Tokyo - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
You do not need a car except for weekend trips (we did not have one during our time there). Japanese drive on the right side of the car, opposite the U.S., but you are allowed to import a left-hand drive car. Japanese people (typically wealthier individuals) like to import left-hand drive cars some even tollbooths are setup to be able to pay/take the ticket from either side of the car (although almost all the tolls are electronic now). Roads (especially in residential neighborhoods or countryside) can become extremely narrow so be careful about bringing a large SUV. Also, there are tons of excellent used Japanese cars available on the local market (Japanese take excellent care of their cars), that one could purchase if one is interested. Gas is about 6-8 USD a gallon, but diplomats can purchase it tax free at some gas stations, and U.S.G. employees may also purchase it on the base. You can get most major brands serviced here, even American ones, however parts etc. can get extremely pricey.. - May 2025
Huge local market for used and new vehicles and reasonable priced. Right-hand drive country so I would suggest buying when you arrive. - Jan 2024
