Road Rules & Regulations
Left Hand Traffic
Roads in Japan use a left-hand traffic system. When you ride on the road, always keep to the left and remember that left turning vehicles have priority.
Also, when riding on an expressway remember that the far right lane is the overtaking lane - do not ride in that lane if you are not overtaking.
Japanese Road Signs: Main traffic signals
- Road Closed
- Speed Limit
- Stop
- No U-Turn
- No Two Stage Right
- No Entry
- Expressway
- One Way Street
- No Stopping
- No Parking
- General Road Sign
- Prefectural Road
- National Road
Road Markings
Overtaking
Japanese rules in relation to overtaking are not really different from many other countries:
- White dashed line: overaking is okay.
- White or yellow continuous line: do not cross
Crosswalks
Pedestrians (and bicycles) have top priority on crosswalks. Please make sure you check both right and left to check there are no pedestrians when crossing a crosswalk. If a pedestrian is about to cross, always give the pedestrian the right of way.
Train crossings
It is mandatory to come to a complete stop in front of open train crossings, even when the bar is open.
Traffic Lights and their meanings
In Japan it is common to have traffic lights with arrows indicating the direction in which the traffic can proceed. You are allowed to proceed when the arrow pointing to your direction is green.
Tokyo Shuto Expressway - Passengers prohibited
Pillion passengers are prohibited on the Tokyo Metropolitan Shuto Expressway (see map). You will see signs indicating this prohibition at expressway entrances.
If you are a pillion passenger on a Shogun Motorbike Adventure departing from Tokyo, you will ride in the support vehicle until we are out of the prohibition zone.
Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC)
Japan has a wireless electronic toll collection system to pass through expressway gates without stopping at a booth. Your motorbike will come with a ETC device and card, and the cost is included in your tour fee. Just ride on through!
For more: https://english.jaf.or.jp/safe-driving/traffic-rules-in-japan
