10 Essential Kanji for Campervan Drivers in Japan

Exploring Japan by campervan is one of the most exciting ways to travel. You get the freedom to go wherever you want, discover hidden spots, and enjoy the journey at your own pace.

However, one thing that often surprises many travelers is that not all road signs are in English. In fact, you’ll frequently see kanji used on traffic signs, especially in local areas.

If you’re not familiar with them, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first—but don’t worry. You don’t need to learn everything. Just knowing a few key kanji can make a huge difference in helping you drive safely and confidently.

In this article, we’ll introduce 10 essential kanji that every campervan driver should know before hitting the road in Japan.

If you’re planning a campervan trip in Japan, JAPAN ROAD TRIP offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the country.

We provide fully equipped campervans for both international and domestic travelers. This makes it easy to explore Japan beyond the usual tourist spots.

Whether you’re traveling for a few days or a few weeks, our vehicles are designed for comfort and freedom. They offer a unique travel experience.

We also have rental locations across Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, and Okinawa. You can freely choose where to start and end your journey.

With that in mind, let’s look at some essential kanji you may see while driving in Japan.

止（とまれ / STOP）

This is one of the most important road markings in Japan. You’ll often see it painted directly on the road. Always come to a complete stop before proceeding.

徐行（じょこう / SLOW）

This means you must slow down and proceed carefully. It’s commonly used in areas with limited visibility or pedestrian traffic.

進入禁止（しんにゅうきんし / NO ENTRY）

This sign indicates that entry is not allowed. You’ll often see it on one-way streets from the wrong direction.

一方通行（いっぽうつうこう / ONE WAY）

This means traffic flows in only one direction. Make sure you follow the correct direction to avoid violations.

駐車禁止（ちゅうしゃきんし / NO PARKING）

Parking is not allowed in this area. However, short stops for picking up or dropping off passengers may still be permitted.

駐停車禁止（ちゅうていしゃきんし / NO STOPPING OR PARKING）

Both stopping and parking are strictly prohibited here. Even a brief stop is not allowed.

重量制限（じゅうりょうせいげん / WEIGHT LIMIT）

This indicates the maximum vehicle weight allowed. Campervans must pay close attention to avoid fines or restricted access.

高さ制限（たかさせいげん / HEIGHT LIMIT）

This shows the maximum vehicle height permitted. Be especially careful when driving under bridges, tunnels, or parking structures.

幅員制限（ふくいんせいげん / WIDTH LIMIT）

This indicates the maximum vehicle width allowed. Narrow roads in Japan often have this restriction.

中央線（ちゅうおうせん / CENTER LINE）

This marks the center of the road. Do not cross it unless it is permitted, as it separates opposing traffic.

Summary

Driving a campervan in Japan can be an amazing experience, but understanding basic traffic kanji is essential for staying safe on the road.

By learning these 10 key kanji, you’ll be able to recognize important road signs, avoid common mistakes, and drive with more confidence during your trip.

Of course, there are many more traffic signs and rules to be aware of in Japan. If you’d like to learn more, you can check the official guide here:
https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/traffic-light_english.pdf

You can also visit our traffic rules page for more helpful tips and information before your journey.

If you’re planning your trip, we also offer several discounts, including the  Sakura Campaign, Spring Campaign, New Rental Location Opening Campaign, free dispatch fee campaign, repeater discount, early bird discount, and long-term discount,—so you can travel for less.

For any questions, feel free to contact us via mail, WhatsApp, or Messenger.