RoundaboutJapan

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Japan. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


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.

Roundabout warning sign near Kamigamo Shrine. (Kyoto, Japan)
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. 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。

Warning for a roundabout. 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

1 Japan 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Minimum speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Toll road 12 One-way traffic 13 Quay 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Stop sign 18 Give way 19 Roundabout 20 Road narrowing 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Overtaking 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Curve 31 Wrong-way driving 32 Roadworks 33 Crosswind 34 Height limit 35 Width limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Intersection direction sign 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Driving licence 45 Location marker 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Disabled parking 53 Traffic management 54 Reversing 55 U-turn 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Provisional licence 59 Emergency exit 60 City limit 61 Horn 62 Licence plate 63 Charging station 64 Dangers 65 Pedestrian 66 Cyclist 67 Moped 68 Motorcycle 69 Car 70 Truck 71 Bus 72 Police 73 Ambulance 74 Pothole 75 Path 76 Particulates 77 Air pollution 78 Rush hour 79 Road code 80 Two-way traffic 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 No vehicles 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Caravan 98 Trailer 99 Tow hitch 100 Fire truck ...