What is the speed limit on Japanese highways?
3 Answers
Japan's highways have a maximum speed limit of 100km/h. Here are the specific speed limits on Japanese roads: 1. National highways: The general maximum speed limit on national highways is 60km/h. 2. Highways: Due to terrain reasons, the road conditions on highways are often not as good as those in China, with a maximum speed limit of 100km/h. The highways are narrower compared to those in China. Japan's highway tolls are also very high. 3. General roads: The speed limit on general roads is 60km/h. In residential areas, the speed limit is 30km/h.
Having driven on Japanese highways for many years, I know the speed limit is usually 100 kilometers per hour. This isn't uniform, as some areas like mountainous regions or roads with many curves reduce it to 80 kilometers per hour, mainly to control accident rates. Based on my experience, Japanese road facilities are excellent but traffic is dense, and the speed limits are reasonable to ensure everyone's safety. I recommend using the cruise control feature to avoid speeding and always pay attention to roadside signs, as some sections change quickly, such as lower speed limits at night. Speeding fines are frighteningly high, starting from 20,000 yen, and may also result in penalty points. I remember once on the Kyushu Expressway, I almost got caught by a speed camera because I wasn't paying attention to my speed—a lesson learned the hard way. Follow the rules; don't think driving fast saves time. Safety comes first. The highway system is strictly managed and more driver-friendly. Regularly check your speedometer, and developing good habits can help avoid risks.
As a new driver, I went on a self-driving tour in Japan shortly after getting my license. The highway speed limit there is 100 kilometers per hour, which is different from the urban roads I practiced on during driving lessons. Beginners need to be careful not to exceed the speed limit, and GPS apps were a great help, displaying real-time speed limit reminders. In some areas like mountain roads, the speed limit drops to 80, so you need to adjust your driving speed to prevent accidents. Speed limits are set based on scientific grounds to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. If you drive too fast, fines can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen, which is really not worth it and can also affect your driving record. I think as a beginner, following the rules is most important—don’t listen to others who say you can get away with it. Always watch for changes in road signs, stay focused, and driving slower is always better than running into trouble.
