Driving in Japan

-Keep left

Driving Conditions : If you are used to driving on the left hand side of the road then it’s a breeze driving around Niseko. The country roads are not very busy and Japanese drivers are very polite. Road signs are easy to read (English and Japanese) and the major highways are numbered so it’s easy to navigate using this system. Having said that we recommend that first time visitors avoid driving in the city of Sapporo where it can be quite a challenge. If you want to visit Sapporo we recommend using the train service.

Licence:
Japanese or International

Requirements : In order to rent and drive a car in Japan, you require a Japanese drivers licence or an international driving permit. In case of France, Germany and Switzerland, an official translation of your home country's driving license is required. International driving permits must be obtained in your home country before you leave for Japan - usually through the national Automobile Association. They are valid for one year and must be accompanied by your home country's driving license in order to be valid. Japan recognizes only international driving permits, which are based on the Geneva Convention of 1949. Some countries, such as France, Germany and Switzerland, however, issue international driving permits, which are based on different conventions. The permits issued by those countries are not valid in Japan. Instead, people with a French, German or Swiss driver's license can drive in Japan for up to one year with an official Japanese translation of their driving license. Contact your local Japanese embassy or consulate for details on how to obtain a recognized translation.

3 Important Snow Driving Rules

Driving in Snow: Millions of people need to drive in snow and ice conditions each winter – it’s not “rocket science” – however you do need to have your wits about you and you do need to be careful.

There are three cardinal rules that must be obeyed when driving in an alpine location:

• 1-Drive Slowly
• 2-Drive Slowly
• 3-Drive Slowly

If you stick to these 3 Simple rules you will be able to enjoy your driving without too many problems. On a practical note we suggest that you leave your auto transmission in 2nd gear when driving around the village. You also need to be alert to pedestrian traffic. Most of the skiers and snow boarders in the village are on foot. In the middle of winter you will be driving on fresh snow, which gives reasonable traction. As the temperatures become a little warmer towards the end of winter you will get some ice on the roads and this presents a special challenge for both pedestrians and drivers. Bottom Line is… Stick to the 3 Rules!

The minimum age for driving in Japan is 18 years.