Does Japan Drive on the Left or Right Side?
2 Answers
Japan follows the left-hand traffic rule. The practice of driving on the left in Japan dates back to the Edo period. During the Edo era, many roads in Japan were narrow, making it difficult for samurai to pass through easily. Additionally, most samurai carried their swords on their left waist. If they walked on the right side, their swords would clash with oncoming pedestrians when passing by, which gradually led to the adoption of left-hand traffic. Other countries that drive on the left include: The United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Malta, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Nauru, Jamaica, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and others, primarily Commonwealth countries. Originally, the driver's seat in cars was positioned in the center of the vehicle. Soon after, some automakers placed the driver's seat on the side closer to the center of the road to better observe oncoming traffic, while others placed it on the side closer to the roadside to avoid collisions with obstacles like walls, hedges, or ditches. Practical experience showed that the former approach was more conducive to road safety, which became the standard for automakers. This led to the distinction between left-hand drive (driver's seat on the left front) and right-hand drive (driver's seat on the right front) vehicles. The side of the road on which vehicles drive depends on the long-standing traffic rules of each country, resulting in more detailed and strict road traffic regulations. Many countries have legally defined the direction of vehicle traffic.
As someone who frequently shares automotive knowledge, I can confidently say that Japan is a strict left-hand traffic country, with the steering wheel on the right side, similar to the UK and Australia. This originated from British influence in the 19th century when the Meiji government introduced Western traffic systems and adopted left-hand traffic rules. Left-hand driving may be safer because most people are right-hand dominant, making it more convenient for drivers to operate the gearshift with their right hand. If you plan to drive in Japan, be sure to rent a vehicle with a right-hand steering wheel and remember to keep to the left side of the lane. When crossing the street, look right first and then left. Overall, Japan's road traffic is highly efficient, with clear road signs and a low accident rate. I recommend reading some driving guides before your trip to familiarize yourself with the rules.
