Do you own a car in Japan?

[JerseyBoy]

I noticed some Japanese don't know how to drive or don't have the driver's license (or, they are just the paper drivers) . I am sorry for many Japanese locals who have to go to the expensive driving schools to get a license.

I am a car guy (even though I live in Tokyo) as I have been driving my car (and company car) a lot in USA for many years. Back in Japan (it's been about 1.5 years), I had to get a car because of my habits (I don't really like driving much in Japan though, as it is too crowded, too small, too narrow---in terms of the width of the roads, too over-priced---price gouging by the highway authorities; it just sucks the fun out of driving in Japan big time). I am planning to go back to my adopted country USA in several weeks and I will pick up a new car again once I get settled down.

How about you? Do you own a car (and drive it) in Japan?

[-Rudel-]

You bet I do! I drift it too! :-) I have a car in the states too..

Nissan 180sx
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2925653

Ford Focus SVT
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2576834

[Uncle Frank]

When I was stationed in Fukuoka we had a small direction finding base about 5 miles from the main Hakata Air Base. To travel back & forth, we had a giant Ford crew cab pick-up truck about 20 feet long. The steering wheel was set up for US driving. I used to feel like I was a tank driver in that big monster. Thankfully back then(1970&71) the traffic was always light and the road almost empty.When I got in my Japanese buddies cars, I felt like I was in a shoebox with wheels. I remember driving in heavy traffic in downtown Fukuoka even back then scared the crap out of me.

Uncle Frank

:souka:

[Glenski]

Back in Japan (it's been about 1.5 years), I had to get a car because of my habits
I don't understand this at all. You have to get a license because you don't have one and you want one. Period.

As for the OP, yes, I own a car.

[JerseyBoy]

I don't understand this at all. You have to get a license because you don't have one and you want one. Period.
As for the OP, yes, I own a car.
It was an easy license conversion from NY license to J-license. I had to take a 10-questions test (its English translation was horrible) and a road test. I pass both with aplomb. I was with a j-license within 30 days after my arrival (I had a valid 1-year international driver's license at that time; so, I would've been able to drive car for a year without any problem, though).

[DoctorP]

I own three cars...but then I am in Okinawa and associated with the military.

[FrustratedDave]

I own three cars.

A LS600hL
A Celsior
and and IS-F.

[Mikawa Ossan]

I used to own a car, but I got rid of it some months ago. I have to say, life was much easier (albeit more expensive) with a car.

[Dutch Baka]

We have a car (toyota BB 2000), which is a lovely cool wagon. We use it almost every week, to go shopping, to go to the in-laws, etc.

But only my wife drives, so I hope to get my license next year (I don't have a Dutch license, so I have to start from 0%).

[JerseyBoy]

I own three cars.
A LS600hL
A Celsior
and and IS-F.
Those are sweat rides, man. Do you get annoyed with the low speed limits and lack of wide open roads in Japan?

We have a car (toyota BB 2000), which is a lovely cool wagon. We use it almost every week, to go shopping, to go to the in-laws, etc.
But only my wife drives, so I hope to get my license next year (I don't have a Dutch license, so I have to start from 0%).
You should've got your license from your home country. You would need to shell out close to USD 3000 to complete the driving school in Japan. If you can get a license in the Netherlands while you are back there, it may be better for you.