Why Does Japan Drive on the Left? History and Tips for Visitors

From Edo-period custom to a British-built railway and a famous overnight switch in Okinawa, here is the story behind keeping left.

Published October 20, 2026 at 2:05 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Japan drives on the left because keeping left was an unwritten custom in the Edo period, it was reinforced when the first railway opened in 1872 with British technical help, and it became law for road traffic in 1924. Okinawa drove on the right under US administration after World War II, then switched back to the left on July 30, 1978. Visitors who drive should keep left, and cars are typically right-hand drive.

For travelers from the Americas and much of Europe, seeing traffic flow on the opposite side of the road can be a delightful and slightly disorienting first impression. Japan is among the places that keep left, alongside the United Kingdom, Australia and many other countries. The history behind the choice mixes local custom, railways and a remarkable overnight change in Okinawa. This guide tells that story and then moves on to practical tips for visitors who plan to cross the road, ride a bicycle or sit behind the wheel.

The short answer

Japan keeps left because of a long-standing custom that later became law. The practice goes back to the Edo period, which ran from 1603 to 1868, when it was an unwritten habit rather than a formal rule. Later developments, especially railways, helped make left-hand movement the national standard, and a national law formalized it in the twentieth century.

One notable point is that Japan was never part of the British Empire, so its left-hand traffic cannot be explained as a colonial inheritance. The story is more about local habit and how modern transport was introduced in the nineteenth century.

The samurai explanation

A popular story links left-hand traffic to samurai, who carried swords on the left side of the body. By keeping left, the tale goes, two passing samurai would avoid bumping their scabbards and could keep their sword hand free toward the street. It is an appealing image, and it appears in many guidebooks and websites.

Historians and writers tend to treat this as a plausible but not firmly documented explanation. Sources that discuss it usually describe it as a reasonable inference from how people of that era moved, and they point to more concrete evidence for the railway and legal milestones. It makes a lovely story, as long as it is told as a story.

The 1872 railway

In 1872, Japan's first railway opened, running between Tokyo and Yokohama with technical help from Britain. According to Wikipedia's overview of left- and right-hand traffic, that was the point at which the custom of keeping left received its first official recognition. Railways and tram lines were then built gradually, and all railway vehicles ran on the left.

Trains made a lasting difference because they created infrastructure and habits that spread across the country. Station layouts, signals and later road vehicles followed the same pattern, which helps explain why the practice felt natural by the time cars arrived.

The 1924 law

Cars became more common in the early twentieth century, and traffic needed clear rules. In 1924, left-hand traffic became mandatory by law, turning what had been a widely followed custom into an official requirement. From then on, drivers and cyclists were expected to keep left throughout the country.

Today, the Japan Automobile Federation summarizes the rule in plain terms: drivers and cyclists must keep to the left, and pedestrians keep to the right. This combination means walkers on roads without a sidewalk generally face oncoming traffic, which is a helpful safety habit.

Okinawa's overnight switch

Okinawa has a special place in this history. After World War II, it came under US administration and switched to driving on the right in 1945. Japan regained control in 1972, but right-hand traffic continued for several more years while preparations were made.

On July 30, 1978, Okinawa switched back to the left in an operation known as 730, pronounced nana-san-maru. Wikipedia explains that traffic was banned from 10 p.m. the night before, signs were changed during the break, and driving resumed at 6 a.m. on the left. The change followed the principle that each country should use one direction of traffic. It is one of the few places in the world to switch from right to left in the late twentieth century.

What it means for cars

Because Japan drives on the left, most cars are right-hand drive, so the driver sits on the right side and the passenger seat is on the left. Imported luxury cars are sometimes sold in left-hand drive, but rental cars are typically right-hand drive. If you come from a right-hand traffic country, expect the first hour to need extra concentration.

Many visitors find it helpful to choose a small, easy-to-handle car and to practice in a quiet car park before joining traffic. Turn signal and wiper controls may be on opposite sides from what you are used to, so a minute spent exploring the controls is time well spent.

Tips for driving on the left

The key is to stay mentally anchored. The driver should be positioned toward the center of the road, and left turns are short and simple while right turns cross oncoming traffic. A handy reminder is that the driver's seat stays toward the center line of the road, which helps after a stop or when pulling out of a car park.

JAF's traffic rules summary adds several essentials. Without posted limits, regular cars face 60 km/h on ordinary roads and 100 km/h on expressways. All occupants must wear seat belts, children under six must be secured in a child seat, and phone use and drinking are prohibited while driving. A visitor who follows the posted signs and keeps a relaxed pace will find Japanese roads orderly and courteous. As of autumn 2026, check JAF or your rental company for the latest details.

Tips for pedestrians and cyclists

Visitors on foot should look in the direction cars come from, which can be the opposite of home. Before crossing, a glance in both directions, and a second glance to the side where traffic arrives first, is a good habit. Pedestrians generally keep to the right on roads without sidewalks, while cyclists keep left with traffic.

Bicycles are a popular way to travel, and bike rental is available in many towns. Keep to the left side of the road when riding, follow traffic signals and use bike parking areas rather than leaving bikes on sidewalks. Calm, predictable movement is the most appreciated style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side of the road does Japan drive on?

Japan drives on the left. Drivers and cyclists keep to the left, and pedestrians keep to the right, according to the Japan Automobile Federation. Most cars are right-hand drive, with the driver on the right side of the vehicle and the passenger on the left.

When did Japan start driving on the left?

Keeping left was an unwritten custom in the Edo period, received early official recognition with the 1872 railway and became mandatory by law for road traffic in 1924. Okinawa, which had switched to the right after World War II, returned to the left on July 30, 1978.

Is it hard for visitors to adjust to driving on the left?

Many visitors adapt within a short time, especially with a small automatic car and a quiet first route. Take extra care at turns and when pulling out of car parks, stay relaxed, and keep your International Driving Permit or translation with your license. Public transport is an easy alternative in cities.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Japan?, Renting a Car in Japan: What Visitors Should Know and Driving in Japan: Expressways and ETC.