Driving Tips Japanese Features Society and Customs

Driving Tips in Japan

When you first drive in Japan, you may feel awkward driving on "the wrong side (i.e., left side)" of the street.  Have you felt this way before?  

Even after getting used to it, you have to improve your driving skills because the streets in Japan are narrower than those in the US.  Moreover, traffic congestion is probably beyond your imagination.  You have to cross a lot of bridges, which slow the flow of traffic, and stop at intersections after every few miles of driving.

This Picture Resembles One Scene in the Movie "All About Lily Chu-Chu"

There is a good way to avoid traffic congestion.  You could drive on much narrower streets, which are called "uramichi" literally meaning back streets in Japanese. 
These streets are not one-way but too narrow for two cars (heading in opposite directions) to barely pass each other. 

However, if you are familiar with these “uramichi,” you can keep driving without being disturbed by traffic lights.  You might say that driving is dangerous and requires aggressive attitudes on such streets.  Don’t worry! Japanese drivers are generally well-mannered.  They will let you in when you have to merge into another street.  Or, at the intersections without a traffic light, they will yield to you.

However, you have to learn a small but important tip to successfully maneuver your car on "uramichi."  You have to acknowledge the kindness of these drivers by putting your palm up, nodding, and sometimes lightly honking.

You should also blink the hazard lamp for a second to show your gratitude for being let in.  Once you automatically follow these “unwritten” rules, you have become an expert driver in Japan.