vehicle stops
	＜Pedestrian Crossing＞ Sign indicating that there is a pedestrian crossing here
	＜Pedestrian Crossing＞ Sign indicating that there is a pedestrian crossing here
	＜Safe Area＞ Sign indicating that there is a safety zone here for people who get on and off trains or for pedestrians crossing the road (vehicles cannot enter)
	＜Regulation Notice＞ Sign notifying the traffic regulation displayed is being enforced ahead (the left image is telling that the road is closed 100 meters ahead)
	＜Regulation Notice＞ Sign showing that the traffic regulation shown on the previous sign is being enforced (the left image shows that the road ahead is closed and a detour is required)
	＜Service Area & Roadside Station Distance＞ Sign indicating the distance to the service area or roadside station

 

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ToCoo! Snow Tire Plan now available! Reservations are available from the URL below.
Snow Tire Plan 2019

※Snow tires cannot be added as an option, and cannot be added to a reservation. Please make a reservation from the Snow Tire Plan. From November to April in Hokkaido and December to March in the Tohoku area, all cars reserved in heavy snow zones will have snow tires as standard equipment, so all available plans already have snow tires.

Winter Driving in Japan
１. Snowy areas and seasons
２. What are snow tires?
３. Driving on snowy roads
４. ToCoo! Snow Tire Plan

１. Snowy areas and seasons
Japan is long in the north and south, so depending on the region, the climate can be very different.
When you rent a car, you need to pay attention to the places and times you want to visit and reserve snow tires as necessary.

※All rental cars in areas with heavy snow consistently every year have snow tires equipped as standard, even without the snow tire plan.

■ Heavy snow zone (area where snow is heavy during the winter, snow tires are standard equipment)
Snowfall estimate: November – April (Hokkaido), December – March (other than Hokkaido)
■ Moderate snow zone (snow falls several times during winter; snow tires may be necessary)
Snowfall estimate: December – March
■ Snow zone (possibility of snowfall once or twice a year; snow tires may be necessary)
Snowfall estimate: December – March
■ No-snow zone (area where snow does not fall)
※Even in areas where it does snow much, there is a high possibility of snowfall in mountain areas where the altitude is high.

２. What are snow tires?

A snow tire is a type of tire that can drive without slipping on snowy roads. Since the groove of the tire is deep and the rubber is soft, it is possible to drive even on a frozen road. But don’t let your guard down! It’s like driving on ice, so you need to always be cautious of sliding.

３. Driving on snowy roads

Warning ①　Don’t speed
Warning ②　Accelerate slowly and calmy
Warning ③　Be careful of sliding on curves
Warning ④　Put more distance than usual between you and other cars
Warning ⑤　Only change lanes if you need to
Warning ⑥　Even if you don’t see snow, be cautious of frozen roads (black ice)

Even if snow is not piled up on the road, it reflects light.
It seems like there is no snow at first glance and it seems to be dry, but this is because the road is frozen.
Be careful because you may slide more than on snow. Slow down for curves.
To stop, you need to use the brakes considerably earlier than usual.

４. ToCoo! Snow Tire Plan 2019

Now available! Please check the link below for details and to make your reservation.

Snow Tire Plan 2019

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ToCoo! offers a variety of unique plans designed to suit customers’ needs. However, it may be difficult to determine which of the many plans is best for you. Here, we will introduce the plans to help meet your needs.

1. If you will use a lot of expressways
2. If you prioritize safe and secure insurance coverage
3. If you want to save on hotel accommodation
4. If you want to shorten the procedure time at the rental car outlet
5. If you are concerned about driving on snowy roads
6. If you want to rent an ETC card and pocket WiFi

1. ToCoo! Expressway Pass Plan for those who will use a lot of expressways

It is a super-value plan that gives you unlimited access to expressways within the rental period. All expressways can be used within the specified range, and there is no additional charge for expressways used during the rental period.  Using the expressway pass is very easy. To use, simply insert the ToCoo! ETC card into the on-board ETC card reader device installed in the rental car. You can drive smoothly without having to stop and pay at each ETC gate.

