Job Discussion Forums

[markle]

I'll be getting a car soon, the school is providing a Kei car for my personal use. I have parking at my apartment but other than that I've very little idea about the ins and outs of getting around by car.
So aside from the spectacularly obvious, any tips regarding cars vis a vis parking, using expressways, going on long trips, etc.

Thanks in advance.

[Glenski]

Well, I don't know what you consider "spectacularly obvious", so please pardon anything that seems silly. You didn't give much background.

You'll obviously need a proper driver's license. That means an international driver's permit (valid only for your first 12 months in Japan), or a Japanese license.

Getting around may be convenient or inconvenient, depending on eveyone's experience and location. Pedestrians have the right of way here, unlike some areas of some countries. Please be aware of this! Many people don't even look when they cross the street, assuming cars will stop.

Unlike the USA, which has a rule about turning left or right on a red signal, there is none in Japan. You simply wait for the green.

On tollways, there are the usual toll gates where you stop to pay, but beware of one gate that is labelled differently. There are 3 letters beginning with E (Sorry, I don't use the tollway often, so I don't remember the other letters.) You can't use this lane unless you have previously bought a service which installs a device in your car that is read by the lane monitor and withdraws from your bank later.

I assume your school will pay for shaken (mandatory safety inspection, but make sure!

Many/Most people seem to back into parking spaces here to get out more easily. Just be aware of that when you are in a parking lot so you don't steal a space or get upset when people suddenly start backing up.

When getting gas, full serve stations will have attendants that open your door to talk to you. Of course, you can just roll down your window, but don't be surprised if they reach for the door. They may even hand you a wet towel so you can wipe down your dashboard. Expect point cards everywhere you go. Learn enough Japanese to operate the self-serve places (labeled SELF in katakana) yourself. Usually, it's just a matter of pushing the largest buttons, but there are other options, too (regular gas, premium [called HI-OC], diesel; whether you want a receipt, etc.). You may even get an occasional gift when you go (eggs, towel, potatoes, etc.). At self-serve stations you can change money, too, if you need. It usually just requires putting in the larger bill and waiting for the smaller ones.

On long trips, be aware of the radar cameras on metal frame supports over the road. You may be speeding and not caught by the police, but your license will be recorded, and a ticket will be mailed to you (or to whomever the car is registered) later.

[moot point]

markle, if you are going to be working at a public school you should take a look at joining the teachers' co-op. You can get a 10-15% savings in petrol prices at selected stations.

[nawlinsgurl]

Whatever you do- DON'T hit anyone. Even if it isn't in any way your fault, the police will determine it was 50% your fault. And going to court over anything in Japan take FOREVER to resolve!!!

[ironopolis]

The E thing that Glenski mentioned but didn't know more about is the ETC (electronic toll collection) system.

If you're going to use expressways a lot, ETC is worth looking into as you can get very substantial discounts on expressway tolls. However, you have to get the ETC device fitted in your car (probably about Y15,000) and then apply for the card which you put in your machine for when you enter and exit the toll gate. It also needs to be paid by a compatible Japanese credit card - there are only certain ones you can use, but several of them have no yearly fee and they're not difficult to get.