RoundaboutJapan
19. Roundabout
A roundabout is a circular road arrangement in which traffic travels around a central island in one designated direction. Vehicles enter and leave through connecting roads, and traffic signs or local rules determine who has priority.
Drivers should reduce speed, choose a suitable lane, observe all road users and signal as required when leaving. The direction of travel, entry priority, lane use and rules for cyclists and pedestrians depend on local traffic signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • 日:もかめーる • CC BY-SA
Who has priority at a roundabout in Japan?
At a designated Japanese 環状交差点, entering vehicles must reduce speed and must not obstruct vehicles already circulating. Traffic travels clockwise; the Road Traffic Act has dedicated rules for these junctions.
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 35-2 and 37-2
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text
How should you choose a roundabout lane in Japan?
Japan’s designated roundabout rules require approaching near the left edge and travelling, at reduced speed, along the outer edge for as long as possible, unless signs or markings specify the part of the road to use. Do not substitute an overseas multilane roundabout rule.
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 35-2 and 37-2
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text
Mandatory roundabout direction.
English • Traffic sign 327の10 • Clockwise roundabout circulation. Travel clockwise around the circular junction.
日本語 • 327の10 • 環状の交差点における右回り通行。 環状交差点では右回り、つまり時計回りに通行してください。
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
🔗 Npa.go.jp • 警察庁、交通規制基準(令和8年3月16日改正)、PDF 148ページ
SVG source: Monaneko • Public domain • Original revision 2017-10-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Warning for a roundabout.
English • Traffic sign 201の2 • Roundabout ahead. Observe the junction layout and traffic, and follow local restrictions.
日本語 • 201の2 • ロータリーあり。 この先にロータリーがあります。交差点の形状や交通に注意し、現地の規制に従ってください。
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.
What should you check when leaving a roundabout in Japan?
Check the lane you will cross or enter, signal the manoeuvre as required and look for cyclists and pedestrians at the exit. Obey any separate crossing controls and do not force an exit across another vehicle’s path.
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 35-2 and 37-2
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

Traffic rules
Japan