One of the most noticeable differences when driving in Japan is that traffic keeps to the left. The driver’s seat is on the right side of the car, while the gear selector and handbrake are positioned on the left. For travelers used to left-hand-drive vehicles, mistakes often happen right after making turns at intersections. A helpful rule to remember is “tight left turns, wide right turns,” which helps ensure you enter the correct left-side lane.

Another difference is that the windshield wiper and turn signal controls are usually reversed. Before starting your trip, it is a good idea to practice using the controls in a parking area to avoid accidentally turning on the wipers when you intend to signal.

Although many roads in Hokkaido are wide, the roadside shoulder is typically reserved for emergency vehicles or snow clearance. Regular vehicles are not allowed to drive or park there for extended periods.

If you see a beautiful view and want to stop for photos, do not pull onto the shoulder. This is not only illegal but can also create a risk of rear-end collisions. Instead, look for designated emergency stopping areas or small roadside pull-offs where your vehicle can fully leave the main roadway before you step out to enjoy the scenery.

Intersections are where many traffic accidents occur. In Japan, pedestrians always have priority, followed by oncoming vehicles going straight and vehicles turning left. Drivers turning right must yield to these vehicles, and many accidents happen when cars attempt to turn right without waiting.

At intersections with low traffic volume, you may see flashing traffic signals. A flashing red light means you must come to a complete stop before proceeding. A flashing yellow light means you may proceed with caution while watching for other vehicles or pedestrians. These signals are especially common on rural roads in Hokkaido.

When driving through towns or cities, always follow the “pedestrians first” principle. Even if you have a green light, you must check for pedestrians before turning. If you see the red triangular “止まれ (Stop)” sign, the vehicle must come to a complete stop for at least three seconds before moving again. This rule is both a legal requirement and an important part of Japan’s road safety culture.

When driving in Hokkaido, you will likely notice many red-and-white markers with downward-pointing arrows hanging above the roadside. These are called “yahane.” They were originally installed to help drivers identify the edge of the road when snow covers the surface in winter, but they remain useful during summer as well.

Many rural roads in Hokkaido do not have curbs. These arrow markers help drivers understand the actual width of the road, preventing vehicles from drifting off the pavement or falling into roadside drainage ditches when passing other cars or navigating curves.

In addition to the standard road signs used across Japan, there are a few warnings that are particularly important to notice in Hokkaido. For example, the red inverted triangle sign indicates “Stop” (止まれ), which means drivers must come to a complete stop.

Because Hokkaido has abundant wildlife, you will also often see yellow diamond-shaped “Animal Crossing” signs. These may feature illustrations of Ezo deer or foxes, indicating that collisions with wildlife occur frequently in the area. When you see these signs, slow down and stay alert.

Although many road signs are similar to those used internationally, some signs in Japan display Japanese text only or have designs unique to the country. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the key ones before driving.

1. Stop
This sign means you must come to a complete stop before the sign or at the stop line. Do not simply slow down. The vehicle must stop fully so the driver can check for traffic before proceeding.

Japan uses an inverted triangle to indicate a stop sign. While some may include the English word “STOP,” many display only Japanese text. It is helpful to recognize the shape so you can identify the sign quickly while driving.

2. One-Way Street
This sign means vehicles may travel only in the direction indicated by the arrow. Entering from the opposite direction is not allowed.

Sometimes you will also see Japanese text under the sign reading “ここから,” which means the one-way restriction begins from that point onward.

3. No Entry
This sign is commonly placed at the exit of one-way streets. Vehicles are not allowed to enter from that direction. Ignoring the sign would result in driving against traffic, which can easily cause accidents.

A similar sign indicates “No Motor Vehicles,” which is often placed at pedestrian-only streets or areas where cars are not permitted.

4. No Entry Except in the Indicated Direction
This sign means vehicles may only proceed in the direction shown by the arrow and cannot travel in other directions. The arrows may point in different directions depending on the intersection.

Although it looks similar to the one-way sign, there is an important difference. This sign is circular, while one-way signs are rectangular. Paying attention to the shape of the sign can help you avoid confusion.

Summer sunlight in Hokkaido can be surprisingly strong, and cars parked outdoors can heat up quickly. Never leave children, pets, or flammable items such as lighters or power banks inside the vehicle.

In Japan, many parking areas require drivers to reverse into the space. When backing up, use your mirrors and backup camera carefully, and watch for pedestrians or children passing behind the car. If parking near sightseeing spots along the road, always check for signs indicating that parking is prohibited.

