Japan Guide: Travel & Leisure
Our travel guide gives you useful advice on getting about using public transport, driving by car as well as explaining how to buy, sell, rent or import a car.
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Public transport
How to get around in Japan
Getting around in Japan with the public transport is not as despairing as some might think at first. Whether you are in Japan or any other country, the system remains similar. Do not get scared by the videos you've seen of people being pushed into the trains!
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Driver's license
Converting to a Japanese license
As a foreigner driving in Japan, you are expected to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you arrive, and it must be used in conjunction with your driving license. IDPs are only valid for the short-term and may not be used for more than a year.
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Cars in Japan
Buying and owning a car
Importing a car to Japan seems relatively awkward: the length and cost of transport by boat is usually enough to make people change their mind. However, that is not to say buying a car is easier or cheaper. In order to drive comfortably in Japan, you will also want a steering wheel on the right-hand side of your car.
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Driving in Japan
Traffic laws and road rules
Unless you plan on moving to the countryside, owning a car in Japan is not a necessity the way it would be in the United States, as all major cities are served by a highly efficient public transportation system. However, if you need to use a car, you should know that Japan is a country bound by rules, and driving does not escape these in any way.
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