 

ToCoo! original unlimited flat-rate expressway pass plans
■ ToCoo! Expressway Pass (TEP) Plan
Unlimited expressway pass that covers all of Japan’s expressways
■ ToCoo! Expressway Pass (TEP) Hokkaido Plan
Unlimited expressway pass that covers all of Hokkaido’s expressways
■ ToCoo! Expressway Pass (TEP) Kyushu Plan
Unlimited expressway pass that covers all of Kyushu’s expressways

*ToCoo! Expressway Pass Advantages
① Customizable usage period, from 1-20 days
② Wide coverage. ToCoo! Expressway Pass (TEP) Kyushu covers all of Kyushu’s expressways, but similar products do not offer the same range.

If you book with ToCoo!, the below rental car company expressway passes are also available.
Hokkaido Expressway Pass Plan　
Expressway pass for Hokkaido
Kyushu Expressway Pass Plan　
Expressway pass for Kyushu (some roads are not covered)
Tohoku Expressway Pass Plan　
Expressway pass for Tohoku (some roads are not covered)

2. If you prioritize safe and secure insurance coverage

① Full Coverage Plan

If you book the Full Coverage Plan, you can rest assured that in the event of an accident, you will be exempt from paying the following required amounts. NOC: 20,000-50,000 yen Vehicle compensation: 50,000-100,000 yen Property damage compensation: 50,000 yen *In addition, towing fees (up to 100,000 yen) will be covered. If you book the Full Coverage Plan, the cost of an accident will be 0 yen. What is NOC? NOC is an abbreviation for non-operation charge. If the car needs to be repaired or cleaned due to breakdown, odor, etc., this is the amount charged to the customer as compensation to the rental car company for lost sales during that period. What is the compensation amount? This is the amount the customer must pay in case of an accident.

 

■Full Coverage Plan
This plan is available throughout Japan.
*Some areas may not be available depending on the rental car company.
■Budget Special (Full Coverage Plan)
This plan is exclusive to Budget Rent a Car. It is currently available for reservations in Kyushu, Sendai, and Hokkaido.

② Plan with travel insurance

This plan comes with travel insurance for foreign visitors to Japan (including all rental car passengers) and a convenient map code information service. We will compensate your medical costs if you are sick or injured while traveling. In addition to financial compensation, you can receive services such as Japanese language translation support.

 

■ToCoo! Japan Traveler Support Plan
In addition to travel insurance, this plan includes map code information service, telephone translator support service, and services that provide specified hospitals where payment for treatment is not required.

3. Recommended for those who want to save on hotel accommodation

If you make a reservation with the Free Overnight Hotel Stay Plan, the hotel fee for 1 room for 2 people for 1 night will be free.
*Hotels can be selected from the hotel list provided by ToCoo!

■Free Overnight Hotel Stay Plan
This plan is only available from Nissan Rent a Car. In order to use this plan, you must use the rental car for at least 4 days.
Hotel List

4. Recommended for those who want to reduce check-in and waiting time at the rental car outlet

During busy periods, check-in and waiting times at car rental outlets tend to be long. You may have to wait from 30 minutes to more than 1 hour. If you make a reservation with the Smart Pass Plan, you can check in online in advance, so you can greatly reduce the time required at the outlet.

■Smart Pass Plan
If you book with this plan and complete the online check-in procedure 4 days before the reserved date, you can depart immediately after a simple procedure at the special ToCoo！-only counter on the rental car start date.

5. Snow Tire Plan for those concerned about winter driving

A lot of snow falls in Japan in winter. Snow tires are standard equipment in winter where there is always a lot of snow like Hokkaido and Tohoku. Since it can still snow in the Kanto region and others, we recommend booking the Snow Tire Plan in the winter.

