Basic Rules
Drive on the LEFT (like the UK/Australia/Singapore). Go clockwise at roundabouts. At a red light, you MUST stop (no turning right on red as in the US). Horns are rarely used — only in emergencies.
Drive on the left, with the steering wheel on the right. Speed limits are 50–60 km/h in town and 80–100 km/h on expressways. Speed cameras are very common.
Drive on the LEFT (like the UK/Australia/Singapore). Go clockwise at roundabouts. At a red light, you MUST stop (no turning right on red as in the US). Horns are rarely used — only in emergencies.
In town, the limit is 50–60 km/h; on expressways, 80–100 km/h (120 on some newer sections). Speed-camera violations carry severe penalties — driving 30+ km/h over the limit may result in detention. An ETC card lets you pass toll booths more quickly and saves 25–30% compared with cash.
Coin parking costs 200–600 JPY/hour. Do NOT park outside the lines — the fine is 15,000 JPY, plus towing (around 30,000 JPY in towing fees). Airport and port parking is often free for returned rental cars.
Self-service (セルフ): 3–5 JPY/liter cheaper; you pump the fuel yourself. Full-service (フルサービス): staff fill the tank, check the oil, and clean the windows for free. Regular 91 (red), Premium 95+ (yellow), Diesel (blue) — using the wrong fuel can damage the engine.
~25 JPY/km. Tokyo→Osaka ~13,000 JPY. For multi-day trips, consider buying the tourist ETC Pass: 7,500/3 days, 10,000/5, 14,000/7.
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