Japan reports increase in rental car accidents involving foreigners

Travel & Leisure

Most visitors hail from countries that drive on the opposite side of the road

Japanese authorities plan to install signs and road markings near some rental car shops to help foreigners make turns safely. (Photo by Riku Tazaki)

YUKA FURUBAYASHI

August 19, 2026 06:04 JST

TOKYO — Traffic accidents in Japan involving rental cars driven by foreigners are on the rise, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2025 as an influx in tourists unfamiliar with the country’s left-side road system spurs authorities to action.