18. Transportation
Traffic Rules
Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road.
It is a legal requirement for both the driver and front seat passenger to wear seat belts at all times.
- Drinking and driving is prohibited.
- Use of a portable phone while driving is prohibited.
- Children under 6 years of age are required to be securely fastened into a child seat.
- It is required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
- Keep traffic regulation or speed limit when driving a car or motorcycle.
- Be certain to use lights when cycling in the dark.
※Traffic violations incur fines as well as penalty points. Accumulation of a penalty points results in suspension or cancellation of license.
Driver's License
In order to drive in Japan, you are required to possess either a valid Japanese driver's license or a valid international driver's license.
(NB Exceptions are Germany, France, and Switzerland, who may drive with their home country driver's license as long as it is accompanied by a Japanese translation. This may be obtained from your embassy, consul, or Japan Automobile Federation, JAF.)
【Period which You may Drive in Japan】
| Japanese Driver's License | ・ Within the term of validity mentioned on the driver's license ※Usually, renewal is necessary once every five years, or once every three or four years for senior citizens of 70 years old or more. |
| International Driver's License Foreign Driver's License (Only Germany, France, and Switzerland ) |
・ Either for one year from the date of your entry into Japan or for one year from issue date of your driver's license, whichever comes earlier. ※NB. Exceptions to this apply when re-entry is made after a period of 3 months outside Japan. Please check with your local driver's license authority. ※After one year it is necessary to obtain a Japanese driver's license. Certain countries may convert their license; other nationalities are required to take a Japanese driving test. NB. Renewal of an international driver's license after one year is no longer accepted. |
Obtaining a Japanese Driver's License
There are two ways in which you can obtain a Japanese driver's license. You may attend Japanese driving school and undertake a written test in the driver's license center. There are many driving schools in Japan, and 12 schools in Shimane. Costs differ, but generally learning to drive will set you back about three hundred thousand yen. For further information, contact driving schools directly. Another way is to take both a written examination and driving test at your local driver's license center. These tests are notoriously difficult to pass.
Converting to a Japanese Driver's License (In Shimane)
Firstly, you must satisfy the following conditions.
- Possession of a valid foreign driver's license.
- Residence in the country which issued your driver's license for over 3 months since obtaining the license.
Secondly, you must prepare the following to be submitted with application.
- Driver's license application form
- Your foreign driver's license (If the issue date is not written on the license, a proof of the issue date must be attached.)
- A Japanese translation of your foreign driver's license (Acceptable translations may be obtained from: A foreign authority that issued the license; an embassy or consulate general of that country; JAF (Japanese Automobile Federation). The location of JAF Shimane Branch is listed below.)
- Proof of period of stay in the country which has issued the license (For example, passport or a certificate of a record of entry and exit of a country)
- Certificate of Alien Registration
- One 3cm×2.4cm photograph taken within the past 6 months (color or black and white are acceptable)
- Examination fee
- An international driver's license (If you possess one)
- A Japanese driver's license (If you had obtained one in the past)
【Method】
- Obtain required documents.
- Contact the license centre and make an appointment.
- Take the required documents to the centre on the appointed day. Later, the license center will inform you as to whether you are required to take a written or practical test. Written tests may be taken in the following languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Persian.
- Once all conditions are met a Japanese driver's license will be issued. Cost of the license is borne separately and payable to the license centre.
Driver's License Center
There are license centers in Shimane.
| Name | Address & Tel | Dates & Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Shimane Driver's License Center | 250-1 Uchide-cho, Matsue-shi, 690-0131 Tel (0852)36-7400 |
Mon.-Fri. 8:30-17:00 |
| Shimane Western Driver's License Center | 2385-3 Takezako-cho, Hamada-shi, 697-0015 Tel (0855)23-7900 |
Purchasing a Car
Note that there are various extra costs involved in purchasing a car, e.g. Automobile Acquisition Tax, Automobile Tonnage Tax (Refer to here) and automobile insurance (see below). For further information, contact your car dealer.
The following are required to purchase a car.
- Alien Registration Completion Certificate
- Personal seal (Hanko)
- A Certificate of Personal Seal (of 2.) (It may not be needed.)
- A Certificate of Parking Space (It can be issued at the police station in municipality where you applied for alien registration.)
- A Valid Driver's License.
Car Registration
You are required to register your car at the "Transport Bureau Office" or "Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organization". Generally, the car dealer goes through the procedure for you, but the fee is charged separately.
