Although not necessary, holding a driving permit/license and owning a car can certainly add to your Nagano experience. Below you will find helpful information about driving in Japan and in Nagano. If you're still not sure after taking a look, or referring to your super-handy JET Programme General Information Handbook (GIH), the next best thing is to ask a fellow JET!
According to the provisional JET Programme contract provided to contract-ing organizations by CLAIR, participants do not need permission from the Contracting Organization to own a vehicle, to drive in their free time, or to drive to their official place of work (base school or office). However, many contracting organizations have chosen not to include the ability to drive to work in their version of the contract. Please check the contract you received from your contracting organization!.
Driving in Nagano!
Driving License: 運転免許証
(unten menkyo shou)
(unten menkyo shou)
International Driving Permit (IDP)
● International Driving Permits should be obtained from the national automobile association in your home country prior to departure.
● You can only use an International Driving Permit in Japan for a maximum period of one year from the initial date of entry (arrival in Japan), or until the expiration date on the permit, whichever comes first.
● An IDP with a valid expiration date will not be honored in Japan if the holder has lived here longer than one year.
● To continue driving in Japan after one year, you must obtain a Japanese license. Without a valid license, you cannot have valid insurance.
How to Get a Japanese Drivers License
Follow the steps to get your ticket to ride…
If you are not from France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea or Canada, you must make a driving test appointment.
●Go to one of the two Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centers (unten menkyo senta) 運転免許センター (check below for maps).
⇒ Make an appointment early (March or earlier)! Don‘t wait for your IDP to expire!
● Bring your driving license, official translation of your driving license, Alien Registration Card (gaikokujin torokushomeisho, 外国人登録証明書), passport, photo (3cm x 2.4cm), and about ¥5,000
● Take an eye test at the center.
⇒ ...and a written and practical driving exam.
● International Driving Permits should be obtained from the national automobile association in your home country prior to departure.
● You can only use an International Driving Permit in Japan for a maximum period of one year from the initial date of entry (arrival in Japan), or until the expiration date on the permit, whichever comes first.
● An IDP with a valid expiration date will not be honored in Japan if the holder has lived here longer than one year.
● To continue driving in Japan after one year, you must obtain a Japanese license. Without a valid license, you cannot have valid insurance.
How to Get a Japanese Drivers License
Follow the steps to get your ticket to ride…
If you are not from France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea or Canada, you must make a driving test appointment.
●Go to one of the two Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centers (unten menkyo senta) 運転免許センター (check below for maps).
⇒ Make an appointment early (March or earlier)! Don‘t wait for your IDP to expire!
● Bring your driving license, official translation of your driving license, Alien Registration Card (gaikokujin torokushomeisho, 外国人登録証明書), passport, photo (3cm x 2.4cm), and about ¥5,000
● Take an eye test at the center.
⇒ ...and a written and practical driving exam.
NOTE:
* If your license does not show a date of issue, or if the date of issue is less than 3 months prior to arrival in Japan due to license renewal, you must provide documentation and a translation showing the original date your license was issued. Pay particular attention to this if you plan on renewing your license within 3 months of your arrival in Japan.
* If you do not have a current driving license, getting one in Japan is likely to be much more expensive and time-consuming than getting it at home and should be carefully considered.
* If at first you don‘t succeed (your driving test), try try again. And don‘t take it personally.
* Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) can provide official translations for most country licenses for ¥3,000 plus ¥290 postage. They also publish "Rules of the Road" to study for the written exam for ¥1,000 (plus postage). Check out their website for more information about their services. www.jaf.or.jp/e/index_e.htm
* Expect to use at least half a day if you don‘t need to take the driving test, and a whole day if you do. It‘s a lot of waiting so bring something to read. You may be required to take paid time off (nenkyuu).
* You are required to bring an interpreter with you to the Shiojiri Licensing and Driving Center if you can‘t speak Japanese.
* If your license does not show a date of issue, or if the date of issue is less than 3 months prior to arrival in Japan due to license renewal, you must provide documentation and a translation showing the original date your license was issued. Pay particular attention to this if you plan on renewing your license within 3 months of your arrival in Japan.
* If you do not have a current driving license, getting one in Japan is likely to be much more expensive and time-consuming than getting it at home and should be carefully considered.
* If at first you don‘t succeed (your driving test), try try again. And don‘t take it personally.
* Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) can provide official translations for most country licenses for ¥3,000 plus ¥290 postage. They also publish "Rules of the Road" to study for the written exam for ¥1,000 (plus postage). Check out their website for more information about their services. www.jaf.or.jp/e/index_e.htm
* Expect to use at least half a day if you don‘t need to take the driving test, and a whole day if you do. It‘s a lot of waiting so bring something to read. You may be required to take paid time off (nenkyuu).
