TsukubaCityInformation
City of Science and Nature

Driving rules are particular to each country, so be careful to learn the local rules of the road before you start driving. In particular, pay attention to the fact that cars drive on the left-side of the road and that no turns can be made on a red light in Japan.

Driver's Licenses (unten menkyo shou)

There are three ways for a foreigner to obtain permission to drive in Japan.

• Hold a license from a designated country in addition to an International Driver's License (this combination of licenses can only be used for one year from entry into Japan on a particular visa)
• Hold a license from a designated country and have it transfered to a Japanese Driver's License
• Acquire a Japanese Driver's License by taking the written and practical tests

Cell Phones and Driving

From Nov 1, 2004, it has become illegal to talk on a cell phone, write mail, check mail, or even have your phone in your hand while driving. If you are caught doing any of these things, you will be fined and have at least one point taken off your license.

Driver Symbols

There are symbols that represent certain kinds of drivers in Japan.

• New drivers have to display the green and yellow beginner symbol (shoshinsha mark), also known as the young leaf symbol (wakaba mark).
• Elderly drivers have to display the orange and yellow welfare symbol (fukushi mark), also known as the maple leaf symbol (momiji mark).
• You have probably seen the accessibility symbol in various places around Tsukuba. Drivers with disabilities may display the blue and white wheelchair symbol (kurima isu mark), or the disabilities symbol, also know as the clover symbol (yotsuba mark). Public buildings such as city hall offices and hospitals display this symbol along with some private enterprises such as supermarkets. Whenever you see this mark on a parking space, it means that the space is reserved for people with disabilities. Be a considerate driver and leave these spaces open for the people who need them. Keep in mind that even though the symbol shows a person in a wheelchair, it is meant to indicate all people with disabilities. People with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, are also allowed to park in those spots. You may not be able to see a person's disability, so please be sensitive to drivers who park there.

If you notice that a driver has one of these marks, please be a considerate driver and treat them with special care. Do not tailgate (follow too closely) or change lanes suddenly.

See also...

• Cars
• Parking

Topics: Transportation
Relevant for: Tourists, Newcomers, Residents

Please note: While all efforts have been made to offer accurate and up-to-date information on this site, the information is presented as a guideline and is subject to change without notification. Phone numbers, addresses, and/or policies may have changed since this page was created. Please contact the appropriate section of the City Hall for confirmation of information and city policies.