As the number of foreign drivers grows, Japan spreads awareness of road rules

Traffic in Osaka. From usage rules for expressways to drinking and driving laws, Japan is aiming to raise awareness among foreign motorists. | BLOOMBERG

Sep 22, 2026

When foreign visitors hit the road in Japan, they are often looking for an efficient, memorable way to get around the country. But even the best experiences can be upended by unwittingly violating Japanese traffic rules.

Amid a tourism boom and an increasing number of foreign residents, authorities and highway operators are naturally seeing a rising number of traffic incidents involving foreign nationals, ranging from minor violations to fatal crashes.

In 2025, there were 587 car accidents that resulted in serious injuries and deaths in which foreign drivers were at fault or mostly at fault, up from 392 in 2015.

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