SBK Japan

• "one way"

• white circle, red ring, blue number inside shows speed limit (in km/h)

• 　"no parking" -- lots of law-breakers here.

• "no parking or stopping" -- even more law-breakers here.

• "no bikes over 250cc allowed" (during times specified). Note that this law is nearly never enforced, or enforced very selectively.

• "no U turn", obviously

• "left turn only" -- i.e. no right turn

• "Under Construction"

• "Construction ahead" -- Here, 200m ahead

• "No Cars may enter (but bikes OK)" --often in packed neighborhoods or small mountain roads

• "50cc scooters must dismount for right turn"

• "Do Not Enter" -- On some signs, like in this picture, it only applies during the hours listed (often during rush hour, etc.)

• blue or green signs with lettering -- route info, major highways, exit signs, etc.

• 　 Large blue signs show place names and directions. Often they are 200m in front of an intersection, and are nearly the only signs with the places listed in the alphabet.

• 　 TOMARE (止まれ)--"Stop"

Note that TOMARE (とまれ) will usually be written on the road as well.

Other Signs

• SHASEN HENKOU "must change lane" (due to construction, etc).

• DEGUCHI (出口) exit; off-ramp

• IRIGUCHI (入口) enterance; on-ramp

• TACHIIRI KINSHI (立入禁止) "do not enter"

• RAKUSEKI CHUUI (落石注意) "beware of falling rocks"

• NIRIN KINSHI (二輪禁止) "no motorcycles allowed"

• CHUUI (注意) 　"caution"

• SUPEEDO　OTOSE (スピード落せ) "slow down" (usually ignored)

• "Lane directions change during hours specified" -- During rush hour a 2 by 2 lane road may change to a 3 by 1 lane road to accomodate more traffic.

Often signs are put together.

For a good collection of other Japan photos for living in Japan, trying visiting Rob's Japan Photo Gallery.

Road mirrors -- You'll often see mirrors like this along curving roads and blind intersections -- Use them! Many times they're the only thing that keeps some maniac from plowing right into you.