Left Not Right

Average roadway

Driving or being a passenger in Japan is not for the faint of heart. Although on the local roads speeds are generally only set around 30 to 50 kms the roads are narrow and are not only busy with vehicle traffic but also people walking and lots of bikes. Most of the roads we have been driving on we would not consider wide enough for one vehicle much less two. The narrow roads and blind corners make for some interesting moments when getting around. Yesterday when coming back from a meeting at City Hall, we were about to go around a sharp corner only to find another vehicle coming at us doing the same thing. The other vehicle had to continue forward a little on the previous road so we had enough road to get past. With a guard rail on one side, a drop off on the other and one narrow strip of road, there really wasn't another option. The second driver than had to reverse to make the turn once the road was clear.

Mirrors to see oncoming traffic

On the narrow roads there are mirrors at the end of the road or on tight corners showing the road leading off in the opposite direction. This allows you to see if there is a oncoming car or if the road is clear to drive. Turns are tight and the vehicle we have been using has scraps on the sides from getting too close to the side of the road or a guard rail on a few occasions. At the intersections the road is also painted with lines letting you know if you are turn left, turn right or go straight. Some intersections may only allow you to turn one way or another.

Many visitors to Japan are often surprised how small and compact the vehicles are here. It is like everyone is driving a version of the Northern American Smart Car. You only need to spend on day driving around and realize why. The smaller the car, the easier it is to get around on the narrow roads and also find parking. The compact car also is more efficient to gas. The use of a small car also explains why most products (including groceries) are often delivered directly to the home since there is minimal room for items in the car.

Parking infront of a home

Parking is at a premium no matter where you go, even at the house so having a small car allows you to tuck it away in a tight location. Due to how tight much of the parking is, the mirrors on the car automatic fold in. The car we have been using is equipped with a UPS system and a TV! In North America we have an option of listening to the radio or music from a CD or portable devise while driving, in Japan, many cars have a TV in the front dashboard. When you are driving, you can listen to the TV and when you stop, the TV screen is engaged where the GPS screen is and you can watch. It passes the time while you are waiting at traffic lights. The Japanese love TV – the TV in the home I am staying is on from first thing in the morning until the end of the day.

Although purchasing a vehicle in Japan would be considered cheap, owning and operating one is not. Most of the highways are toll road cost those driving on them pay about $0.50 per kilometer for the expressway and $1.00 per kilometer for crossing long bridges. Japan has an extensive public transit system of trains and buses. The majority of people use public transit for getting around. With cars being driven on the left side of the road, the narrow streets and multiple traffic and road signs in Japanese – public transit works for me!!

Stop sign