If you’re driving in Japan for the first time, a navigation system is crucial. Even in unfamiliar areas, using GPS can help you move smoothly and avoid wasting time.
However, if you’re renting a car in Japan, while the car may come equipped with a navigation system, it’s often displayed only in Japanese, and the maps might be outdated.
In this article, we’ll introduce navigation systems for foreigners driving in Japan for the first time.
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Are the Navigation Systems Installed in Cars Only in Japanese?
You should assume that most navigation systems are only displayed in Japanese.
The screen where you input the destination is also in Japanese, so you may find yourself unable to operate the system at all. For this reason, when renting a car, it’s wise to ask the rental staff to explain how to use the navigation system. Not only for the map features but also for pairing your smartphone via Bluetooth—since that screen will also be in Japanese—make sure to ask the staff to explain it before you start your trip.
Are the Maps in Built-in Navigation Systems Outdated?
It depends on the car, but the navigation system in rental cars may sometimes be outdated. New roads or highways might not appear on the map, leading to an old, roundabout route being displayed, or the system might not guide you correctly. If the system is outdated while driving on a new highway, it may display as if you’re flying through the air, and the navigation might stop providing directions altogether.
Use Map Apps on Your Smartphone
Even in Japan, where cars come with standard navigation systems, many people prefer using map apps on their smartphones. Once you get used to the convenience of map apps, you might find traditional navigation systems frustrating. With built-in navigation, you need to input the destination from the start, and they tend to run slower.
Now, let’s introduce some map apps that are available in English and are easy to use for foreigners staying in Japan.
Google Maps
Google Maps is a free navigation service that offers a wide range of features, such as selecting the optimal route to your destination and providing real-time traffic updates, allowing for smooth driving. If you have a smartphone, you can navigate as efficiently as with a traditional car navigation system. Furthermore, you can use other apps while navigating.
Whether you’re heading to a new place or checking out a store you’re interested in, Google Maps is useful in many situations. One of Google Maps’ convenient features is its navigation system. Like a built-in car GPS, it provides route information, estimated arrival time, and traffic conditions to your destination.
NAVITIME
NAVITIME is one of Japan’s largest navigation services, used by approximately 51 million people. In addition to transit schedules and transfer information, it offers easy-to-read maps and walking voice navigation. For drivers, it also provides traffic jam information.
Of course, it supports English, making it easy for foreigners to use.
Rental Cars Don’t Have Smartphone Holders
When renting a car in Japan, smartphone holders are generally not provided. Therefore, you’ll need to bring your own. However, using a smartphone holder with a suction cup or adhesive might leave marks, and you could be charged a cleaning fee or a fine when returning the car. For rental cars, it’s best to use a “stand-alone” type holder or one that attaches to the car’s air conditioning vent.
At ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car, smartphone holders come standard, making it convenient!
Stop the Car When Using GPS
Many in-car navigation systems are designed to prevent operation while driving. Even when the car is stopped, some models require you to shift into park or engage the parking brake to allow operation. If you need to change your destination or if you’ve taken a wrong turn, it’s best to stop in a safe place, like a convenience store parking lot, shift into park, and engage the parking brake before making adjustments.
When using a smartphone for navigation, it can still be used while driving, so extra caution is needed. In Japan, using a smartphone while driving is strictly enforced, with penalties and fines.
Penalties and Fines for Using a Smartphone While Driving
Operating a smartphone while driving a car or motorcycle is prohibited under Japan’s Road Traffic Act. Even using it to check maps is forbidden. Below are the main prohibited actions:
・Holding a phone to make a call
・Staring at a phone screen (for approximately two seconds or more)
・Staring at a GPS navigation screen
If using a phone leads to an accident or causes traffic danger, the penalty can be up to “imprisonment for one year or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.”
If you think that “it’s fine to glance at or use your smartphone while driving for just a second,” you are gravely mistaken. Even a brief moment of distraction can cause you to lose focus on the road, increasing the risk of a tragic traffic accident.
In particular, Japan’s roads are narrow and often have heavy traffic, so there’s a high risk of colliding with pedestrians or bicycles in just a split second. Therefore, when you need to operate your GPS navigation system, always pull over to the shoulder or park in a safe area before doing so.
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