Traffic rules in Japan are among the strictest in the world. When you are studying in Japan, you will probably have the opportunity to drive a car or motorcycle or take a train or bus. You need to remember and follow the various traffic rules so that you can move around safely.
A driver's license is required to drive a car or motorcycle in Japan. You must also carry your driver's license with you whenever you drive. The following is a list of driver's licenses available in Japan.
The International Driver Permit must be issued in the country that issued the license, and renewals must be done in the country that issued the license as well. On the other hand, if you want to drive with a foreign driver's license, you must also have a Japanese translation and your passport. Also, if you have obtained a driver's license in a foreign country and can prove that you will be staying in that country for more than three months, you can switch to a Japanese driver's license after passing the appropriate screening in Japan.
It is also possible to obtain a new driver's license in Japan. In general, you can go to a designated driving school and study practical and academic subjects to obtain a driver's license. For details, check with the driving school. Also, if you cause a traffic accident in Japan or fail to follow the traffic rules, your driver's license will be suspended or revoked. Be sure to drive safely and observe proper manners as a driver.
Pedestrians must walk on the right side of the road when there are no sidewalks. Automobiles and bicycles must walk on the left side of the roadway. Pedestrians, bicycles, and automobiles have priority over pedestrians. Traffic signals and road signs must be obeyed.
Everyone has the possibility of causing a traffic accident or being involved in a traffic accident. In preparation for such an eventuality, here are some tips on what to do in the event of an accident and insurance.
If you cause a traffic accident or are involved in a traffic accident, contact the police immediately (in Japan, the emergency number to call the police is 110). When the police arrive, follow their instructions to check the scene and make sure you are both okay. After that, you should also contact your insurance company to discuss future compensation.
In Japan, there are two types of insurance. The first is compulsory insurance (Automobile Liability Insurance). Compulsory insurance is automatically purchased when you buy a car or when you have your car inspected. This insurance is only applicable when someone is killed or injured while driving a car or a motorcycle, and it covers the victim's damages up to the limit. However, it should be noted that the amount of compensation is often not sufficient.
The other type of insurance is voluntary insurance. It pays for damage to property and vehicles that are not covered by the compulsory insurance, or damage to persons that is covered by the compulsory insurance, but the amount of compensation for the accident exceeds the amount paid by the liability insurance.
Owners and users of automobiles are legally obligated to register their vehicles, secure parking space, inspect their vehicles, and obtain compulsory insurance. In addition to the purchase price of the car, you will also have to pay for gasoline, insurance, vehicle inspection, automobile tax, repairs, etc. If you cannot cover these costs with your own living expenses, you should not own a car.
When you buy a car, you need to register it at the local transport branch office that controls the location of your residence/office, and all cars must have license plates. You can have the store where you bought the car take care of the registration for you.
In order to own a car, you need to have parking space certificate. Once you have secured a parking space, submit an application for proof of automobile parking space to the police in your area, and have them issue a certificate and a parking space mark.
An inspection of your car (called “shaken”) is done at regular intervals to make sure that your car meets the standards set by the law. A car that has not passed this inspection and has not been issued with an automobile inspection certificate (shaken-sho) cannot be driven on public roads. The validity period of the inspection is two years for private cars (three years for new private cars only for the first time), and the car must be inspected every two years. Upon completion of the inspection, you will receive a square sticker, which must be affixed to the windshield of your car. If you have a contractor do the procedures and inspections on your behalf, you will have to pay a fee, but it will go smoothly. If you want to do the procedure yourself, contact the nearest local transport branch office.
Motorcycles with a displacement of more than 125cc must go through registration procedures at the local transport branch office automobile inspection and registration office) and receive a license plate. Motorized bicycles (less than 125cc) must be reported to the municipal administrative office of the city or ward where you live.
In a real estate transaction, this is a document that contains information necessary for deciding whether or not to sign a contract regarding the contents of the property and the conditions of the transaction. Before signing a lease contract, the real estate company will always explain important matters such as the contents of the property and the terms of the contract using the Important Points Explanation.
There is a security registration system for bicycles. In most cases, you can apply at the store where you bought it.
There are some areas, such as in front of train stations, where bicycles and motorcycles are not allowed to be left by ordinance. If you park your bicycle or motorcycle in these areas, it will be forcibly removed and moved to a designated storage area.
Trains and subways are very well developed in Japan and are an essential means of transportation in urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka. In addition to going to school, you may also use the train to travel or go shopping.
When riding the train, there are certain manners that must be observed so as not to cause trouble to other passengers. Here are some of the main manners.
When you are living in Japan, you will probably have to take the bus. Since buses are used by many people, there are certain manners that must be observed, just as with trains, so that both parties can ride the bus comfortably. Here are some of the main manners.
Taxis are very convenient to take you to your destination. Due to the high cost of buying and owning a car these days, more and more people in Japan are using taxis as their primary means of transportation. Taxis are also used by many people, so it is necessary to observe good manners so as not to cause trouble.
When traveling, you may want to rent a car at your destination. You will be able to enjoy your trip more because you can move around freely. However, a rental car is someone else's car. It is not your car, so you should behave in a manner that will not cause trouble to the rental company.