Which side of the road do they drive on in Japan?

Learn that Japan drives on the left, what that means for visitors used to right-hand traffic, and how pedestrians, cyclists and drivers share the road.

Published October 20, 2026 at 7:09 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Japan drives on the left side of the road, and most cars are right-hand drive with the driver sitting on the right. Cyclists also keep to the left, while pedestrians are asked to walk on the right where there is no sidewalk. Drivers must give way to pedestrians, and visitors from right-hand-traffic countries should plan a slow first drive.

Left-hand traffic in Japan

In Japan, vehicles keep to the left. The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) states in its English traffic rules that drivers and cyclists keep to the left, pedestrians keep to the right, and drivers must yield to pedestrians. Japan's national tourism organization adds that cars are right-hand drive, so the driver sits on the right side of the vehicle.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department gives the same summary for everyday life: pedestrians use the right side, while drivers and cyclists use the left side and give way to pedestrians. It also says to walk on sidewalks, cross streets at crosswalks and obey traffic lights at signalized intersections. These basic rules apply nationwide, from Tokyo's busy streets to quiet country roads.

What changes for visitors used to right-hand traffic

Drivers from countries that drive on the right need to retrain their instincts. Turns are the usual trouble spot: a left turn is a short, simple turn into the near lane, while a right turn crosses the oncoming lane and requires a careful look for traffic. At intersections, look first toward the right for traffic that will reach you, and remember that the nearest lane to you is the left one.

The controls of the car may also feel different. Rental cars are right-hand drive, and the positions of controls such as the turn signal and windshield wipers can be reversed compared with what you know, so ask the rental staff to point them out before you start. The first few minutes in a parking lot or a quiet street are a sensible way to get used to the car, and many visitors find it helpful to repeat the phrase "stay left" at every turn and junction. A passenger can also act as a second pair of eyes for the first hour.

Pedestrians, cyclists and crossings

For walkers, the rule is easy to remember: walk on the right-hand side of a road that has no sidewalk, so you face oncoming traffic. Pedestrians use sidewalks where they exist and cross at crosswalks. Where a road has a sidewalk, use it, and move aside calmly for bicycles and other walkers so that everyone can pass safely.

Cyclists ride on the roadway, in single file, on the left edge, according to the Tokyo police. They may use the sidewalk only where a sign or road marking permits it, or if the rider is under 13, aged 70 or older, physically challenged, or the road is unsafe. Even on the sidewalk, cyclists must keep pedestrians safe. Visitors who rent a bicycle should follow the same left-hand rule.

Basic rules every visitor driver should know

JAF's English page lists several more rules. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts, and infants under six must be secured in a child seat. Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited, as is being distracted by a car navigation system. Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited, and the Tokyo police stress that nobody should drive a car or ride a bicycle after drinking.

On speed, posted signs and road markings set the limit. Where none is shown, regular automobiles are subject to 60 kilometers per hour on ordinary roads and 100 kilometers per hour on expressways, according to JAF. On expressways, use the passing lane only for overtaking, do not drive on the shoulder, and refuel in advance, as some stretches have no service stations. Japan's tourism organization notes that level railway crossings require a full stop.

Who should be especially careful

Visitors who have never driven on the left, or who rarely drive, may prefer to take trains and taxis in cities and rent a car only in rural areas where roads are quieter. Older drivers, or travelers on a long flight who are jet-lagged, should leave the first day free of driving. Families with children should check car seats at the rental counter, because children under six must be in a child seat.

Pedestrians from right-hand-traffic countries should also be careful. When you step off a curb, you may look the wrong way out of habit, so check both directions each time. This is a good habit in any country, but it matters most in the first days of a trip, when the traffic direction is still new.

Common mistakes

A classic error is drifting into the wrong lane after a turn, especially when the road is quiet and no other cars give a cue. After each turn, check that you are in the left lane. Another is entering a parking lot or leaving a gas station and turning into the lane for oncoming traffic. Slow down at these points and look around before you move.

Some drivers also reach for the wrong lever. If the wipers start instead of the turn signal, that is a sign the controls are reversed from your habit, not a fault with the car. Another mistake is using the phone for navigation while driving, which is prohibited; set up the route before you leave or ask a passenger. Treat pedestrians as having priority, because drivers must yield to them.

Planning tips and next steps

Before renting a car, read the English driving rules published by JAF and the Tokyo police. Practice left turns and right turns in a quiet area, and ask for a rental car with an English-capable navigation system. Choose a smaller car for narrow roads, and give yourself extra time for each trip. Rest regularly on long drives, because concentration is needed to keep thinking in the opposite direction from your habit.

If you do not feel ready to drive, trains, buses and taxis cover most places visitors want to go. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cyclists also ride on the left in Japan?

Yes. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department says cyclists ride on the roadway, in single file, on the left edge. Sidewalk riding is allowed only where a sign or marking permits it, or for riders who are under 13, 70 or older, physically challenged, or when the road is unsafe. Cyclists must not ride after drinking alcohol.

Is the driver seat on the right in Japanese cars?

Yes, cars in Japan are right-hand drive, according to the national tourism organization. The driver sits on the right side of the car, and the front passenger sits on the left. Rental cars follow the same layout, so ask staff to show you the controls before you drive away.

Which side should pedestrians walk on?

Pedestrians keep to the right, according to JAF and the Tokyo police, which means they face oncoming traffic on roads without a sidewalk. Use the sidewalk whenever there is one and cross at crosswalks. Obey pedestrian signals, which have the same green and red meanings as the car signals.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book 99 Things Japan Does Better Than Anyone Else is available on Amazon.

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