Which side of the road does Japan drive on?

Japan drives on the left side of the road, and most vehicles have the steering wheel on the right. This convention is mandated nationwide and reflected in everything from road design and signage to public transport operations. While the rule is uniform across the country today, it has deep historical roots and a unique postwar footnote in Okinawa.

The rule today

Japan’s Road Traffic Act requires vehicles to keep left, with passing typically done on the right. Right-hand-drive vehicles are the norm, and road markings, lane discipline, and expressway rules all align with left-side driving. On multilane roads and expressways, drivers are expected to keep to the left except when overtaking, and roundabouts (where present) circulate clockwise. Cyclists are treated as vehicles and must ride on the left with traffic; pedestrians, where no sidewalk exists, generally walk facing traffic on the right-hand side for safety.

How Japan arrived at left-side traffic

Pre-modern customs

Left-side movement has roots dating back to Japan’s Edo period, when samurai custom and foot traffic practices favored keeping left to avoid collisions and conflicts on narrow streets.

Railways and formalization

When Japan industrialized in the late 19th century, British-engineered railways were built to run on the left, reinforcing the convention. Over time, left-side travel became standard on roads and was ultimately codified in national traffic law, ensuring uniformity across prefectures.

Okinawa’s postwar exception

Under U.S. administration after World War II, Okinawa briefly drove on the right. On July 30, 1978—an event known as “730”—the prefecture reverted to left-side driving to align with the rest of Japan. Since then, left-side traffic has been consistent nationwide.

Practical tips if you’re driving or walking in Japan

If you’re visiting or renting a car, these points will help you navigate Japan’s left-side system safely and confidently.

• Keep left in your lane; overtake on the right when permitted and safe.
• Expect right-hand-drive cars; gear shift is to your left, and turn signal stalks may differ from your home country.
• Cyclists ride on the left with vehicle traffic; pedestrians without sidewalks generally walk on the right, facing oncoming vehicles.
• When crossing streets, look right first, then left, then right again.
• On expressways, use the left lane for cruising and the right lane strictly for overtaking; return left after passing.
• Roundabouts, though not widespread, circulate clockwise; yield to traffic already in the circle.
• Okinawa follows left-side driving like the rest of Japan (since 1978).
• Navigation units often default to Japanese; set language and voice guidance in advance.

Taken together, these habits mirror other left-driving countries and quickly become intuitive, especially with clear signage and road markings across Japan.

Quick facts at a glance

Here are a few concise points to anchor what matters most about Japan’s driving orientation.

• Side of the road: Left.
• Driver’s seat: Right-hand-drive is standard.
• Passing: Typically on the right; keep-left discipline applies on expressways.
• Railways: Trains generally run on the left, reflecting historical British influence.
• Bicycles and pedestrians: Bikes keep left with traffic; pedestrians without sidewalks usually keep right, facing cars.

These fundamentals align with international norms for left-side jurisdictions and underpin how roads and transport operate throughout Japan.

Summary

Japan drives on the left, with right-hand-drive vehicles and keep-left road rules enforced nationwide. The practice stems from historical custom, was reinforced by British-influenced railways, and is now fully embedded in law and infrastructure—Okinawa included.

Does Japan drive on the same side as the US?

No, Japan does not drive on the same side as the US; Japan drives on the left side of the road, while the US drives on the right side of the road. This means vehicles in Japan have their steering wheels on the right, and they follow the left-hand traffic convention, similar to countries like the United Kingdom and Australia.
 
Key Differences

• Driving Side: Japan drives on the left. 
• US Driving Side: The US drives on the right. 
• Steering Wheel Position: In Japan, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. 

Historical Reasons for Japan’s Left-Hand Drive

• Samurai Tradition: Opens in new tabHistorically, samurai wore their swords on their left side, and to avoid clashing with passing warriors, they would keep to the left. 
• British Influence: Opens in new tabDuring the Meiji era, Japan sought British assistance for its modernization and industrial development, including in the automotive industry. This technical expertise led to the adoption of British-style left-hand driving systems. 

Did Canada ever drive on the left side of the road?

Driving in the left lane was the norm on the east and west coasts of Canada, until cross-country jaunts by automobile became more common and the need for standard cross-border traffic rules became more urgent. Central Canada and the prairie provinces had always followed the American practice of driving on the right.

How hard is it to drive in Japan as an American?

Driving in Japan as an American is manageable but requires adjustments due to driving on the left, narrow roads, and potential navigation challenges. You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP), and using English-language GPS or apps like Google Maps is crucial for getting around. Be prepared for confusing road signs, the need to back into parking spots, and frequent toll roads. 
Key Differences & Challenges

• Left-Hand Driving: This is the most significant difference, as you’ll be on the opposite side of the road compared to the U.S. 
• Narrow Streets: Many roads, especially in rural areas and cities, are very narrow, requiring careful maneuvering, and sometimes you’ll need to yield to oncoming traffic. 
• Navigation: Street names can be challenging to find, and while signage often includes English, it’s best to rely on GPS with English-language capabilities or phone apps. 
• Parking: Street parking is generally not allowed, and finding paid parking lots can be difficult, especially with the common requirement to back into a spot. 
• Tolls: Expressways and some roads have tolls, and payment methods can vary, often involving cash or electronic payment systems. 
• Signs & Signals: Pay close attention to road signs, as they may look different than in the U.S.. Be aware of the orientation of traffic lights, which can appear to be further away than expected. 

Tips for Success

• Get an IDP: Obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country’s automobile association before you leave. 
• Use GPS: Rely on English-language car navigation or mobile apps to help you navigate unfamiliar roads. 
• Rent a Small Car: This will make it easier to maneuver on narrow streets and find parking. 
• Learn Basic Signs: While many major signs are in English, familiarizing yourself with the appearance of basic Japanese signs can be helpful. 
• Drive Courteously: Japanese drivers are generally polite, so practice patience, allow for merges, and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. 
• Be Alert in Cities: Expect busy traffic and frequent pedestrian activity in urban centers. 
• Embrace the Experience: While it presents unique challenges, driving in Japan can be a rewarding experience, especially in scenic areas. 

Is driving in Japan the same as the US?

Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States. Vehicular traffic moves on the left. Turns at red lights are forbidden unless specifically authorized. Japanese compulsory insurance is mandatory for all automobile owners and drivers in Japan.