Automobile Insurance
If you possess a car in Japan, you are required by law to join the automobile liability insurance cover scheme. This is the minimum mandatory protection. You are strongly recommended to take out a private insurance policy as well.
Automobile Inspection (Shaken)
An automobile inspection test is regularly required on all vehicles exceeding 251cc. If you purchase a new car, the first inspection comes 3 years after purchase, then every 2 years. If the license plate of the car or motorcycle is white, it should be inspected by the "Transport Bureau Office". If the license plate is yellow, the car or motorcycle should be inspected by the "Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organization". (You need an appointment.) You can inspect your car by yourself, or you can ask your car dealer to do it for you and pay the relevant fee. You must renew your Shaken within one month of the expiry date.
【Necessary Documents and Expenses】
- Continuous inspection application form (You can buy it at the Promotion Association or Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organization.)
- Certificate of Automobile Inspection
- Automobile Inspection Tag (You can get it at Transport Bureau Office or Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organization.)
- Maintenance List
※If you ask car dealer or car inspection agency to inspect your car, they prepare the maintenance list for you. However, if you inspect your car by yourself, you have to undertake the standard inspection as is written in the maintenance handbook, and make your own maintenance list (Any form is acceptable). - Certificate of Automobile Tax Payment
- Certificate of Automobile Liability Insurance
- Personal Seal (seal of the owner if someone other than you.)
- Inspection Fee (You can pay fee by buying a revenue stamp at the Promotion Association or Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organization.)
- Automobile Tonnage Tax (Tax differs in automobile weight. You can pay tax by buying a revenue stamp at the Promotion Association or Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organization.)
◆Continuous Inspection Place◆
| ・ Chugoku District Transport Bureau Shimane Transport Branch Office Tel (0852)37-1319 For inspection appointment (0852)38-9055 ・ Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organization Shimane Branch Office Tel (0852)37-0539 For inspection appointment (0852)38-9054 |
Child Seat
Children under 6 years are legally required to be fastened into a child seat at all times. You can purchase a child seat in most car accessory shops. It is also possible to rent or buy them second hand and there are groups which subsidizes their cost. Please contact your municipality or the police station for details.
Automobile Tax
Tax is payable annually and is calculated in relation to engine size. For further information, refer to here.
Obtaining a Scooter License
In order to ride motorcycles up to 50cc you are required to obtain a scooter license.
People over 16 years old can obtain a scooter's license.
How to obtain a scooter license:
【Necessary Documents】
- A driver's license application form and admission ticket for examination. (Obtained at examination center).
- Certificate of Alien Registration
- Notebook or writing instruments
- Two photographs (3cm×2.4cm)
- Personal seal
- Scooter lecture fee (4,050 yen)
- Written examination fee (1,650 yen)
- Fee for issuing license (1,750 yen)
【Method】
- Make an appointment for a scooter lecture (Apply for a scooter lecture by calling the Traffic Safety Association listed below. If you are caught in unavoidable circumstances, you can attend a lecture after a written examination.)
- Attend a scooter lecture (It takes about 3 hours.)
- Apply for a written examination with a certificate of completion of scooter lecture (Those who live in Matsue or Hamada apply to their city driver's license center; those who live in other areas apply to the nearest police station.)
- Take a written examination
- Take an aptitude test e.g. sight, hearing, and exercise ability
- If you pass a written examination and an aptitude test, the scooter's license is issued.
◆Place for Application of Scooter Lecture◆
| ・ Shimane Traffic Safety Association Tel (0852)36-6338 (Eastern area) Tel (0855)23-7900 (Western area) ※Dates & Hours : Mon.-Fri. 8:30-17:00 (Except holidays and the year-end and new year) |
Registration of Bicycle and Scooter
Take necessary precautions when you leave your bicycle unattended, e.g. locks and chains. Be wary of leaving bicycles in quiet streets for long periods. If your bicycle is stolen, report it to the police immediately. Should you be given a bicycle by a friend it is also necessary to register transfer of ownership.
Precautions When Riding a Bicycle
- When you ride a bicycle at night, turn on your headlights and wear bright colored clothing or reflection material.
- Do not ride other people's unlocked bicycle.
- Bicycles ride on the left. Ride on sidewalks where there is a "Bicycles and Pedestrians Only" sign.
- Do not ride double on a bicycle.
- When you leave your bicycle, keep it locked with a key or chain, and do not leave anything in the basket.
