What to Know Before Driving in Japan

• Japan drives on the same side as NZ – easy transition
• ETC cards make toll roads faster and easier
• Rest stops include food, fuel, toilets & bins
• Use Google Maps to avoid missing exits
• Be aware of toll costs when budgeting your trip

Thinking of hitting the road in Japan? Good call. Driving is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond the big cities, think quiet onsens, mountain villages, and scenic coastlines. And if you’re confident behind the wheel in New Zealand, you’ll feel right at home in Japan.

Driving in Japan Feels Familiar

Here’s the good news: Japan drives on the left, just like we do. Most of the cars on New Zealand roads are Japanese imports, so you’ll likely be familiar with how they handle. The road rules are similar too, making the whole experience surprisingly chill once you get going.

What to Know About Toll Roads

Japan’s expressways are modern, well-maintained, and loaded with handy rest stops, but they aren’t free. There are two main ways to pay:

• Credit card or cash: Look for the green-light lane at toll booths. These are manned, and you’ll pay the toll directly to the staff.
• ETC Card: This is the stress-free option. Available from most rental car companies, ETC cards slot into your vehicle’s onboard unit. Cruise through the pink ETC lanes and the toll gets charged to the linked card automatically. Just keep an eye on costs, they can add up fast!

For context, as of May 2025, driving from Narita Airport to Mount Fuji will cost around NZD $60 in tolls. So if you’re road-tripping, make sure to factor tolls into your travel budget.

Expressway Rest Stops = Game Changer

Japan’s highway rest stops are next-level. You’ll find petrol stations, clean toilets, restaurants, snack shops, rubbish/recycling bins, and even souvenir stalls. The best part? You don’t need to detour into a town, just take the off-ramp, enjoy a break, and hop back on.

Parking & City Driving

There’s heaps of free or cheap parking at malls and convenience stores, especially outside major cities. In busier areas, you’ll often use paid parking buildings. Traffic is usually light outside the main centres and surprisingly manageable even in the cities.

Tips for a Smooth Ride

• Use Google Maps, it’s accurate and easy to follow.
• Double-check exits when multiple ramps or bridges appear close together.
• Be ready for tunnels. Lots of tunnels.
• Watch for ETC-only exits if you’re not using an ETC card.

Driving in Japan is a breeze for most Kiwi travellers, familiar road rules, friendly drivers, and well-signposted roads. Just be mindful of toll costs, and grab an ETC card if you want a smoother journey. Whether you're headed to the mountains, coast, or countryside, having your own wheels opens up a side of Japan most tourists never see.

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