* You are required to bring an interpreter with you to the Shiojiri Licensing and Driving Center if you can‘t speak Japanese.
Touhokushin Driving Center in Shinonoi
Chuunanshin Driving Center in Shiojiri
Owning a Vehicle
How to Buy/Sell a Car Checklist:If you buy from an individual, follow the process below. If you buy from a dealer, skip ahead!
●Obtain an international driver's license or Japanese license.
●Have your personal stamp (hanko) registered at your town hall and collect a certificate of hanko registration (Inkan Shomeisho)
●Get the following three forms from your local police station:
1. Hokan Basho Shomei - Certificate of parking space
Take this to the person from whom you are renting a space and ask them to write their ad-dress and stamp their hanko. (If it’s your school’s property, someone in the office can help you.)
2. Hokan Basho Shomei Shinsei Sho - Police parking application
Fill in this form. You will need some information from the car shaken (car inspection) pa-pers, so have them available.
3. Shozaizu to Haichizu - Location of parking space
Draw your parking space position on this form.
Submit forms 1, 2, and 3 to the police station. Bring your hanko. Pay about 2100 yen.
You will be told when you can pick up the forms. (The police need to verify the information on the forms.)
Return to the police station to pick up verified forms and pay 500 yen
●Go to your city/town hall and obtain:
1. Meigi henkou - Re-registration papers (stamped by previous owner)
2. Massho toroku - Owner's cancellation registration papers (stamped by previous owner)
●Take the car (the buyer or the seller) and all documents to the Inspection Registration Office (Kensa Toroku Jimusho) . Be prepared to wait.
- Submit the aforementioned papers and fill out another form at the front office.
- Go to a different desk and pay 500 yen for a de-registration form.
- Fill this out and have your forms processed.
- Pay a taxation fee on the vehicle after the papers have been processed.
- Buy new plates (only if the car is from another prefecture) for about 1500 yen.
- The car is now registered in your name. You should have a new shaken certificate in your name when you leave.
Automobile Insurance and Traffic Accidents
Automobile Insurance
(from the GIH)
As detailed below, in order to be fully covered, JET participants must take out both compulsory insurance and optional insurance. In Japan, responsibility for an accident is never distributed 100% to one of the parties involved. Even if you feel the other person is at fault, they may be assigned 70% responsibility and you may be assigned 30%. Your expenses will follow suit, thus it is imperative to get optional insurance (see below).
1) Compulsory Liability Insurance (Jidosha Songai Baisho Sekinin Hoken)
Third-party automobile liability insurance (jibaiseki) is compulsory. This insurance covers liability up to a pre-determined amount in the case where you injure or kill someone as a result of your operation of an automobile or motorbike. The liability insurance premium is based on the type of the car you drive. Damage to vehicles or other property is not covered by this insurance. No automobile is permitted to be driven or undergo a vehicle inspection unless it has this insurance. You must keep the insurance certificate in your car along with your shaken certificate (shaken shomeisho).
2) Optional Automobile Insurance (Jidosha Nini Hoken)
In the event of a car accident resulting in injury to another party due to negligence on your part, the amount of compensation to the victim(s) can reach an astronomical sum. The compulsory liability insurance (jibaiseki) may not cover the total amount of compensation required. Therefore, in addition to compulsory liability insurance, it is crucial that you take out optional/voluntary insurance (nini no jidosha hoken) to cover costs that compulsory insurance does not.
The optional automobile insurance covers four main areas:
1. Insurance for Vehicle: covers owner‗s vehicle damage due to accident e.g. collision, theft, fire, etc.
2. Personal Injury Insurance: supplements the compulsory liability insurance in the case of death or injury of a third party.
3. Property Damage Insurance: for damage to a vehicle, building, etc., owned by a third party
4. Driver and Passenger Injury Insurance (for one‗s own vehicle): when a driver or passenger has been killed or injured.
Note:
* The transfer of ownership of a vehicle also requires paperwork for the optional insurance, so please consult with automobile dealer or insurance company.
* There are many companies that provide ―optional automobile insurance.‖ If you buy a car from an individual, ask about their insurance company. If you buy from a dealer they will recommend a company.
(from the GIH)
As detailed below, in order to be fully covered, JET participants must take out both compulsory insurance and optional insurance. In Japan, responsibility for an accident is never distributed 100% to one of the parties involved. Even if you feel the other person is at fault, they may be assigned 70% responsibility and you may be assigned 30%. Your expenses will follow suit, thus it is imperative to get optional insurance (see below).
