[Self-driving tour] 13 tips for self-driving tours in Japan! Must-read for those driving in Japan

In fact, it is very convenient for Hong Kong people to travel by car in Japan, but there are many differences with the local driving environment, laws, car rental procedures and culture. The following is a detailed list of the key points you must pay attention to:

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1. Driving certificate

• Must hold a valid Hong Kong full driving license
  • Novice P license (red P) is not recognized in Japan , and a full driver's license is required.
• You must bring your International Driving Permit (IDP)
  • Apply through the Transport Department, the fee is about HK$80, and it can usually be processed on the same day.
  • Japan only recognizes the Geneva Convention version of the IDP issued by Hong Kong.
• Also bring the original copy of your Hong Kong driving license and passport

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2. Car rental reservation and pick-up

• Reservations can be made at international car rental companies (such as TOYOTA Rent a Car, Nippon, Times, Nissan, ORIX, etc.)
• It is recommended to make reservations online in advance , especially during holidays, peak seasons or remote areas.
• You need to show the following when picking up the car: IDP, Hong Kong driver's license, passport, credit card (as a guarantee)
• Age limit: Most require over 21 years old, some car rental companies require a license for at least one year
• Optional automatic transmission (AT) car, easier to drive

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3. Road rules and traffic culture

• Like Hong Kong, drive on the left. Right-hand drive cars
• Traffic signs are mostly in Japanese, some have English/images
• Strictly abide by the speed limit, common: 40-50km/h in urban areas, 60-80km/h in suburban areas, 100km/h on highways
• Never drink and drive, the penalties are very severe
• No right turn on red (in most cases)
• Follow the principle of courtesy and give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings
• You must pay for tolls on the expressway with a legal toll ticket (ETC); it is recommended to rent an ETC card (automatic toll collection) when renting a car
• Parking must be in a legal parking lot. Illegal parking on the roadside will result in a tow fine.
• There are snowy areas and mountain roads in many places. In winter, you should choose a vehicle equipped with snow tires or snow chains.

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4. Navigation and communication

• Most car rental companies provide Japanese/English GPS navigation (can be requested in advance)
• It is recommended to rent a Japanese SIM card/wireless WiFi egg and use Google Maps/navigation app
• Japan's place names and addresses are complex, so it is more convenient to use phone numbers/Map Codes to input navigation

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5. Gas stations and oil types

• Gas stations are divided into fully self-service and manned service (セルフ自敵/フルFull)
• Common oil types: レギュラー (Regular 92/95), ハイオク (Premium 98), 軽oil (Diesel)
• Before picking up the car, ask the type of oil used in the vehicle. The wrong oil will damage the engine.
• Turn off the engine before refueling and pay attention to the payment method (cash/credit card)

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6. Parking rules and parking

• It is strictly forbidden to park on the roadside at will, you must park in the parking lot
• Most paid parking lots (Times, NPC, etc.) operate 24 hours a day
• Some rural areas/attractions only accept cash, so please prepare enough change
• Some parking lots have "undercar lift locks" and you must park correctly, otherwise you will not be able to leave the lot.
• Parking spaces are hard to come by and expensive in large cities (such as Tokyo and Osaka), so plan your parking space in advance.

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7. Expressways and tolls

• Most highways require tolls, and you can use ETC cards to pass through toll booths directly
• If you don't have an ETC card, you need to pick up a ticket (entrance) and pay by cash or credit card (exit)
• Highway service areas are equipped with restaurants, toilets, convenience stores and other facilities
• The fees are expensive, so planning your route wisely can save you money

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8. Safety culture and driving habits

• Japanese drivers are very courteous and drive carefully
• Turning on the lights, giving way, and honking the horn are not often used, and you will not be forced to drive slowly.
• If you encounter an emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire truck), you must give way as soon as possible
• Don't be impatient when there are many people and cars. Stay polite and patient.

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9. Special weather and road conditions

• In winter (Hokkaido, Tohoku, etc.), the roads are icy and driving is difficult
• Make an appointment to equip your vehicle with snow tires or choose a four-wheel drive vehicle
• In case of heavy snow or typhoon, some roads may be closed, please pay attention to the weather forecast

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10. Traffic accident and emergency handling

• In case of an accident, call 110 (police) or 119 (ambulance) immediately
• Notify the car rental company and follow their instructions
• Preserve on-site evidence (take photos) and exchange information with the other party
• Japan's laws are strict, do not settle privately or flee the scene

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11. Other matters needing attention

• Check the car body and take photos to record existing damage when renting a car
• When returning the car, you must fill up the gas tank (Full to Full), otherwise you will be charged extra
• If you bring children, they must use a child safety seat that complies with the regulations according to their age/height (rental is available by appointment)
• Please note that it is difficult to rent a car in some areas (such as Okinawa and Hokkaido) during peak season, so you need to book in advance
• When returning the car, please be sure to return it at the scheduled time and location. Late return will incur a surcharge

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12. Common car rental terms (Japanese, Chinese and English)

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13. Checklist before traveling

• Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Prepare your Hong Kong driving license and passport
• Confirm car rental reservation and insurance coverage
• Download/prepare navigation app and WiFi egg
• Check local weather and traffic conditions
• Prepare enough cash/credit cards
• Research your destination's parking information