One-way trafficJapan
Traffic rules
Japan
12. One-way traffic
One-way traffic means that vehicles on a road or carriageway may travel only in one designated direction. The permitted direction is normally indicated by traffic signs, lane arrows or road markings.
Some road users, such as cyclists or public-transport vehicles, may be allowed to travel in the opposite direction when signs expressly permit it. A one-way road does not by itself determine the speed limit, priority or parking rules.
Wikimedia.org • 運動会プロテインパワー • CC BY-SA
How should I read a one-way restriction in Japan?
Follow the direction designated by the street’s one-way signs and any entrance restrictions or lane arrows. A compulsory turn at one junction is different from a restriction applying along the street.
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — Traffic Lights and Road Signs, official English definitions
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — traffic instruction handbook, sign groups and road use; read with current Act
No entry.
English • Traffic sign 303 • No entry for vehicles. Vehicles must not enter from this direction.
日本語 • 303 • 車両進入禁止。 この方向から車両が進入することを禁止しています。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Laws.e-gov.go.jp • 道路標識、区画線及び道路標示に関する命令、別表第一・第二
🔗 Mlit.go.jp • 国土交通省、道路標識一覧
SVG source: Monaneko • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.
May cyclists travel against the general traffic direction in Japan?
Do not assume cyclists are exempt from a road’s direction restriction. Check whether the applicable signs, local traffic arrangement or separately designated cycle facility actually authorise movement in the opposite direction; an ordinary bicycle-route sign is not enough.
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — Traffic Lights and Road Signs, official English definitions
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — traffic instruction handbook, sign groups and road use; read with current Act
Does one-way traffic give me priority or a different speed limit in Japan?
A one-way restriction concerns direction. Continue to follow the applicable speed limit, signals, give-way or stop controls and junction-priority rules. Where authorised counterflow traffic exists, check for it before turning or crossing; your permitted direction is not automatic junction priority.
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — Traffic Lights and Road Signs, official English definitions
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — traffic instruction handbook, sign groups and road use; read with current Act
