Driving in Japan for PL

[rainforest]

Hi all,
Lady just got a lic, wanted to self drive for one day in Japan for sightseeing kym? Problem is parking - not very good, still practising. So far no self- driving experience. Thanks.

 

[xtwis7]

It’s not advisable given your limited driving experience.

Which parts of Japan do you intend to go that requires driving? Self driving would mean there’s no group to share some of the costs so train+bus might be even more efficient.

 

[rainforest]

rent in kanazawa to wajima. 4 gals, one of them driver. Thanks.

 

[thwysg]

rent in kanazawa to wajima. 4 gals, one of them driver. Thanks.

Why not just take the sightseeing bus? They run daily from Kanazawa.
http://www.hokutetsu.co.jp/media/en/EN_Hokutetsu_pamphlet.pdf

 

[rainforest]

For convenient. Bus can go to only 4 places, they want 6 places. Buses infrequent and wajima is a ulu place. Thanks.

 

[thwysg]

For convenient. Bus can go to only 4 places, they want 6 places. Buses infrequent and wajima is a ulu place. Thanks.

If you ladies wanted to take such risks, nobody would stop you. It’s your choice and your life.

 

[wwwsquallcom]

It is still possible to drive in rural areas. Just avoid the expressway where the speed is insane.

Try a smaller vehicle so that the length and width is comfortable for maneuvering in narrow lanes in small town or countryside. Also there are no U-turn in Japan. If you miss a turn, you may have to move into smaller road to do a 3-5 point turn before moving back to the main lane.

Most of the time there is only a single lane and do not be stress by vehicles following behind you. Continue driving at the speed limit and there are alot of side pockets along for you to stop inside to allow other faster vehicles to pass.

Don't be over confident when approaching bends especially when going down slope.

 

[Morugana]

Take note traffic junction do not have turn right arrow.

So proceed right with caution

 

[Eighty7]

Hi all,
Lady just got a lic, wanted to self drive for one day in Japan for sightseeing kym? Problem is parking - not very good, still practising. So far no self- driving experience. Thanks.

Even a seasoned driver like me who been driving for 16 years would exercise caution when driving . My last trip to japan involved driving in rain and fog plus winding mountain roads. Like what others say go ahead if you’re in the mood to YOLO , or else consider other alternative .

Not forgetting driving from city to city can take hours the fatigue = additional risk

 

[darkmatt]

its tiring for solo driver..

I did it before and by the 3rd day, I needed more frequent stops.

 

[RyanJ]

not recommended really.

anyway pls drive and practice more in sg, get IDP in sg first before heading japan.

get all possible rental insurance covered.

do not plan for long drives. If gps shows 30 mins, give urself double the time. do not jam pack the schedule for the day

If can rent same vehicle as u drive in sg would be best. test drive the vehicle, some cars have a different start sequence. test the brakes + manual/electronic handbrakes signals lights turning if the pickup is within a carpark. Make sure u know how to use the gps, on off cruise control, install waze/google map on phone as backup navigation. Do not mix up diesel/petrol.

(esp) the front passenger needs to stay extra alert and help the driver.

drive defensively