 

■Snow Tire Plan
This plan includes snow tires where snow tires are not standard equipment, such as the Kanto and Kyushu regions. Snow tires can only be booked from the snow tire plan and are likely to be sold out, so we recommend booking early. The Snow Tire Plan will usually be available around September.

6. Recommended for those who want to rent an ETC card and pocket WiFi router

There is a plan available exclusively from ToCoo! which includes free ETC card and pocket WiFi rental together with the rental car.

■Driving Package Plan (Free Internet + ETC card rental)
This plan includes free ETC card and pocket WiFi router rental.
*Actual used toll fees will be charged after the ETC card is returned to us.
*Pocket WiFi data usage is free.
■ToCoo! ETC Card Plan
This plan includes free ETC card rental.
*Actual used toll fees will be charged after the ETC card is returned to us.
■ ToCoo! Free Internet Plan
*Pocket WiFi data usage is free.

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Are you trying to figure out what car class would be best for your trip? Use the examples and photos below for your reference! The numbers listed below are maximum, but of course, if you have fewer passengers, you would be able to fit more luggage, even using the extra seats. Finally, please note that since ToCoo! only offers car class reservations, it is not possible to reserve a specific car model.

Important Notes
※Remember to count 1.5 seats for your child seat if you will be traveling with children. For details, please check the Child Seat page.
※A valid International Driving Permit is required to drive any car in Japan. For details, please check the International License page.

Car Class	Max. Passengers	Max. Luggage
660cc	4	2～3
Compact	5	2～3
Standard	5	2～3
Station Wagon	5	3～4
SUV	5	3～4
Minivan	8	3～4
Others	2～9	2～4

660cc

Recommended for those traveling on a budget. Because it is a small car, this car class is very fuel efficient. However, it may feel a little cramped for some.

Nissan Dayz

Photo Gallery

Compact

The compact class is a bit larger than the 660 cc class, but it will still probably feel cramped if you have 5 passengers.

Nissan March

Photo Gallery

Nissan Note

Photo Gallery

Nissan Cube

Photo Gallery

Standard

Recommended for both business and leisure. Since the interior is more spacious than the compact, it is considered to be a comfortable class.

Nissan Latio

Photo Gallery

Station Wagon

In general, the station wagon class has a large trunk, so it’s recommended for those with a lot of luggage.

Nissan Wingroad

Photo Gallery

SUV

The SUV class is especially recommended for outdoor activities, like camping, skiing, and surfing. Some SUV models also offer 4WD, so it’s especially good for these types of activities.

Nissan X-Trail

Photo Gallery

Minivan

Recommended for large groups or travelers traveling with lots of luggage. If there are 6 passengers, the minivan will typically fit about 6 pieces of luggage. Please note that when all 8 seats are being used, the luggage space will be quite small.

Nissan Elgrand

Photo Gallery

Nissan Serena

Photo Gallery

Luxury/Sports Car

Luxury and sports car rentals tend to have spacious interiors, and usually, the trunk space is larger than regular car classes as well. There are also some two-seater sports cars which are great for enjoying the drive itself, but not much luggage can fit in a sports car.

Van

Recommended for large groups or people with lots of luggage. However, please note that snow tires cannot be installed on the Hiace models. Also, 10-seater vans (including the driver) require a special International Driving Permit. Please check the International Driving Permit page for details. This type of car has very small luggage space when all the seats are in use, so we recommend to book 2 cars (i.e., 2 minivans) if you have a lot of people and a lot of luggage.

Suitcase Sizing:

	Height	Width	Depth	Unit
White Suitcase (Large)	72	50	30	cm
Gray Suitcase (Large)	71	50	28	cm
Silver Suitcase (Medium)	68	45	26	cm
Silver Suitcase (Small)	55	40	20	cm
Blue Suitcase (Small)	55	40	20	cm

※The above images were taken in June 2019. Please note that the trunk space may vary by make, model, and year.

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