Your Saga Adventure Starts at HSG Airport

Yes, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). US driver's licenses alone are not valid in Japan—you'll need an IDP issued in your home country (available from AAA in the US for $20). Your IDP must be accompanied by your original US license. The minimum age to drive is 18, but rental companies typically require drivers to be 21-25 years old; drivers under 25 often pay a Young Driver Surcharge of roughly ¥300-500 ($2-4) per day.

Yes, this is the biggest adjustment. Japan drives on the LEFT side of the road with right-hand drive vehicles. American drivers frequently make wrong-way mistakes at exits and intersections—take extra caution at unfamiliar turns. Expressways and major roads have clear signage. In Saga's rural areas, narrow roads are common; when two cars meet, the driver going uphill has priority (a rule many tourists don't know). Budget 2-3 days of driving before feeling comfortable.

Expressway tolls in Kyushu typically cost ¥30-50 ($0.20-0.35) per km. You can pay with cash or credit card at toll gates, but renting an ETC card from the rental company (usually ¥300-500/day or free with certain plans) lets you pass through ETC lanes without stopping. If you plan to drive more than 100 km on expressways, the ETC card pays for itself quickly. Ask your rental company about ETC availability when booking.

Saga rarely gets heavy snow, but from December-February, expect occasional ice and light snow on roads, especially in the mountainous southern regions near the ASO area. Most rental companies provide standard all-season tires on vehicles in Kyushu during winter—if you're heading to Aso or nearby mountain passes, confirm your vehicle has appropriate tires. Snow chains are rarely necessary in Saga proper but recommended if traveling to higher elevations in neighboring Kumamoto. Pack a scraper and de-icer just in case.

Three critical differences: (1) Stop completely at ALL railroad crossings—even if gates are open and no train is visible. Violations carry heavy fines. (2) Right turns on red are prohibited unless specifically posted. (3) At uncontrolled intersections, the driver on the right has priority. Speed limits: 40 km/h in urban areas, 60 km/h on national roads, 80-100 km/h on expressways. Speed cameras are common; fines for speeding start at ¥12,000 ($80) for minor violations. Always stop for pedestrians at crosswalks—it's legally required.

Parking is abundant and cheap compared to major cities. Most shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants offer free parking. Street parking in central Saga City costs roughly ¥100-200 ($0.70-1.40) per hour, usually limited to 1-2 hours. Many tourist spots (Saga Castle, Yoshinogari Park) have free large parking lots. No parking meters accept foreign credit cards in some areas—carry small yen bills or use the PayPay app if you have a Japanese phone number. Overnight parking at hotels is typically free.