Official Travel Guide of Japan

Regulatory Signs (Must Follow)

止まれ

Stop

Come to a complete stop at the line and check all directions before moving.

徐行

Yield / Slow

Slow down and give way to cross traffic or pedestrians before entering.

No Entry

Do not enter this direction. Usually one-way from opposite side.

🚗✖

No Vehicle Entry

Motor vehicles are prohibited in this section.

30

Speed Limit 30

Maximum speed is 30 km/h. Follow the posted limit strictly.

50

Speed Limit 50

Maximum speed is 50 km/h unless lower temporary limits are shown.

P✖

No Parking

Parking is not allowed; short stopping may be allowed depending on context.

停車✖

No Stopping

Do not stop or park in this zone, even briefly.

↶✖

No U-Turn

U-turns are prohibited at or after this sign until restriction ends.

⇆✖

No Overtaking

Passing/overtaking other vehicles is prohibited.

One Way

Traffic moves only in the shown direction.

3.5t

Weight Limit

Vehicles above indicated gross weight cannot enter.

Mandatory Direction Signs

Straight Ahead Only

You must continue straight; turning is not allowed.

Turn Left Only

You must turn left at the junction.

Turn Right Only

You must turn right at the junction.

Keep Left

Pass on the left side of island or obstacle.

Roundabout

Enter roundabout and circulate in the designated direction.

🚲

Bicycle Route / Lane

Designated cycling path or lane priority signage.

Warning Signs

🚸

Pedestrian Crossing Ahead

Slow down and prepare to stop for pedestrians.

👧👦

School Zone / Children

Children may cross unexpectedly; reduce speed.

Slippery Road

Road may be slippery due to rain, snow, or ice.

Road Narrows

Lane width decreases; maintain safe spacing.

🚦

Traffic Signals Ahead

Prepare to stop at upcoming signalized junction.

🚉

Railway Crossing

Rail crossing ahead; slow and confirm safety.

Sharp Curve Right

Significant right curve ahead; reduce speed before entry.

Sharp Curve Left

Significant left curve ahead; avoid harsh braking mid-turn.

Falling Rocks

Rockfall hazard area, especially in mountain roads.

Steep Downhill

Use lower gear and controlled braking.

Steep Uphill

Steep gradient ahead; keep enough power and spacing.

🌀

Strong Crosswind

Expect sudden side wind, especially on bridges/highways.

Traffic Signal Lights (What Each Light Means)

Red Light (Stop)

Completely stop before the stop line or crosswalk. Do not move until green signal appears.

Yellow / Amber Light

Stop if safe to do so. If you are too close to stop safely, clear the intersection carefully.

Green Light (Blue-Green in Japan)

Proceed if intersection is clear. Always give priority to pedestrians still crossing.

Green Arrow Signal

You may move only in the arrow direction shown, even if main light is red for other directions.

Flashing Yellow

Proceed with caution and reduce speed. Be ready to stop for other traffic and pedestrians.

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign. Stop completely, confirm safety, then proceed.

Guide & Information Signs

P

Parking Area

Indicates designated legal parking area nearby.

H

Hospital

Nearest hospital/medical center direction.

Fuel Station

Fuel/charging services available.

🛣

Expressway Entrance

Direction to highway/expressway entry ramp.

Tourist Information

Information point for routes, maps, and local guidance.

Emergency Phone

Emergency roadside communication point.

This guide covers major signs commonly asked in written tests and daily driving. For complete legal master list and latest revisions, always verify with official Japan road traffic references and your local license center materials.