Linus Lam's Coverage of Japan Comic Market 60


Something's just not quite right, is it? Welcome to Japan, motorist! If you're even thinking about renting a car and you've never visited Japan before or even understand most of the language, you're in for one heck of a ride. Fast lane is on the right-hand side, just like the driver's seat. Make believe you're in Great Britain if it comforts you, otherwise, everything is totally backwards. For the no-nonsense travelers, you're better off taking the tour bus.	And to make it harder, almost none of the traffic signs are printed in English, which would make it difficult for even riders in a taxi to be able to navigate around and ensure they know where they're going. But have trust, most taxi drivers know where they're going; just show them where you want to go and you are set. Just be prepared to pay a very high price. Gas is about 300-400 yen = $3-4 per gallon and toll roads are a whopping 1000-1500 yen = $10.00-$15.00 one way.

A common sight outside the town train stations. Take your time: it's just signs telling you the which bus stop lines are to your left and right, a map on where you are, and other superfluous information where you are. This stop is the Udenji town in Megaro Ward in Tokyo, near where LLNN had a place to stay, thanks to secret agent "hyou".	Other than the tiny vans and cars along the roads and freeways that is common in Japan, most vehicles are not much different than from what you'll see if any country, USA or otherwise. But an interesting note about this picture is the notable green and yellow tag on the back which is a required sticker for drivers who have a driver's license and vehicle registration for under a year.

Another common sight in vehicles are the flatscreens which pop out and show you television broadcasts and Global Positioning Service maps for efficient navigation around Japan, an essential must-have even for native residents in crowded Tokyo.	You'd have to be pretty rich to own a car and be able to go many places even if you could afford the high gas prices. Toll gates are often priced at around 1200 yen = $10.00 or thereabouts which tells you how much it costs to maintain the roadways in space-constrained Japan. Save your cash, use the trains.