Japan has one of the most widespread and convenient rail systems in the world but there are many occasions when even the train can't take you where you want to go. When this happens, you'll need a bicycle or scooter.

The first thing you'll notice is that the Japanese drive on the left side of the road. For people who come from Australia, UK, N`Z and many other countries in the region this poses no problems, but for everybody else this can take time to get used to. Driving in Japan is generally very safe and the majority of drivers are careful and courteous though you have to be constantly on the look out for cyclists with a death wish when turning left at traffic lights or Taxi-drivers.

Major road signs are in English as well as Japanese so it is easy to find your way around on the major roads, but most Japanese maps use Kanji for the place names, so we'll provide you with a bilingual map of Kyoto.

Scooters (gendoukitsukidensha - or gentsuki for short), are the preferred mode of transport for many young Japanese because they are cheap to run, and often more convenient than a car to use. If you already have an International Drivers License or a Japanese Driving License then you're ready to go. Don't forget your holiday insurance.

You are unlikely to exceed 40kmh on a regular basis but for the times that this occurs, knowledge of the speed limits can be useful. The speed limit in residential areas is 30kmh for a 50cc (though this can vary depending on the place) and the same speed limit as other vehicles for the 100cc`s and above. Whilst many drivers do exceed these limits there are police patrols and occasional hidden cameras.

You are not permitted to drive on the expressways.A speeding ticket in Japan will normally result in a large fine (5 -20,000 yen).

Drinking and driving in Japan is not tolerated and the drink-drive level is zero percent. Even a glass of wine or a beer can result in heavy fines or the loss of your license if you are stopped and checked.

Note: Residents: If you cause an accident you may lose your license permanently. To drive a car in Japan you must be 18 years or over and for a moped/scooter or motorcycle it is 16 and above.

Whilst riding any scooter, should you get a puncture, cause an accident or commit a road traffic violation we cannot be held responsible.

By law all vehicles have to have a 3rd party insurance cover [basic coverage] but this will not cover the user / rider of the vehicle. It's your responsibility to take out insurance whilst you are on vacation.