Hokkaido’s roads are wide, smooth, and often very straight, which can easily create the illusion that higher speeds are safe. On most general roads, the legal speed limit is typically 60 km/h, though it may drop to 40 or 50 km/h in urban areas or near schools.

Because many local drivers are familiar with the roads, they may travel faster than the posted limits. However, visitors should always follow the official speed limit signs. Police in Hokkaido frequently conduct mobile speed enforcement from hidden locations, so accelerating simply to keep up with surrounding traffic could result in an expensive ticket.

Wildlife is most active during early morning and evening in summer. If you spot a deer near the roadside, the first rule is to slow down and keep your distance. Deer often travel in groups, so seeing one usually means more may follow.

Second, avoid holding down the horn continuously. Loud noises can startle animals and cause them to freeze in the middle of the road.

Third, brake calmly and maintain control of the vehicle. If you are too close to avoid the animal, hold the steering wheel firmly and slow down in a straight line. Swerving sharply to avoid wildlife can cause the vehicle to spin, roll over, or enter the opposite lane.

When driving in Hokkaido, the distance between sightseeing spots can easily exceed two hours. Because the scenery along highways can appear repetitive, drivers may experience visual fatigue without realizing it.

A good rule is to take a break at least every 90 minutes. Even if you do not feel tired, stop at a roadside rest area or convenience store to stretch and refresh yourself. Keeping the cabin well ventilated and listening to light music can also help maintain alertness and reduce the risk of fatigue-related mistakes while driving.

Hokkaido is vast, and when driving toward eastern Hokkaido or mountainous areas, gas stations can sometimes be separated by dozens of kilometers. Because of this, experienced drivers follow a simple rule: refuel frequently.

A practical guideline is to stop for fuel whenever your tank drops to around half and you pass a gas station, often marked “SS” in Japan. Avoid assuming that the next station will be closer or more convenient. In remote areas, the next opportunity to refuel may be much farther away than expected.

Many gas stations in Japan are self-service. When using one, start by selecting your payment method on the screen, then choose the fuel type.

For most passenger cars, select the red-labeled “Regular” (レギュラー) gasoline option. Before pumping fuel, touch the static electricity discharge pad provided at the station. After filling up, return the nozzle and collect your receipt and any change.

If you are renting a camper van or a larger vehicle, confirm with the rental company whether the car uses gasoline or diesel before leaving the rental office.

Hokkaido has the largest number of “Michi-no-Eki” roadside stations in Japan. These facilities offer clean restrooms, free rest areas, and often feature local specialties and regional foods, making them excellent stops during long drives.

Because some sightseeing spots in Hokkaido have vague or difficult-to-search addresses, using Mapcode navigation can also be very helpful. By entering a short numeric code into your car’s navigation system, you can reach specific destinations accurately, including scenic viewpoints in Biei or lesser-known rural attractions.

If you are involved in a collision or accident while driving, the first priority is safety. Turn on your hazard lights and place a warning triangle behind your vehicle to alert other drivers.

Next, call the police by dialing 110. If anyone is injured, call 119 for emergency medical assistance. Even if the accident is minor, you must still report it to the police. Without an official accident report issued by the police, insurance companies will not process compensation claims.

After contacting the authorities, notify your rental car company and follow the instructions provided by their staff for the next steps.

When reserving a rental car in Japan, it is strongly recommended to purchase full insurance coverage. CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) reduces or eliminates the driver’s financial responsibility for vehicle damage or property damage caused in an accident.

Another important coverage is NOC (Non-Operation Charge). This fee compensates the rental company for lost business while the damaged vehicle is being repaired. Because driving conditions in Hokkaido can include wildlife crossings and long rural roads, choosing comprehensive coverage (often called a “full protection” or “peace of mind” package) can prevent unexpected expenses if an accident occurs.

After learning these practical tips for driving in Hokkaido, you might already be excited to start planning your road trip. The first step is choosing a reliable vehicle with solid insurance coverage.

By using the link below, you can access a special discount when booking with Nippon Rent-A-Car. It’s an easy way to reduce transportation costs and enjoy your Hokkaido journey with greater peace of mind.

Hokkaido’s summer scenery is absolutely worth exploring by car. At the same time, enjoying the journey safely requires self-discipline and respect for local driving rules. From keeping to the left side of the road to staying alert for wildlife that may suddenly appear, a little preparation and careful attention will help ensure your road trip becomes one of the most memorable experiences of your travels.

If you plan to rent a larger RV or camper van, remember to check parking height restrictions and wastewater disposal rules in advance. With proper planning, your Hokkaido road trip can be both exciting and smooth from start to finish.

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