Bicycles, Motorcycles, and Automobiles
Table of Contents
Bicycles
Signing up for Bicycle Insurance <important!>
In recent years, bicycle accidents have been increasing sharply in Japan. At the University of Osaka, there was a case where an uninsured international student collided with a pedestrian, resulting in a large compensation claim for the injury. This student could no longer continue his studies at the university after being questioned by the police and having to apologize to the victim. Bicycle accidents can happen to anyone. To protect yourself, please enroll in the Gakkensai Inbound Futai-Gakuso insurance plan.
Rules for Riding a Bicycle
For your safety, please make sure to observe the following rules when riding a bicycle. Traffic violations while cycling can result in penalties such as imprisonment or fines.
No-Parking Areas
There are paid bicycle parking lots near many stations. For more details, please contact the respective management office. Bicycles and other vehicles left in no-parking zones will be removed immediately. To pick up your bicycle, you will need to show your ID and pay a temporary storage fee.
Motorcycles and Automobiles
*Note that students are generally not permitted to drive cars or motorcycles on campus.
We strongly recommend not driving in Japan during your study abroad period!
Especially when you first arrive, unfamiliarity with the local traffic rules and conditions can increase the risk of accidents. Furthermore, compensation for traffic accidents can be extremely high. Without voluntary insurance with adequate coverage, you may not be able to take full responsibility. Please use bicycles or public transportation unless there are special circumstances.
If you still need to drive, make sure to observe the following two points.
- Obtain a valid driver’s license in Japan.
- In addition to compulsory automobile liability insurance, enroll in voluntary insurance as well.
Never drive without a license. Even if you have a driver’s license from your home country, it’s not valid here in Japan unless certain conditions are met.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
IDPs issued by countries that are signatories of the Geneva Convention are recognized in Japan.
https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/menkyo/menkyo/kokugai/kokusaimenkyo.html
An IDP becomes invalid on its expiration date or one year after your arrival in Japan, whichever comes first. If you wish to continue driving beyond this period, you must transfer your foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one.
Foreign Driver’s License with Japanese Translation
If you hold a valid driver’s license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, you may drive in Japan for up to one year after your arrival without an IDP, provided that you carry an official Japanese translation of the license.
Transferring a Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese license
If you hold a valid foreign driver's license and have lived in the issuing country for at least three months after obtaining it, you may be eligible to transfer your license to a Japanese one. For more details, please contact a driver’s license test center.
≪Inquiries≫
Kadoma Driver’s License Test Center Tel: 06-6908-9121 （in Japanese only）
Komyoike Driver’s License Test Center Tel: 0725-56-1881 (in Japanese only)
JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) Tel: 072-645-1300