1) Compulsory Liability Insurance (Jidosha Songai Baisho Sekinin Hoken)
Third-party automobile liability insurance (jibaiseki) is compulsory. This insurance covers liability up to a pre-determined amount in the case where you injure or kill someone as a result of your operation of an automobile or motorbike. The liability insurance premium is based on the type of the car you drive. Damage to vehicles or other property is not covered by this insurance. No automobile is permitted to be driven or undergo a vehicle inspection unless it has this insurance. You must keep the insurance certificate in your car along with your shaken certificate (shaken shomeisho).
2) Optional Automobile Insurance (Jidosha Nini Hoken)
In the event of a car accident resulting in injury to another party due to negligence on your part, the amount of compensation to the victim(s) can reach an astronomical sum. The compulsory liability insurance (jibaiseki) may not cover the total amount of compensation required. Therefore, in addition to compulsory liability insurance, it is crucial that you take out optional/voluntary insurance (nini no jidosha hoken) to cover costs that compulsory insurance does not.
The optional automobile insurance covers four main areas:
1. Insurance for Vehicle: covers owner‗s vehicle damage due to accident e.g. collision, theft, fire, etc.
2. Personal Injury Insurance: supplements the compulsory liability insurance in the case of death or injury of a third party.
3. Property Damage Insurance: for damage to a vehicle, building, etc., owned by a third party
4. Driver and Passenger Injury Insurance (for one‗s own vehicle): when a driver or passenger has been killed or injured.
Note:
* The transfer of ownership of a vehicle also requires paperwork for the optional insurance, so please consult with automobile dealer or insurance company.
* There are many companies that provide ―optional automobile insurance.‖ If you buy a car from an individual, ask about their insurance company. If you buy from a dealer they will recommend a company.
Traffic Accidents
In the event of a traffic accident, follow these steps:
● Move the car to a safe place and turn off the engine. If someone is injured, provide as much assistance as you can until a doctor or an ambulance can arrive.
● Contact the police and your Supervisor*. You must contact the police in the event of a traffic accident. If you are unable to explain the situation in Japanese, please contact your Supervisor first and have them contact the police on your behalf.
※You must never leave the scene of an accident without contacting the police, even if you believe the damages to be insignificant.
* In Japan, the workplace often is also held responsible for the driver‘s accidents. After an accident it is not uncommon for the driver‘s supervisor to come to the scene. If you are involved in an accident, it may seem invasive, but don‘t take it personally. It‘s just custom.
In the event of a traffic accident, follow these steps:
● Move the car to a safe place and turn off the engine. If someone is injured, provide as much assistance as you can until a doctor or an ambulance can arrive.
● Contact the police and your Supervisor*. You must contact the police in the event of a traffic accident. If you are unable to explain the situation in Japanese, please contact your Supervisor first and have them contact the police on your behalf.
※You must never leave the scene of an accident without contacting the police, even if you believe the damages to be insignificant.
* In Japan, the workplace often is also held responsible for the driver‘s accidents. After an accident it is not uncommon for the driver‘s supervisor to come to the scene. If you are involved in an accident, it may seem invasive, but don‘t take it personally. It‘s just custom.
Car Disposal: 廃車(haisha)
If your shaken runs out and the car is not worth putting through shaken again (or if it has a breakdown while the shaken is still in effect that would be too expensive to fix), then you are required to dispose of the car through the "haisha" process. Go to a mechanic or place which sells cars. If it is someone you have had experience with, or the actual place where you bought the car, that‘s a plus. They will be more willing to help you not pay for disposal. Some gas stations (local sort with a garage attached) can help you with the decommissioning of your car.
If the car is still drivable, it's best to take it to the place, as this will save you some money. Otherwise, you'll have to have it towed off at considerable expense. Also, if it is drivable, ask your contact if there is a salvage yard (kaitaishorijo 解体処理所) that would be interested in the good parts of your car. If you can broker a deal, you can avoid paying for disposal.
It is possible to escape many fees. You generally have to pay no more than ¥5000. If the car is not drivable, there could be other costs.
Owning a car in Japan is of course a privilege. Please dispose of your cars properly. You will, of course, occasionally see abandoned cars along back streets where irresponsible people have simply left them. The result, of course, is that tax money then has to be spent to haul it away and there is a headache for the next tenant of that property. If a car is already registered at an address, it is difficult or impossible to register another car to that same parking space. This means the new tenant cannot own a car. This causes a lot of trouble just to avoid paying a small fee, in addition to just being plain unethical.
