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German version ➞
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Welcome to Japan and Japan Campers !
Thank you for renting from our company.
To make sure your journey is without major issues and that you return home safely, please make sure you familiarise yourself with the following very important points which you are required to observe while driving in Japan:
(JAPAN CAMPERS is in no way responsible for your lack of knowledge.
Please remember that "Ignorantia juris non excusal (latin)" which means "ignorance of the law excuses not".
1. RULE NUMBER 1 IN JAPAN
Pedestrians, Bicycles and Motorbikes have absolute priority and a right of way in any situation ! Injuring an innocent person will definitely result in you facing severe consequences!
Please be especially careful with bicycles because they travel fast and may come from any direction without watching out for you. You are always at fault if you are involved in such an accident.
2. STOP SIGNWhenever you see the STOP sign you need to make a complete stop and give way.
The STOP sign is usually placed well before the intersection, so if required you need to stop twice. |
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3. RAILWAY CROSSINGS
There are no STOP signs in front of railway crossings, yet you are required to make a complete stop before each railway crossing even when the barriers are opened.
Make sure the car in front of you has already cleared the crossing before you enter the crossing.
Make sure the car in front of you has already cleared the crossing before you enter the crossing.
4. SPEED LIMITS
The Signs in Japan show the speed limit in kilometres per hour - not miles per hour.
The speed limits (unless limited by the traffic signs) are as follows:
- 50 km/hr - in Cities
- 60 km/hr - outside Cities
- 100 km/hr - on Highways
Note! Most Japanese Drivers drive well above the allowed speed limit risking heavy fines.
We strongly recommend that you keep your speed within the limit.
The speed limits (unless limited by the traffic signs) are as follows:
- 50 km/hr - in Cities
- 60 km/hr - outside Cities
- 100 km/hr - on Highways
Note! Most Japanese Drivers drive well above the allowed speed limit risking heavy fines.
We strongly recommend that you keep your speed within the limit.
5. PARKING in JAPAN
Parking in places which are not clearly marked as Public Parkings is strictly prohibited.
Illegal parking fine is approx. 15,000 JPY.
If you ignore our warning and still get one (usually a yellow tag-sticker on the front window), please go to the nearest Police Station and make sure you pay it by yourself. Unpaid fines will be sent quickly to our office. If we need to pay for the fine on your behalf, we are required to go to a Police Station, make a report and pass your personal information. This will be charged 10,000 JPY extra.
If you see a place that looks like a parking with many cars already parked (but no signs) - it is probably a private parking.
If you leave the van there you may end up paying 50,000 JPY as the van will probably be towed away.
Be extremely careful when parking next to another van because even the slightest damage (or even a small paint scratch) to it will result in insurance claim and you may lose a lot of $$$.
Illegal parking fine is approx. 15,000 JPY.
If you ignore our warning and still get one (usually a yellow tag-sticker on the front window), please go to the nearest Police Station and make sure you pay it by yourself. Unpaid fines will be sent quickly to our office. If we need to pay for the fine on your behalf, we are required to go to a Police Station, make a report and pass your personal information. This will be charged 10,000 JPY extra.
If you see a place that looks like a parking with many cars already parked (but no signs) - it is probably a private parking.
If you leave the van there you may end up paying 50,000 JPY as the van will probably be towed away.
Be extremely careful when parking next to another van because even the slightest damage (or even a small paint scratch) to it will result in insurance claim and you may lose a lot of $$$.
6. ZERO ALCOHOL POLICY
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The legal alcohol limit in Japan is 0%. This means, unlike most countries, you cannot drive after having the smallest drink. Japan uses "Shared Responsibility law" which means that penalty for drinking and driving is 300,000 JPY for each adult in the car.
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7. DRIVING UP and DOWN HILLSJapan is a very mountainous country with over 70% of the country being mountains.
Always make sure you use "Engine Breaking Technique" - 2nd and 1st gear to reduce speed when driving down hills. Using the brakes constantly to slow down will definitely overheat the wheel rotors and you may not be able to stop the van when really required. Please inform our staff if you do not know the "Engine Braking technique" |
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8. GASOLINE or DIESEL
Make sure you know the type of fuel your van uses. Pouring the wrong fuel into the tank will result in engine damage and you will be fully liable for the damages.
Damages resulting from pouring the wrong fuel are NOT COVERED by any insurance and must be covered by you.
Damages resulting from pouring the wrong fuel are NOT COVERED by any insurance and must be covered by you.
9. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR VEHICLE HEIGHT (SAFE CLEARANCE)
Most major roads have a maximum clearance of 4,0 meters and the vans are OK to drive on them.
There are however, some tunnels and especially parking places where you will not be able to drive.
Safe clearance is as follows:
◆ 2,3 meters - Miniature Campervan with Roof Box
◆ 2,1 meters - Mid Campervan ( flat roof)
◆ 2,3 meters - Mid Campervan ( pop-up roof)
◆ 2,5 meters - Big Campervans
◆ 3,2 meters - Motorhomes
There are however, some tunnels and especially parking places where you will not be able to drive.
Safe clearance is as follows:
◆ 2,3 meters - Miniature Campervan with Roof Box
◆ 2,1 meters - Mid Campervan ( flat roof)
◆ 2,3 meters - Mid Campervan ( pop-up roof)
◆ 2,5 meters - Big Campervans
◆ 3,2 meters - Motorhomes
10. INSURANCE COVERAGE
A Standard Third Party Insurance is included in your rental fee. In case of a first accident (reported to the Police) you will be required to pay 100,000 JPY (200,000 JPY for the Motorhomes) to the insurance company. Each additional accident will require 150% of the previous Access Fee. Please understand that even the smallest scratch caused to a third party vehicle/property is usually classified as an accident.
Damages (due to your own fault) made to Japan Campers' vehicles, are not covered by our standard insurance and depending on the damage you may be charged maximum 300,000 JPY for the repair costs.
Damages (due to your own fault) made to Japan Campers' vehicles, are not covered by our standard insurance and depending on the damage you may be charged maximum 300,000 JPY for the repair costs.
| TYPE OF DAMAGE | DESCRIPTION | MAX Charges | COMMENTS |
| DAMAGES WITH LOW CHARGES | Damages that are easy to be repaired/ painted will be charged at the possible minimum rate. For example light scratches and dents. Damages to interior and equipment. | 30,000 JPY | Assessed by JC staff |
| SLIGHT AND MEDIUM DAMAGES | Slight and Medium damages will be charged when they need some time ( and /or parts) to be repaired. This category includes scratches or dents on external and internal car elements ( i.e. doors, bumpers, wheels, mirrors etc) | 100,000 JPY | Charge depends on the damage based on the actual repair cost |
| SERIOUS DAMAGES | Serious Damages will be charged when they involve an element replacement(i.e. Bumper) or when the restoration requires a number of days, or when a replacement is needed due to regulations, safety or appearance reasons. This category includes bodywork, lights, tires and windscreen damages | 300,000 JPY | Charge depends on the damage based on the actual repair cost |
| DAMAGES DUE TO NEGLIGENCE | Broad category of damages assessed by our insurance company on "case by case" basis | Up to the Vehicle price | Charge depends on the damage based on the actual repair cost |