- When riding a bicycle with valuables in a basket, be certain to secure them.
Japan Automobile Federation Membership (JAF)
JAF supplies roadside assistance and recovery to members. They operate 24 hours, 365 days a year. In addition, JAF provides Japanese translations of foreign driver's licenses, which are required for conversion of driver's licenses issued by foreign countries.
【Registration Fee for Member of JAF】
- Entrance Fee・・・・・・・・・・2,000 yen
- Annual Charge・・・・・・・・・・4,000 yen
【Translation Fee】
- 3,000 yen for one translation (If you apply by mail, you need to pay 290 yen extra for mail fee.)
※In order to receive translation service, bring a "foreign driver's license" and "translation fee" to the reception desk in JAF or contact the following office in case of applying by mail.
◆JAF Shimane Branch◆
| 〒690-0011 1092-1 Higashitsuda-cho, Matsue-shi Tel (0852)25-1123 |
Traffic Accident
If you are involved in a traffic accident, stop the car at the first safe opportunity and contact the police. Refer to here about how to cope with a traffic accident. If people involved in an accident settle the accident out of court by themselves, you may not receive insurance. Therefore, you should contact your insurance company and consult them. You need a "Certificate of Traffic Accident" issued by the police in order to receive a premium paid by the automobile insurance company.
Assistance for Handicapped Drivers
Handicapped people may receive assistance. For further information, ask the municipal office where you applied for alien registration. The following assistance may be available.
- Charge reduction for using public transportation
- Assistance for part of expenses paid to a driving school to obtain a driver's license
- Assistance for part of expense needed to remodel a car for a handicapped person
- Exemption from Automobile Acquisition Tax and Automobile Tax (or Light Motor Vehicle Tax)
◆Inquiries◆
| Hamada City Office / Health and Longevity Division / Disabled Welfare Sectio Tel (0855)22-2612 Ext.155 Dates & Hours : Mon.-Fri. 8:30-17:15 (Except holidays, year-end and new year) |
Public Transportation
In Shimane, there are public transportations such as local buses, railways, and taxies.
【Local Bus】
If in doubt, you can usually find a bus stop at train station. Buses will stop for you if you raise your hand when they approach. The bus's destination is shown on the front of the bus. Bus fares are calculated by distance traveled. (Take a ticket when you get on the bus and calculate your fare by comparing your ticket number with the screen at the front of the bus). For hassle-free travel, use a bus card. You can buy a bus card or commuter pass at the reception desk in each bus company.
【Railway】
Two railway companies operate in Shimane: JR and Ichibata. JR is a national network. For long distance rail travel, discount tickets are available. For further information, ask at ticket counters in large stations or at your local travel company. Ichibata railway only operates around Matsue, Izumo, and Izumo Taisha.
【Taxi】
There are two types of taxis: small and medium-size. Taxi stands are found in front of train stations, airports, hospitals, department stores etc. It is possible to call a taxi to pick you up from home or any designated place by making a reservation on the telephone. Otherwise you can hail a moving taxi on the street by raising your hand. The fare differs depending on the size of taxi, distance, and time. Tips are not necessary. From 11 o'clock at night to 5 o'clock in the morning, a 20 % of surcharge is added to the standard fare. (As of March 2002)
Long Distance Express Bus
There are many express buses which run from Shimane to big cities in other prefectures. They are fairly convenient and considerably cheaper than other forms of transport. Most express buses are well fitted-out with toilets, TV, tea and coffee makers etc. Advance reservation is recommended and can usually be made from one month before. Particularly busy times are: the year-end and new-year holiday, Golden Week, and obon holidays.