If you are attempting this process on your own, you can prepare the documents and head down to the regional office where your shaken was processed. There you will fill out a form, pay for a 350 yen stamp, and turn in the license plate at that time ( YOU CANNOT OPERATE THE CAR AT THIS POINT! This ‗do it yourself‘ can only be done if the car has reached its final resting ground in a junkyard and the owner/mechanic has removed the plates and sent them with you to finish the process). If there is any remaining time left on the taxes for that year- you will receive a post card telling you to claim your refund. If you are no longer in the country, you can designate someone to receive the refund for you by visiting the Nagano tax office.
SPECIAL NOTE: If you have moved and your current address does not match the address on your shaken paper, you must obtain a proof of address – something with your old address and your new address. Request a Jyuminhyou 住民票 or Gaikokujin Tourouku Shoumeisho 外国人登録証明書 from your city hall. If you use the Gaikokujin Tourouku Shoumeisho, it will only show proof of your current address; however, your gaijijn card will still show your previous address on the front so this should be sufficient.
If your shaken runs out and the car is not worth putting through shaken again (or if it has a breakdown while the shaken is still in effect that would be too expensive to fix), then you are required to dispose of the car through the "haisha" process. Go to a mechanic or place which sells cars. If it is someone you have had experience with, or the actual place where you bought the car, that‘s a plus. They will be more willing to help you not pay for disposal. Some gas stations (local sort with a garage attached) can help you with the decommissioning of your car.
If the car is still drivable, it's best to take it to the place, as this will save you some money. Otherwise, you'll have to have it towed off at considerable expense. Also, if it is drivable, ask your contact if there is a salvage yard (kaitaishorijo 解体処理所) that would be interested in the good parts of your car. If you can broker a deal, you can avoid paying for disposal.
It is possible to escape many fees. You generally have to pay no more than ¥5000. If the car is not drivable, there could be other costs.
Owning a car in Japan is of course a privilege. Please dispose of your cars properly. You will, of course, occasionally see abandoned cars along back streets where irresponsible people have simply left them. The result, of course, is that tax money then has to be spent to haul it away and there is a headache for the next tenant of that property. If a car is already registered at an address, it is difficult or impossible to register another car to that same parking space. This means the new tenant cannot own a car. This causes a lot of trouble just to avoid paying a small fee, in addition to just being plain unethical.
If you are attempting this process on your own, you can prepare the documents and head down to the regional office where your shaken was processed. There you will fill out a form, pay for a 350 yen stamp, and turn in the license plate at that time ( YOU CANNOT OPERATE THE CAR AT THIS POINT! This ‗do it yourself‘ can only be done if the car has reached its final resting ground in a junkyard and the owner/mechanic has removed the plates and sent them with you to finish the process). If there is any remaining time left on the taxes for that year- you will receive a post card telling you to claim your refund. If you are no longer in the country, you can designate someone to receive the refund for you by visiting the Nagano tax office.
SPECIAL NOTE: If you have moved and your current address does not match the address on your shaken paper, you must obtain a proof of address – something with your old address and your new address. Request a Jyuminhyou 住民票 or Gaikokujin Tourouku Shoumeisho 外国人登録証明書 from your city hall. If you use the Gaikokujin Tourouku Shoumeisho, it will only show proof of your current address; however, your gaijijn card will still show your previous address on the front so this should be sufficient.
Seasonal Tires: Winter and Summer
Winter tires are a necessity! When you buy your car, check to see if winter tires are included. If not, make sure to buy them! Neighborhood and small local roads are not plowed when it snows. Be prepared!
Change to your winter tires sometime in November or December. Change back to summer tires in April. If you don‘t want to change your tires yourself, go to a car shop. It‘s usually about 2000 yen to 3000 yen for all four tires.
Winter tires are a necessity! When you buy your car, check to see if winter tires are included. If not, make sure to buy them! Neighborhood and small local roads are not plowed when it snows. Be prepared!
Change to your winter tires sometime in November or December. Change back to summer tires in April. If you don‘t want to change your tires yourself, go to a car shop. It‘s usually about 2000 yen to 3000 yen for all four tires.
Expressway and ETC Card
Expressway 高速道路 Kousoku douro: An extensive network of toll roads stretching across Japan. They are convenient for cutting time during a trip, but a blow to the pocketbook.
ETC Card: You are eligible for much cheaper rates through a variety of deals. Apply for a credit card and at the same time request an ETC card. If your application is accepted, you must install an ETC card reader in your car to be able to use your ETC card.
Expressway 高速道路 Kousoku douro: An extensive network of toll roads stretching across Japan. They are convenient for cutting time during a trip, but a blow to the pocketbook.
ETC Card: You are eligible for much cheaper rates through a variety of deals. Apply for a credit card and at the same time request an ETC card. If your application is accepted, you must install an ETC card reader in your car to be able to use your ETC card.
