1. Experiencing an Earthquake While Driving
Japan experiences thousands of earthquakes every year, though most are completely unnoticeable. However, if a major earthquake strikes while you are on the road, your vehicle will suddenly feel as though it has flat tires or is being blown by severe wind. What to do:- Do NOT slam on the brakes. Sudden braking can cause massive pileups, especially on expressways.
- Gently decelerate. Turn on your hazard lights, gradually slow down, and pull over to the left side of the road.
- Stay inside. Keep your seatbelt on until the shaking stops. Falling debris from buildings, signs, or mountainsides is the biggest danger.
- Listen to the radio. Tune into local stations. During major disasters, NHK often broadcasts emergency information in English.
- If you must evacuate: If a tsunami warning is issued or you are ordered to abandon your vehicle, leave the keys in the ignition and leave the doors unlocked. This is a critical Japanese law—it allows emergency services and military personnel to move your vehicle if it is blocking rescue paths. Take only your valuables (passport, wallet) and flee on foot to higher ground.
2. Navigating Typhoons and Flash Floods
Typhoon season in Japan typically runs from August to October. Typhoons bring torrential rain and extreme winds that can topple trucks and flood roads in minutes. What to do:- Check the forecast. If a severe typhoon is approaching, the best action is inaction. Stay at a hotel or a secure indoor location. Do not attempt to sleep in a campervan during a direct typhoon hit.
- Avoid underpasses. Never attempt to drive through flooded underpasses or coastal roads. Even 30cm of flowing water can sweep a vehicle away, and submerged roads can hide missing manhole covers.
- Beware of crosswinds. If you are driving a campervan or a tall vehicle on an expressway bridge or coastal road, sudden crosswinds can easily cause the vehicle to flip. Slow down drastically or pull into a service area.
3. Surviving Snow and Icy Roads
If you are planning to drive in Hokkaido, Tohoku, or the Japanese Alps between December and March, you will encounter world-class snow—and highly dangerous roads. What to do:- Mandatory Snow Tires: Ensure your rental comes equipped with studless snow tires. In heavy snow regions, this is legally required. Normal summer tires will fail instantly on Japanese mountain roads.
- Watch for Black Ice: Bridge decks, tunnel entrances/exits, and shaded mountain curves frequently freeze over, creating invisible "black ice." Approach these areas with extreme caution.
- No Sudden Movements: Avoid sudden braking, sharp steering, or aggressive acceleration. Drive at half the posted speed limit if conditions are poor.
4. What to Do in a Traffic Accident
Whether you scratch a guardrail, bump a pole in a parking lot, or have a collision with another vehicle, the procedure in Japan is absolute. What to do:- Call the Police Immediately (Dial 110). You must report the accident, no matter how minor. If you leave the scene without a police report, your rental insurance will be completely invalidated, and you will be personally liable for all damages. Do not try to settle it privately with another driver.
- Call an Ambulance (Dial 119) if anyone is injured.
- Call your Rental Company. They will guide you through the insurance process and contact roadside assistance (like JAF) if your vehicle needs towing.