A Complete Guide To Japanese Road Signs Meanings And Usage

Driving in Japan can be a unique experience, especially when it comes to navigating the country's road signs. While many signs follow international standards, there are distinct differences and nuances that foreign drivers should be aware of to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Types of Japanese Road Signs

Japanese road signs are categorized into four main types: regulatory, warning, instruction, and guide signs. Each type serves a specific purpose and is designed to guide drivers and pedestrians safely through the roads.

Regulatory Signs

Regulatory signs inform drivers of traffic laws and regulations that must be obeyed. These signs are typically circular with thick red borders or blue with thin white edges.

Stop and Slow Down Signs: These signs are triangular with a white background and a thick red border. The "stop" sign is written in Japanese as "止まれ" (tomare) and is displayed on an inverted equilateral triangle, differing from the octagonal shape used in many other countries.
Exclusion Signs: Examples include roads closed to all vehicles, no buses, no trucks, bicycles only, and weight, height, and width limits. These signs are circular with white backgrounds and thick red borders or blue with thin white edges.
Turn Signs: Circular signs indicating the direction of turns, either blue with thin white borders or white with thick red edges.
Restriction Signs: Include speed limits, one-way streets, and lane usage signs like bus or bike lanes. Speed limit signs are circular with white backgrounds and thick red borders.
Parking and Stopping Signs: No stopping or no parking signs are blue with thick red borders. Blue parking signs with white markings indicate the type of parking required.

Warning Signs

Warning signs alert drivers to potential dangers ahead. These signs are diamond-shaped with thin black borders and black patterns, symbols, and pictograms.

T-Junction Ahead: Indicates an upcoming T-shaped intersection.
Sharp Curves: Warns of sharp turns in the road.
Winding Roads: Indicates roads with multiple curves.
Slippery or Bumpy Roads: Alerts drivers to road surfaces that may be slippery or uneven.
Railway Crossing: A yellow rhombus with a locomotive image, warning drivers of an upcoming railway crossing.

Instruction Signs

Instruction signs provide additional information to help drivers navigate the roads. These signs can be complex and may contain too much text, making them challenging to decipher, especially for foreign drivers.

Directional Signs: Indicate specific hours when certain streets can or cannot be used by vehicles. These signs can be difficult to read while driving.
Guide Signs: Large blue signs indicating different destinations, which can be overwhelming, especially in big cities like Tokyo.

Guide Signs

Guide signs indicate directions or distances of the road. These signs have dark green backgrounds for expressways and dark blue backgrounds for urban areas and national highways. They are typically written in both Japanese and English.

Expressway Signs: Indicate directions, exits, and distances on expressways.
National Highway Signs: Show directions and distances on national highways.
Street Name Signs: Indicate the names of streets and intersections.

Common Road Signs to Know

Understanding the following common road signs is crucial for safe driving in Japan:

No Entry (One-Way Exit)

Red Circle with White Horizontal Line: Indicates a no-entry lane for vehicles, often found at the exit of one-way streets.

Only Designated Direction(s) Permitted

Blue Circle with White Arrow: Indicates that vehicles can only proceed in the direction(s) shown by the arrow.

No Parking or Stopping

Red Circle with Blue Background and Diagonal Red Line: Indicates that no parking is allowed, but brief stopping is permissible. A cross symbol on this sign means both parking and stopping are prohibited.

Road Closed and Closed to Motor Vehicles

Red Circle with White Background and Two Diagonal Lines: Indicates the road is closed to all vehicles and pedestrians. A single diagonal line indicates the road is closed to vehicles but not pedestrians.

Maximum Speed

Red Circle with White Background and Blue Number: Indicates the maximum speed allowed, which is in kilometers per hour (km/h).

Railway Crossing Ahead

Yellow Rhombus with Locomotive Image: Warns drivers of an upcoming railway crossing. Drivers must stop before crossing and ensure it is safe to proceed.

Navigating Japanese Road Signs

Challenges for Foreign Drivers

Language Barrier: Many signs are written in Japanese, which can be challenging for foreign drivers who do not read the language.
Unfamiliar Shapes: Signs like the "stop" and "slow down" signs have unique shapes that differ from those in other countries.

Use Car Navigation Systems: Essential for navigating complex road signs and directions, especially in large cities.
Familiarize Yourself with Key Signs: Knowing the most common signs will significantly aid in ensuring safety and ease of navigation.
Maintain Awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings and follow local traffic customs and speed limits.

Additional Considerations

Road Markings

In addition to road signs, road markings in Japan can also be confusing if you don't know what they mean. These markings often complement the signs and provide additional guidance.

Bilingual Signs

Since 2017, many signs, including "stop" and "slow" signs, have been bilingual, featuring both Japanese and English text. However, older signs may still have only Japanese characters.

Local Traffic Customs

Respecting local traffic customs and prioritizing safety in unfamiliar situations is crucial for a smooth driving experience in Japan.