| 11 hrs 25 minTransport Route | Name of Bus | Travel Time | Fare (yen) | Transport Company | Reservation Telephone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matsue - Hiroshima | Grand Arrow | 3 hrs 30 min | 3,950 | ・Ichibata Bus ・Hiroshima Railways |
Ichibata Bus Reservation Center Tel (0852)20-5252 Operation Hours: 9:00-18:00 |
| 7,000 | |||||
| Matsue・Izumo - Fukuoka | Izumoji | 9 hrs 25 min | 8,000 | ・Ichibata Bus ・Western Japan Railways |
|
| 14,400 | |||||
| Izumo・Matsue - Okayama | Momotarou Express | 3 hrs 40 min | 3,900 | ・Ichibata Bus ・Hinomaru Jidousha ・Ryoubi Bus ・Chuutetsu Bus |
|
| 7,000 | |||||
| Izumo - Hiroshima | Mikoto | 3 hrs 30 min | 3,950 | ・Ichibata Bus ・Hiroshima Railways |
|
| 7,000 | |||||
| Izumo・Matsue - Osaka | Kunibiki | 5 hrs 30 min | 5,650 | ・Ichibata Bus ・JR Bus ・Hankyuu Bus |
|
| 10,150 | |||||
| Izumo・Matsue - Tokyo | Susanoo | 11 hrs 25 min | 12,070 | ・Ichibata Bus ・JR Bus |
|
| 24,140 | |||||
| Izumo・Matsue - Kobe | Port Lake | 6 hrs 30 min | 5,000 | ・JR Bus Chuugoku | Chuugoku JR Bus Swallow Travel / Izumo Office Tel (0853)21-0591 Operation Hours: 8:30-12:00 12:30-18:00 |
| 9,000 | |||||
| Hamada - Hiroshima | Isaribi | 1 hrs 55 min | 2,950 | ・Iwami Koutsuu ・JR Bus ・Hiroshima Railways |
Iwami Koutsu Masuda Business Office Tel (0856)24-0085 Operation Hours: 9:00-18:00 |
| 5,200 | |||||
| Masuda - Hiroshima | Super Line | 2 hrs 50 min | 3,600 | ・Iwami Koutsuu ・Hiroshima Railways |
|
| 6,440 | |||||
| Tsuwano・Masuda・Hamada - Osaka | Tsuwano Express | 8 hrs 20 min | 9,000 | ・Iwami Koutsuu | |
| 18,000 | |||||
| Tsuwano・Masuda・Hamada - Osaka | Salad Express | 8 hrs 20 min | 9,000 | ・Iwami Koutsuu ・Hanshin Bus |
|
| 18,000 | |||||
| Tsuwano・Masuda・Hamada - Tokyo | Iwami Express | 13 hrs 55 min | 13,100 | ・Iwami Koutsuu ・JR Bus |
|
| 23,800 |
※The underlined places indicate the departure and arrival. The travel time may differ between outward and return journeys. The figure in the upper row denotes single fare and the lower row denotes discounted return fare. There may be no discounted round-trip fare depending on the transport route. The fare stated above is current as of March 2002.
Airports in Shimane
In Shimane, there are three airports: Izumo airport, Iwami airport, and Oki airport. Flights are available to several of Japan's main cities. In nearby Tottori-ken there are international flights from Yonago, which go to Seoul in Korea. Flight routes are as follows.
| Izumo Airport | Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, Oki, Fukuoka, Sapporo (Seasonal flight), and Okinawa (Seasonal flight) |
| Iwami Airport | Tokyo and Osaka |
| Oki Airport | Izumo and Osaka |
| Yonago Airport (In Tottori) | Tokyo, Nagoya Fukuoka, and Seoul in Korea (International flight) |
Airport Shuttle Bus
Airport shuttle buses operate between airports and train stations or ports in neighboring cities and towns. Contact the bus company for further information.
| Transport Section | Fare (yen) | Required Time | Bus Company | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Izumo Airport | Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station | 1,100 | 40 min | Matsue Ichibata Taxi Tel (0852)22-3681 |
| JR Matsue Station | 1,000 | 25 min | ||
| JR Izumo Station | 670 | 25 min | Izumo Ichibata Taxi Tel (0853)21-1144 |
|
| Railways Izumo Shrine Station | 850 | 30 min | ||
| Izumo Shrine | 850 | 35 min | ||
| Iwami Airport | JR Masuda Station | 290 | 10 min | Iwami Koutsuu Tel (0856)24-0085 |
| Oki Airport | Saigou Port | 280 | 10 min | Oki Ichibata Koutsuu Tel (08512)2-1281 |
| Yonago Airport | JR Matsue Station | 960 | 45 min | Matsue Ichibata Taxi Tel (0852)22-3681 |
As of May 1, 2002
Boat Services to Oki
There are regular ferry and express passenger boats which go to Oki from Shichirui port and Kaka port in Yatsuka-gun. You can take local bus from JR Matsue station to either port. There are pay car-parks near the ports. Ask the following office about departure and arrival time, required time, and fare for ferry and express passenger ship.
◆Inquiries◆
| Oki Ferry Shichirui Business Office Tel (0852)72-2215 |
