Does Japan still drive on the left?

Yes — Japan continues to drive on the left nationwide, and that remains the rule in 2025. The system is uniform across all prefectures, including Okinawa, which returned to left-side traffic on July 30, 1978 (“730 Day”). Vehicles are typically right-hand-drive, overtaking is on the right, and most railways also run on the left.

What the rule is today

Japan is a left-hand-traffic country under its Road Traffic Act, meaning vehicles keep left and pass on the right. This applies on all public roads, from city streets to expressways. Driving conventions align with other left-driving nations: steering wheels are on the right, left turns cross fewer lanes than right turns, and roundabouts (where present) circulate clockwise with priority to vehicles already in the circle. Expressways generally carry a 100 km/h limit, with some sections permitted up to 120 km/h; on ordinary roads, the general limit is 60 km/h unless posted otherwise.

How Japan ended up driving on the left

The country’s left-side norm traces to historical practice and modernization influences. During the Edo period, samurai customs helped establish left-side passing on roads. In the Meiji era, British engineers helped build Japan’s railways to run on the left, reinforcing the pattern. The rule was formalized nationally in the early 20th century and later reaffirmed under modern postwar traffic law.

Key milestones

The following timeline highlights the main turning points that shaped Japan’s left-side driving and its nationwide consistency.

1. 1870s–1890s: Railways engineered with British influence adopt left-hand running, setting a template for road traffic.
2. Early 20th century: Left-side road traffic is codified across Japan during nationwide standardization of transport rules.
3. 1945–1978: Under U.S. administration, Okinawa drives on the right, unlike the rest of Japan.
4. July 30, 1978: Okinawa’s “730” switch returns the prefecture to left-side driving to match the national standard.
5. 1960 onward: Japan’s modern Road Traffic Act maintains left-hand traffic, which continues in force today.

Taken together, these milestones explain why left-side driving is both longstanding and firmly embedded in Japan’s legal and practical road system.

Are there any exceptions?

No regional exceptions exist today: all of Japan drives on the left. Temporary traffic diversions for construction or events may adjust lane usage, but they do not alter the fundamental rule. While a few urban rail lines operate differently for operational reasons, road traffic is consistently left-side nationwide.

Tips for visitors who plan to drive

If you intend to rent a car or ride a motorcycle in Japan, the points below summarize the most important rules and practicalities tied to left-side driving.

• Licensing: Visitors typically need a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit plus their home license. Drivers from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan may use their home license with an official Japanese translation. Minimum driving age is 18.
• Lane discipline: Keep left except when overtaking on expressways. Move back to the left after passing.
• Speed limits: Ordinary roads are generally 60 km/h unless posted; expressways are usually 100 km/h, with select stretches up to 120 km/h. Enforcement is active.
• Signals and turns: No left turn on red unless a green left arrow is lit or a sign specifically permits it. Roundabouts circulate clockwise; yield to traffic already in the circle.
• Safety rules: Seat belts are mandatory in all seats; child seats are required for children under 6. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%—penalties are severe and can extend to passengers who enable impaired driving.
• Tolls: Most expressways are tolled. ETC (electronic toll collection) is widespread; rental cars often offer ETC-enabled units.
• Parking: Illegal parking is strictly enforced, with clamping and fines. Use marked coin-parking lots or garages.
• Navigation: Addresses can be block-based; in-car GPS or phone navigation helps. Expect narrow residential streets and frequent convex mirrors at blind corners.
• Seasonal notes: Winter tires or chains are essential in snowy regions (Hokkaido, Tohoku, mountainous areas). Check advisories during typhoon season.

Observing these basics will make left-side driving in Japan straightforward, especially if you stay attentive to signage and local road etiquette.

Summary

Japan still drives on the left—uniformly and without regional exceptions. The rule is deeply rooted historically, legally entrenched, and supported by infrastructure and enforcement. Visitors should keep left, pass right, and follow local signs and safety rules; with those basics, navigating Japan’s roads is clear and consistent.