Whether you're traveling to Kumamoto to enjoy the scenic beauty of Aso or other parts of Kumamoto, or on a business trip to TSMC (JASM), driving is the most convenient way to travel. However, switching from left-hand drive in Taiwan to right-hand drive in Japan requires attention to many customs and regulations. Ignoring these details can easily lead to traffic violations and tickets, affecting your travel experience and potentially causing danger. Today, Mova Villa has compiled a driving guide specifically for Taiwanese travelers!
I. Essentials Before Departure: A Checklist of Documents for Taiwanese People
Before getting into the driver's seat, please make sure you have all the documents at hand. Unlike other countries, Taiwanese travelers are using a "Japanese translation" rather than an international driving permit.
- Taiwanese driver's license translated into Japanese: Please apply at your local motor vehicle office. Note: This is not an international driving permit; international driving permits are not valid for Taiwanese citizens in Japan.
- Original Taiwanese driver's license: Car rental companies usually check the original driver's license for comparison, so please make sure the original is valid.
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Original passport: Required for vehicle identification verification.
II. Driving Differences Between Taiwan and Japan: Correcting Habits First
In Japan, driving is on the left, which is the opposite of Taiwan. Here are the three key mistakes that Taiwanese drivers most often make:
1. Make a tight left turn and a wide right turn.
This is the simplest rule for switching between left and right driving. In Taiwan, right turns are slight bends, while in Japan, left turns are slight bends. When turning at an intersection, always remind yourself to "keep to the left" to avoid merging into the oncoming lane.
2. Swap the positions of the turn signals and windshield wipers.
In Japanese cars, the turn signal stalk is usually on the right. Taiwanese drivers often accidentally turn on the windshield wipers when turning. It's recommended that after picking up the car, if the rental company has a parking lot, you practice turning in there to build muscle memory.
3. Turning right on a red light is strictly prohibited.
In Japan, a red light means absolute stop . Unless there is a green arrow at the intersection, please stop behind the stop line.
III. Easily Overlooked Unspoken Rules of Traffic in Japan
Besides the hardware operations, some of Japan's traffic logic is less familiar to Taiwanese people:
1. A momentary stop must be a complete stillness.
Upon seeing the red triangle or the "stop" sign on the ground, the vehicle must come to a complete stop for 3 seconds, and may only proceed after confirming that there are no vehicles on either side. Even simply slowing down and coasting (Rolling Stop) can result in being pulled over and ticketed by the police in Japan.
2. Pedestrians have absolute priority.
In recent years, pedestrian priority has become increasingly common in Taiwan. However, in Japan, pedestrians have always been the absolute first priority. When turning, vehicles must maintain a safe distance and come to a complete stop when encountering pedestrians crossing the street. Do not continue to move slowly while waiting for pedestrians, as is done in Taiwan; this is considered extremely rude and a violation of traffic rules.
3. Flashing hazard lights indicate gratitude.
This is a traffic custom not found in Taiwan. In Japan, when a vehicle yields to you, the driver should remember to flash their hazard lights 2-3 times to say "thank you." This is a unique Japanese driving etiquette. Conversely, if you yield to another driver and see them flash their hazard lights a few times, please remember that it's a polite way of thanking them!
IV. The Challenges of Driving in Kumamoto: Parking is Key
In recent years, Kumamoto has experienced increased traffic congestion due to the TSMC effect, especially for large MPVs (such as Alphard) that are often rented by group tours, making parking in the city a major challenge.
- Restrictions at downtown restaurants: Most downtown restaurants offer mechanical parking spaces, which have height restrictions and are slow to operate, often leaving large vehicles with no parking spaces available.
- MOVA Villa's advantages: Our villas located in Hezhi, Otsu, Haramizu, and Okino all feature large, private surface parking spaces. This eliminates the hassle of searching for a parking spot; simply get out of your car and enter the villa.
V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Self-Driving Travelers
Q1: Do Taiwanese people need to exchange for an international driving permit to drive in Japan?
A: No, it's not necessary. Although Japan announced on October 1, 2025, that "short-term tourists" would no longer be able to renew their driver's licenses, there are still six countries with which Japan has a " reciprocal driver's license agreement," and Taiwan is one of them. Therefore, we can simply use the original Taiwanese driver's license plus a Japanese translation.
Q2: Is an ETC points card required for renting a car in Japan?
A: I highly recommend renting one. Using ETC not only allows you to avoid queuing to pay cash at highway toll booths, but also gives you early bird and late-night discounts.
Q3: Is it convenient to drive from MOVA Villa to TSMC (JASM)?
A: Very convenient. MOVA Villa's villas in the Harumi and Otsu areas are only about a 5-10 minute drive from JASM, making them suitable for business trips or long-term rentals.
Q4: Is there an extra charge for parking spaces at MOVA Villa?
A: No. Parking is provided free of charge for any villa at MOVA Villa, and there is plenty of space, making it ideal for travelers with cars.
Start your Kumamoto road trip now!
Make your Kumamoto trip feel more like home by booking a MOVA Villa with a large kitchen and free parking.
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