How to Drive in Japan

A Guide for American Tourists

Planning to rent a car and explore Japan? From Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to Hokkaido’s snowy coasts, Kyoto’s temple-lined alleys to the epic passes of the Japanese Alps, Japan is a driver’s dream—but also a maze of left-side roads, kanji signs, strict police, and tricky petrol stations.

Declan Murphy, a seasoned Irish traveler who’s lived and driven in Japan, delivers the practical, all-in-one guide every American tourist needs to hit the road with confidence.

Easy to read, yet packed with hands-on tips:

• Get your International Driving Permit before you leave

• Rent without hidden fees and inspect your car like a pro

• Decode essential road signs and signals

• Fill up at self-service petrol stations, step by step

• Master intersections, urban grids, rural lanes, and mountain passes

• Avoid fines, handle tolls, and stay safe in breakdowns

• Discover five unforgettable scenic drives from coast to Alps

From preparing in the U.S. to navigating tolls, crosswalks, and police stops, this is the only guide you need—drive Japan safely, legally, and with pure enjoyment.

Grab it now and turn nerves into tanoshii dorabingu—real driving freedom!