Here is the translated and tailored English version of the guide, specifically adapted for travelers from LHD / Right-Hand Traffic countries (North/South America & Continental Europe) who are driving a rental car in Japan.

The Ultimate Guide to Renting & Driving a Car in Japan for LHD Drivers

For travelers visiting Japan from North America, South America, or Continental Europe—where driving is on the right side of the road with a Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicle—navigating Japan’s Left-Hand Traffic / Right-Hand Drive (RHD) system can feel daunting at first. However, exploring Japan's scenic countryside in places like Hokkaido, Okinawa, Kyushu, or the Fuji Five Lakes is best done by car.

This comprehensive guide covers everything drivers accustomed to LHD systems need to know: key driving differences, traffic rules, highway passes (ETC), and step-by-step rental procedures.

1. Global Comparison: LHD vs. RHD Traffic Systems

Understanding how traffic systems around the world differ helps highlight why driving in Japan requires a brief period of mental readjustment.

1) Left-Hand Drive (LHD) / Right-Hand Traffic (RHT) (~70% of the World)

Steering wheel is on the left; vehicles travel on the right side of the road.

• North & South America: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, etc.
  
  
• Europe: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, and almost all continental European nations.
  
  
• Asia & Others: South Korea, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.
  
  

2) Right-Hand Drive (RHD) / Left-Hand Traffic (LHT) (~30% of the World)

Steering wheel is on the right; vehicles travel on the left side of the road.

• Japan, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, South Africa, etc.
  
  

2. Crucial Driving Tips for LHD Drivers Adapting to Japan

When transitioning from LHD (US/Canada/Europe/Latin America) to RHD (Japan), most mistakes occur during turns and lane positioning.

① The Golden Rule: Keep Yourself (the Driver) Near the Center Line

• Left Turns (Small Radius): Similar to a right turn in LHD countries, stay close to the curb and turn tightly into the left lane.
  
  
• Right Turns (Wide Radius): Cross incoming traffic and make a wide turn into the far left lane.
  
  
• Mental Check: Remind yourself that "as the driver, I should always be positioned closest to the middle of the road/center line." This single rule prevents driving into oncoming traffic by mistake.
  
  

② Reversed Controls: Indicator & Wiper Levers

• In Japanese domestic vehicles, the right lever controls the turn signals, while the left lever controls the windshield wipers.
  
  
• Drivers from North America and Europe almost always accidentally turn on the wipers when trying to signal a turn. Practice operating the levers 2–3 times in the rental parking lot before heading out.
  
  

③ Complete Stop at "一時停止" (Ichiji Teishi) Signs

• Red inverted-triangle signs reading 一時停止 (Ichiji Teishi) or solid white stop lines on the road require a complete 3-second stop.
  
  
• Rolling stops are strictly illegal in Japan, and traffic police frequently monitor these intersections. Failing to come to a complete standstill results in heavy fines.
  
  

④ Traffic Signals & Turning Rules

• Solid Green Light: You may go straight, turn left, or turn right (yielding to oncoming traffic).
  
  
• Green Arrow Below Red Light: You may proceed only in the direction indicated by the arrow.
  
  
• No "Turn Right on Red" (Equivalent to "No Turn on Red"): Unlike the US or Canada where right turns on red are often permitted after stopping, Japan strictly prohibits turning left or right on a red signal unless a green arrow is present.
  
  

⑤ Pedestrian Priority & Horn Etiquette

• Pedestrians always have the right of way at crosswalks. You must come to a full stop if someone is waiting to cross.
  
  
• Avoid using your horn. Honking is considered rude in Japan and is reserved strictly for immediate hazard prevention.
  
  

3. Japan Expressways & ETC Cards Explained

Japan’s expressways are well-maintained, but toll fees are significantly higher than in the US or Europe. Using an ETC card and regional pass is essential to save money.

① ETC Lanes vs. General Toll Lanes

• ETC Lanes (Electronic Toll Collection): Equivalent to E-ZPass (US), 407 ETR (Canada), or Telepass (Europe). Pass through the gate at or under 20 km/h (12 mph) so the barrier can read your embedded ETC card.
  
  
• General Lanes (一般 - Ippan): For drivers paying with cash or credit card. Take a paper ticket upon entry and pay at the exit booth.
  
  

② Expressway Passes for Foreign Tourists

When renting an ETC card from your rental agency, ask to purchase an unlimited regional expressway pass. These offer massive savings for long-distance driving:

• HEP (Hokkaido Expressway Pass): Covers Hokkaido
  
  
• KEP (Kyushu Expressway Pass): Covers Kyushu
  
  
• TEP (Tohoku Expressway Pass): Covers Tohoku
  
  
• CEP (Central Nippon Expressway Pass): Covers Nagoya and Central Japan
  
  

4. Step-by-Step Rental Procedure: From Reservation to Return

Step 1. Required Documents

1. International Driving Permit (IDP): Issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Ensure "Category B" is stamped. (Note: Drivers holding licenses from Germany, Switzerland, France, Monaco, Belgium, or Taiwan require an official Japanese translation of their original license instead of an IDP).
   
   
2. Original Physical Driver's License from your home country.
   
   
3. Passport
   
   
4. Credit Card under the primary driver's name.
   
   

Step 2. Choosing the Right Vehicle & Coverage

• Vehicle Selection: Japanese roads and parking stalls are narrower than those in North America. A compact car or subcompact hybrid (e.g., Toyota Yaris, Aqua, Honda Fit) is highly recommended for easy maneuverability.
  
  
• Full Insurance Coverage: Always opt for full insurance including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Non-Operation Charge (NOC) protection. NOC covers the rental company's business loss if the car requires repairs or deep cleaning after an incident.
  
  

Step 3. Pick-Up & Navigation

• Practice in the Lot: Spend 5 minutes getting comfortable with the reversed controls (blinkers, gear shift, mirrors) inside the rental station lot before driving onto public roads.
  
  
• GPS Navigation (MapCodes & Phone Holder): Japanese built-in car navigation systems rely heavily on MapCodes or Phone Numbers rather than street addresses. Bring a smartphone mount to use Google Maps alongside the car’s native GPS for verification.
  
  

Step 4. Refueling & Returning

• Fuel Type: Standard gasoline in Japan is labeled Regular (レギュラー - Yellow Nozzle).
  
  
• Full-Tank Return Policy: Refill the gas tank at a station within 5 km of the rental branch right before returning the car. Keep your refueling receipt, as rental staff will inspect it upon return.
  
  

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While driving on the left in a RHD vehicle might feel unnatural at first, most drivers adapt within 30 to 60 minutes of attentive driving. Follow local traffic laws, stay calm, and enjoy your road trip across Japan!