Lucky to be at the very front of a packed train with a good old buddy. As we looked over to the train conductor (the driver), we were amused at the cool digital consoles and the privileged view he had as a train driver. Once the train started to move, he started pointing and calling out every thing I think … Read more
This is part 2 of the “how to get a driver’s license in Japan” series. To see part 1 that covers the process of getting a drivers license, go here: https://www.learnedinjapan.com/how-to-get-drivers-license/ This series covers the practical part of the driving test needed to acquire a driver’s license in Japan. The Practical Drive Test To be honest, the practical driving test is … Read more
Cops in Japan will pull over a car a mnay number of ways. The most interesting tactic I’ve seen is pulling over a speeding driver from the front. How it works? Lets say you are speeding through the highway and an undercover car is spots you. The undercover car will speed up and match your speed of the speeding either … Read more
Despite Japan’s unique heavy drinking culture, it is obvious that no one should ever drink and drive. My best friend lost his mother due to a drunk driver many years ago and I have personally been a witness to a terrible accident that left a 12 year old girl dead with the drunk driver of the other car with a … Read more
Owning a car in Japan is an expensive feat. Here are the top 5reasons why it is not worth owning a car in Japan. You have to pay automobile taxes every year. Some people think the only time they pay taxes on their car is for sales tax when they buy it. However, in Japan, registered owners of vehicles must … Read more
In Japan, there are two categories of cars you should be aware about. Before I go any further on why you shouldn’t drive the small yellow license plate cars, I’d like you to know the differences between the white and yellow license plate cars. Why the two types of plates? Taxes. Light vehicles are yellow plated and owners pay less … Read more
Having a Japanese driver’s license can help many foreign residents integrate themselves smoothly into Japanese society. It has come to my attention however, that people who take the driving practical tests in Japan fail many many times (on average about 3 or more times). I wrote this particular guide so that you can get a head-start learning the Japanese way … Read more