Intersection direction signJapan

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Japan. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


39. Intersection direction sign

An intersection direction sign shows the destinations and routes available at an approaching or current intersection. Arrows, road numbers, symbols and place names help drivers choose the correct direction and, where indicated, the correct traffic lane.

The sign provides route guidance but does not normally establish priority, permission to turn or a speed limit. Drivers must still obey traffic lights, regulatory signs, lane arrows, road markings and local traffic rules.

Intersection direction sign
Traffic sign with directions of the next crossroad. (Hokkaido, Japan)
Wikimedia.org • Bord de rivière gratuit • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of an intersection direction sign in Japan?

It identifies destinations, routes or directions at an upcoming junction. On routes around Japanese cities, the road’s route number or destination may appear beside an arrow or junction diagram. This is navigation information, not a grant of priority.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 7–9, 17–43, 44–45 and 70: actual controls and safe circulation

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — Traffic Lights and Road Signs, official English definitions

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — traffic instruction handbook, sign groups and road use; read with current Act

Does a junction direction sign decide which vehicle goes first in Japan?

No. Traffic signals, Stop or Give Way signs and the legally applicable priority rules determine who must yield. A diagram showing the road layout is not, by itself, a priority instruction.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 7–9, 17–43, 44–45 and 70: actual controls and safe circulation

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — Traffic Lights and Road Signs, official English definitions

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — traffic instruction handbook, sign groups and road use; read with current Act

What should you do if you are in the wrong lane for a signed destination in Japan?

Continue in a legal and safe direction and find another route. Do not stop abruptly, reverse into a junction or cross a solid line to recover a missed turning. Obey any mandatory lane-direction arrows separately from destination advice.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 7–9, 17–43, 44–45 and 70: actual controls and safe circulation

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — Traffic Lights and Road Signs, official English definitions

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — traffic instruction handbook, sign groups and road use; read with current Act

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