22 itemsLatest information on Japan's traffic rules, licenses, and public transport
Dec 30, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027: Hokkaido Shinkansen trains passing the Seikan Tunnel before about 3:30 p.m. run at 260 km/h instead of 160 km/h, cutting travel time by five minutes. Check which trains qualify.
Japan's MLIT approved JTA on Oct 23, 2026 to operate at congested Osaka (Itami) Airport: Itami–Naha, two round trips a day on a Boeing 737-800, starting Oct 25.
MLIT approved Japan's winter 2026 international flight schedule (Oct 25–Mar 27): 6,094.5 flights a week, down 2%. China routes drop 49%; 11 new routes open.
From Monday, October 19, 2026, Japan's MLIT extends the choice-plate system to small (over 250cc) and light (126–250cc) motorcycles. Apply online or at a counter; fees run ¥2,500–3,000 per plate, with popular numbers assigned by lottery.
Japan's amended Regional Public Transport Revitalization Act takes effect on October 16, 2026. MLIT issued the enforcement rules, a basic policy and a mobility data guideline on September 18 to close transport gaps.
Japan's MLIT is running a heavy-vehicle wheel detachment prevention campaign from October 2026 to February 2027. FY2025 saw 128 cases, up 8 from the previous year: about half in November–January, over half within a month of a tire change, and over 90% at the left rear wheel.
Japan's autumn national traffic safety campaign runs September 21-30, 2026. Police focus on pedestrian reflectors, early headlights, drink-driving and phone use, plus bicycle and e-scooter rules — now backed by the bicycle fixed-penalty system in force since April 2026.
Japan's National Police Agency runs its autumn road safety campaign from September 21 to 30, 2026. Pedestrian deaths become the largest category from October, and fatal crashes at dusk run about 1.7 times summer levels. Three focus areas apply.
Japan's MLIT published draft amendments to the Road Vehicle Safety Standards ordinance and its detailed notification on Aug 21, 2026. Public comments are open until 23:00 on Sept 20 (case no. 155260927).
On Sept 3, 2026 Japan's National Police Agency released an expert panel report on the driving skills test for drivers aged 75+. It proposes adding a "direction change" maneuver, a "failure to check safety" penalty, and heavier points for running a stop line. Here is what foreign residents should know.
From September 2026, speed limit on residential roads without center lines drops from 60km/h to 30km/h. Motor-vehicle default speed; posted speed limits take priority.
Japan's Kyushu Transport Bureau is accepting public comments from Aug 10 to Aug 24, 2026 on Minami-Aso Railway's application to change its passenger fare cap. We explain how the fare-cap approval system works, how to read the application PDF, and how to submit an opinion.
Announced by Japan's MLIT on July 17, 2026. Rental car crashes by foreign drivers rose from 47 (2020) to 212 (2025), with right-turn crashes about 2.7× the Japanese rate. Colored pavement, rubber poles and KEEP LEFT signs roll out near New Chitose, Fukuoka and Naha airports.
Japan's NCAC warned on July 1, 2026 about severe child injuries from car power windows: 2 cases confirmed in 3 years, and only 2 of 7 tested cars had anti-pinch on all seats.
Effective April 1, 2026. Traffic fine system introduced for bicycles. Smartphone use: ¥12,000, running red lights: ¥6,000.
Highway late-night ETC discount (30% off) narrowed from 10 PM–6 AM to 12 AM–4 AM. Effectively a price increase for rental car tourists and long-distance drivers.
Vehicle Environmental Performance Tax fully abolished on March 31, 2026. Tax burden reduced by up to ~¥90,000 when purchasing new or used cars. Benefits foreign residents buying vehicles in Japan.
Effective October 1, 2025. Foreign license conversion test expanded 10→50 questions, pass mark 70→90%. Residence certificate required; tourists cannot convert.
From April 1, 2025, 125cc-class bikes with power capped at 4.0kW became "new-standard mopeds" you can ride on a moped license. Tighter emission rules make 50cc engines hard to build, so domestic 50cc production ends in late October 2025. Traffic rules stay the same as before.
From March 24, 2025, Japan launched the "My Number Driver's License," combining your license into your My Number Card. Excellent and general drivers can take renewal courses online, and address changes finish at the city office alone. Opt-in.
Oversized luggage (over 160cm total) on Shinkansen requires advance reservation. ¥1,000 fee without reservation. Easy booking via SmartEX app.
MLIT's 6 Oct 2026 guideline aims to stop underpass flooding accidents: close roads before water rises, block vehicles from entering, fail-safe design.