You must stop the car at the stop line before the intersection, not before the traffic signal. At the red light, you can not go straight or turn left. Even at the red light, you may proceed to the direction of the green arrow light.
In Japan, no car is in principle allowed to turn left when a traffic light is red. You also cannot turn right when the light is red. However, you can move in the direction indicated with a green arrow even if there is also a red light.
So red was acceptable for a temple, a toaster or a flag but taboo for men's clothing. Red was a “forbidden colour”. “Forbidden Colours”. That was the title of a British pop song in the 1980s inspired by a Yukio Mishima novel of the same name.
All cars must stop when the traffic light in front of them turns red, and are not permitted to go until the light turns green. This includes vehicles traveling straight ahead, as well as vehicles turning left.
While Japan drives on the left and most Japanese vehicles are RHD, imported vehicles (e.g. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche) are generally bought as LHD since LHD cars are considered to be status symbols.
In Tokyo, and many other parts of Japan, it's illegal to leave your motor running when parked, and the law applies not only to taxis but also to trucks, buses and regular passenger cars.
These are not laws but it's always good to be respectful of the cultural norms in the country you are visiting: —japanese people typically do not wear sunglasses mainly because it can be perceived as being untrustworthy or shady.
Other precautions. (1) Fire hazards such as lighters and tobacco are strictly prohibited! Gasoline vapor will blow from your gas port as you fill, and any gas drips or spills will cause large amounts of gasoline vapor. Never smoke or use lighters (including the cigarette lighter in your vehicle).
Bright colors and accessories are seen as unprofessional, so it's best to keep it conservative. However, when wearing black in Japan—especially a black suit to a business occasion—never pair it with a white shirt, black tie, and black dress shoes.
Red in Japan is bold, bright, and full of life. It's a color that screams energy, passion, and happiness. Throughout history, red has been seen as a powerful force to protect against evil spirits, so you'll often spot red torii gates at the entrance to shrines.
Travelers can wear shorts in hot weather, but don't wear cut-offs, board shorts, etc. Most Japanese women don't show their shoulders, belly or cleavage.
Unlike in the United Kingdom, for example, where pedestrians are free to make their own judgment on whether it's safe to cross the road, Japan has strict laws on jaywalking. The penalties for ignoring traffic signals, including pedestrian crossing lights, are up to three months in prison and a fine of ¥50,000.
Most of us have probably driven with the fuel light on before, but few have an accurate idea of how many miles we can go before the engine cuts out. A good rule of thumb is that, in most cars, you have roughly 50 miles left when the light comes on.
When traveling in Japan, especially if you're in one of the big cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, you'll generally have no problem not speaking Japanese at all. There are usually English signs all over train stations and airports.
Are Tattoos Illegal in Japan? While some view tattoos as an art form, the Japanese government, on the other hand, does not. Although they may not be illegal, tattoos are often associated with the Yakuza, a Japanese gang that covers their entire body with tattoos.
While Japan doesn't have a specific law banning public photography, the legal landscape is more complex than you might think: People who feel their privacy has been violated can take legal action against photographers. Sharing photos online without permission can land you in hot water.
While maintaining eye contact is positively evaluated by Western Europeans, it is not the case with people of East Asian cultural backgrounds [27]. In fact, in Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful.
For example, Okinawans repeat a 2,500-year-old mantra "Hara hachi bu” before meals, which reminds them to eat mindfully and stop eating when their stomachs are 80% full. That's called the 80% Rule, which can help reduce calories, prevent weight gain, and avoid chronic diseases.
What is the 1/3 rule? Where are they used? A Japanese custom that began in the 1990s. In order to prevent products with expired dates from lining up in stores, the idea was that “manufacturers,” “retailers,” and “consumers” divided their expiration dates by “1/3”.
Uber is available in Japan and works in Japan's major cities. Taxi GO is Japan's largest ride hailing app (with over 80% market share) and it's available in English. Ride sharing is not legal in Japan, so these apps work with existing taxi companies (they're more like taxi-hailing apps in Japan).
In Japan it's completely normal to sleep in your car (or at least take a nap) while on a long drive somewhere - and as long as you are quiet and unobtrusive about it you shouldn't have any concerns. I would recommend bringing along window covers for a bit of privacy.
