Is Japan Left-Hand Drive?

No. Japan is a left-hand traffic country, meaning vehicles drive on the left side of the road and most cars are right-hand drive (steering wheel on the right). While left-hand-drive cars exist—mainly as imports—they are a small minority and not the standard. Understanding the distinction between “left-hand drive” (steering wheel position) and “left-hand traffic” (which side of the road you drive on) helps clarify how Japan’s roads work.

Left-Hand Drive vs. Left-Hand Traffic: What’s the Difference?

“Left-hand drive” (LHD) refers to vehicles with the steering wheel on the left, typically used in countries where traffic keeps to the right. “Left-hand traffic” (LHT) means cars travel on the left side of the road; in those countries, most vehicles are “right-hand drive” (RHD), with the steering wheel on the right. Japan is LHT with predominantly RHD vehicles.

Japan Drives on the Left

Across all prefectures, including Okinawa, motorists in Japan drive on the left side of the road. This has been the nationwide standard for decades; Okinawa, which briefly drove on the right under U.S. administration, switched to the left on July 30, 1978—a well-known event called “730.”

Most Cars in Japan Are Right-Hand Drive

Domestic models and the vast majority of cars on Japanese roads are right-hand drive. Left-hand-drive vehicles are legal and seen occasionally—often high-end European or American imports—but they are relatively rare. Everyday infrastructure such as toll booths, parking ticket machines, and drive-through windows is positioned for right-hand-drive vehicles, making RHD more convenient in Japan.

Practical Implications for Visitors and Drivers

If you plan to drive in Japan, several rules and norms differ from right-side-driving countries. The following points cover essentials, from licensing to road behavior.

• Licensing and documents: Japan accepts International Driving Permits (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Some countries (e.g., Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan) can drive with their national license plus an official Japanese translation for up to one year.
• Car rentals: Most rentals are right-hand drive with automatic transmission. Navigation systems typically support English; confirm in advance if needed.
• Toll roads and ETC: Expressways are tolled. The Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system uses dedicated lanes, often more convenient with right-hand-drive cars. Non-ETC lanes accept cash or cards at staffed booths.
• Speed limits: Typical limits are 40 km/h in urban areas, 60 km/h on most non-expressway roads, and 100–120 km/h on selected expressway sections depending on signage.
• Alcohol and safety: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%, and enforcement is strict. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants; child restraints are required for young children.
• Road signs and signals: Signs are largely intuitive and increasingly bilingual. Stop signs are red inverted triangles, now commonly marked with “STOP” and “止まれ.” Watch for pedestrian crossings and cyclists.
• Headlights and parking machines: With RHD norms, ticket dispensers and parking payment machines are usually on the right of the vehicle; LHD drivers may need to reach across or step out briefly.
• Seasonal conditions: Northern regions such as Hokkaido and mountainous areas require winter tires or chains in snow season. Roads are well maintained but can be icy.

In short, driving in Japan is straightforward if you adjust to left-side traffic and prepare the correct documents. Most infrastructure favors right-hand-drive vehicles, aligning with Japan’s standard.

How Japan Compares Globally

Japan is one of several countries and territories where traffic keeps left. If you’ve driven in other left-side jurisdictions, the experience will feel familiar.

• Examples of left-side countries: United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Kenya, and others.
• Vehicle norm in LHT countries: Right-hand-drive vehicles dominate, with left-hand-drive imports permitted but less common.

These comparisons highlight that Japan’s arrangement—left-side driving with right-hand-drive cars—is shared by numerous nations, especially in the Commonwealth and parts of Asia and Africa.

Why Japan Drives on the Left

Historical factors shaped Japan’s left-side orientation. British engineering influence during the 19th-century railway era encouraged left-side practices, which later extended to road traffic. Postwar administrative changes created a temporary right-side exception in Okinawa, but the “730” switch in 1978 restored national consistency on the left.

Summary

Japan is not a left-hand-drive country. It uses left-hand traffic, and most cars are right-hand drive. Left-hand-drive vehicles do exist as imports but remain uncommon. For visitors, prepare an appropriate IDP or translated license, expect left-side road rules, and note that everyday driving infrastructure is designed for right-hand-drive cars.

Is Japan left or right wheel?

In Japan, the car steering wheel is on the right side, meaning they use right-hand drive and drive on the left side of the road. This system was adopted due to historical influences, particularly the British engineers who designed Japan’s railway system during the Meiji era, which followed left-hand traffic principles.
 
Key Facts

• Steering Wheel Position: Right. 
• Driving Direction: Left. 
• Historical Influence: British engineers who helped build Japan’s railway system in the late 19th century, leading to the adoption of left-hand traffic. 
• Official Status: Left-hand driving was officially established by the Road Traffic Act in 1924. 
• Prevalence: The vast majority of vehicles in Japan are right-hand drive. 

Can a US driver drive in Japan?

Yes, Americans can drive in Japan by obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) before arriving in the country, as a U.S. driver’s license alone is insufficient. The IDP must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention and is available for purchase from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance. To get an IDP, you’ll need a valid U.S. license, passport photos, a completed application, and a payment. You’ll also need to carry your passport when driving with the IDP to verify your entry date and the IDP’s one-year validity period. 
Steps to Drive in Japan:

1. Obtain an IDP: Opens in new tabVisit a AAA branch to get your IDP, ensuring it is issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. 
2. Gather Documents: Opens in new tabYou will need your valid U.S. driver’s license, two passport photos, and the completed application form to apply for the IDP. 
3. Carry Required Documents: Opens in new tabWhen driving in Japan, you must carry your valid U.S. driver’s license, your IDP, and your passport to verify your date of entry. 
4. Understand Driving Rules: Opens in new tabFamiliarize yourself with driving on the left side of the road and other specific Japanese traffic rules, such as the lack of right turns on red lights. 

Important Considerations:

• Validity: The IDP is valid for one year from the date of your entry into Japan. 
• Long-Term Stays: For residents staying longer than one year, you are expected to convert to a Japanese driver’s license and should contact the local Driver’s License Center. 
• Rental Cars: You will need your IDP and passport to rent a car. 
• Insurance: Basic liability insurance is required, and getting additional coverage is strongly recommended. 

Is Japan right or left-hand drive?

Japan is a right-hand drive (RHD) market, meaning cars drive on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle. While most cars in Japan are RHD, left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are also permitted and are often considered a status symbol. 
Why Japan drives on the left

• Historical tradition: Opens in new tabThe practice dates back to the Edo period when samurai, who kept their swords on their left side, needed to avoid clashing swords with others when walking. 
• British influence: Opens in new tabBritain helped Japan build its first railways in the 1870s, and the practice of left-hand traffic was adopted and eventually codified into law. 

The presence of left-hand drive vehicles

• Status symbol: High-end foreign cars, such as Porsches, BMWs, and Mercedes-Benz, are often imported and sold as LHD, signaling wealth. 
• Permitted but rare: Unlike some other RHD countries, Japan’s laws permit the use of both local RHD and imported LHD vehicles. 
• Distinctive infrastructure: In some cases, specific infrastructure, like boom gates, are installed to accommodate the less common left-hand drive vehicles on Japanese roads. 

Are any Japanese cars left-hand drive?

Japan is a right hand drive (RHD) country along with the UK and countries that used to be in the British Empire. But there are left-hand-drive (LHD) cars and vans in the Japanese car auctions. Let’s find out why and how to track them down.