How to Get an ETC Card in Japan
Oct 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
To pay the expressway tolls in Japan, it helps to have an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card. This allows you to make automatic cashless payments instead of needing to stop at tollbooths and pay in cash. There are even special lanes at the tolls for holders of ETC cards, which...[ Click to read more ]
Big Traffic Brother Is Watching You
Aug 30, 2023 By Justin Hanus
In many places the eternal battle between motorist and traffic cop is carried on like a game of cat and mouse with law enforcement lying in wait for its prey undetected behind a billboard or at the bottom of a hill. Not so in Japan where the task is turned...[ Click to read more ]
Rental Cars in Tokyo and Yokohama
Apr 13, 2020 By Admin
A car is an excellent way of taking full advantage of your life in Japan and seeing everything the country has to offer. [spacer height="5px"] [spacer height="5px"] www.leasejapan.com
How to Get Your Car Inspected in Japan
Apr 22, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Over the years, we’ve told you about the process of getting a driver’s license and buying cars and motorcycles in Japan, but we’ve never gone into detail on the inspection and taxation process that all vehicle owners must deal with every two years or less. It can be a real...[ Click to read more ]
Buying a Car & Driving in Kobe
Jul 30, 2018 By Justin Hanus
Having a car gives you a great way of traveling around Japan. Although the country has a very good public transport system, this mainly serves the major cities. If you want the flexibility to travel further afield and see some of the country's spectacular countryside, it's better to do it...[ Click to read more ]
Traffic Congestion Monitoring Sites for Japan
Dec 27, 2017 By Admin
If you are traveling around Japan you may find these sites interesting. Using these sites you can see areas of congestion on expressways in real time, in English! global.c-nexco.co.jp/en/jam en-www.drivetraffic.jp/smp/realtime_map.html Image courtesy of Jimi Okelana
Safe Driving Tips for Winter in Japan
Dec 20, 2016 By Jason Gatewood
Driving in Japan presents its own set of challenges, especially for those used to roads and traffic “back home.” The most obvious challenge for many is that the traffic moves on the left side of the road instead of the right, but in addition we must get used to sudden...[ Click to read more ]
Using Jumper Cables
Aug 27, 2015 By
If your battery dies you may be able to use jumper cables to jump start it using another vehicle. This guide will give you an idea of how to use jumper cables in an emergency, but you should refer to your car’s and the cable’s manufacturer’s guides for specific instructions...[ Click to read more ]
Buying Gasoline in Japan
Aug 25, 2015 By Ray Proper
Got a car? You are going to need gas! This is a basic guide to buying gas in Japan. Most stations around Japan are "full-service," so the staff will come to you and fill your tank, but you can also find "self-service" stations where you do it all yourself. Buying...[ Click to read more ]
No Spare – Using a Puncture Repair Kit to Fix a Flat Tire
Feb 04, 2014 By Ray Proper
In recent years, many Japanese Car Manufacturers have struggled with interior designs trying to get more space for more driver/passenger comfort. The Japanese consumers put more and more pressure on the manufacturers to come up with more space for luggage, more comfort, more power, and less fuel costs. One of...[ Click to read more ]
