1. Pedestrians Have Absolute Priority
In Japan, the pedestrian is sacred. If someone is waiting at a crosswalk (zebra crossing) without a traffic light, you must stop.- The Reality: Do not try to edge past them, and absolutely never honk at a pedestrian to hurry up. Police actively monitor crosswalks, and failing to yield is considered a very serious offense.
- Pro Tip: Even if the pedestrian waves you on, it is safer to insist they cross first. If a police officer sees you drive through while a pedestrian is waiting, you will be ticketed, regardless of who waved at whom.
2. The Unpredictability of the "Mamachari"
Japan is a massive cycling nation. You will see businessmen, students, and mothers riding "mamachari" (sturdy city bikes, often loaded with groceries and children).- The Danger: Legally, bicycles belong on the road. Practically, they often ride on sidewalks and frequently dart onto the road or across pedestrian crossings without looking.
- The Rule: Always leave a wide berth when passing a cyclist. More importantly, when turning left, check your left-side mirror and blind spot twice. Cyclists often ride quickly along the left edge of the road and can easily sneak into your blind spot right as you initiate a turn.
3. The "Back-In" Parking Culture
When you pull into a convenience store (conbini) or Michi-no-Eki (roadside station), you will notice something highly unusual for many Westerners: almost 100% of Japanese cars are reversed into their parking spots.- Why they do it: Backing in is considered safer and more polite. It allows the driver to have a clear line of sight when exiting the space, significantly reducing the risk of hitting pedestrians in busy lots.
- What you should do: Practice backing into parking spaces. It might feel awkward at first, but with a campervan, it makes exiting much safer. Most modern rental vans come equipped with backup cameras to help you master this local etiquette.
4. Narrow Streets and Passing Etiquette
Many rural roads and city side streets in Japan do not have a center line and are barely wide enough for one car, let alone two.- The Dance: When you meet a car head-on in a narrow street, one of you must pull over or reverse to let the other pass. Usually, the car closest to a wider passing point (or the smaller vehicle) yields.
- The "Thank You" Hazard: When someone lets you pass, it is customary to flash your hazard lights twice as a "thank you." You will see truck drivers and locals doing this constantly. Give it a try—it's a great way to participate in local driving culture!