Crazy Taxi Video-Game Based on Japanese Driving Test!
Just kidding!!!
But if you’re from a small town as I am, the idea of driving in Japan is pretty intimidating. First off, there are millions of people and literally, thousands of cars on the roads at any given time. Japan is a busy place and often, folks are in a hurry to get where they’re going. The impact of a rushed society on traffic can be absolutely harrowing. Not to mention the hordes of pedestrians crossing the roads, as well as sharing the streets with motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles.
Last year, I took this video of a street crossing in Shibuya. I was waiting for friends in a Starbucks coffee shop right across the street from the infamous Shibuya station where the statue of Hackiko, the faithful dog sits at the exit.
As you can see, there’s a lot to contend with while driving in Japan and it can be quite an undertaking. Not surprisingly, most foreign visitors rely on walking and public transportation rather than renting a vehicle to drive themselves. If you are amongst the brave of heart, however, you can apply for an International Driving Permit in the U.S. which gives you permission to drive in Japan.
The International Driving Permit, or IDP, is essentially proof that you possess a valid drivers license in your home country. It is a document translated into 11 languages that allows traffic authorities in other countries to read the content of your drivers license. The IDP must be carried in conjunction with your U.S. drivers license and is accepted by nearly 180 countries across the world.
For “just in case” purposes, I purchased the international driving permit but thankfully, never had to use it. The process was simple and simple is good. I downloaded the IDP application from the AAA website and took it, along with 2 passport sized photos and my Florida state drivers license, to my local AAA office. The fee for the service was $15.00 and took less than 15 minutes to complete. You walk out with your signed IDP in hand with advice to carry it along with your passport which should be carried on your person at all times while you are in Japan.
Now you’re ready to drive if you need to. Just be aware the Japanese drive on the left side of the road. The maximum speed on local roads is usually around 60 kph (37mph) or less, while highways/expressways vary from 80-100 kph (50-62mph). There are no left turns at a red light in Japan as may be the case in other countries.
While on the whole, drivers are courteous in Japan, there have been cases of boso-zoku (crazy drivers) who continue through intersections even after a red light. Be cautious and do not follow suit. As for signage, traffic signs in bigger cities can ususally be deciphered with ease but those in the country-side can be a little more difficult. Regardless of the ease of understanding of the signs, however, remember you have the added pressure of driving on the opposite of the road than what you are used to as well as to paying close attention to intricately networked streets. The pressue can be immense. Be careful.
The international drivers permit is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase so mine is still good for my upcoming trip. I think, however, I will stick to trains, metros, walking and the ocassional taxi cab to navigate my way around the city.
To those of you brave enough to hop in a car and chauffer yourselves, remember … taking out a pedestrian is worth 50 points. Oh wait … sorry … that’s only in the (Crazy Taxi) game.
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