An empirically-determined faster route from Tsukuba to Narita
In response to a request from Shaney in a comment on a post about the Ken-oh-dou, I made a kmz file for Google Earth about an empirically-determined faster route from Tsukuba to Narita Airport.
My experience shows that this route has less traffic and fewer signals and it is easier to speed. It takes approximately 45-60 minutes to get to Narita on this route.
Download a kmz file for Google Earth
You can enjoy a tour of the route by clicking on "Tools" > "Play tour".
The trick is to minimize your time on Route 408 as much as possible. The above route follows Route 408 after entering Chiba Prefecture, but I believe this part can be improved. Once I encountered a very slow, huge trailer three cars ahead of me carrying a very big part of something. It almost made me late for my flight that time.
I welcome other recommendations, impressions, and feedback. Let's develop a faster route to Narita!
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Borrowing Jumper Cables
Here is a quick hint sent in by a Tsukuban who had car trouble today:
My battery died today and I needed a boost. I don't have any jumper cables in my car, so I thought I would try going to a gas station to see if they could lend me a set. I went to the Eneos just across from Andersen and they were able to lend me the cables for a 2000 yen deposit plus some ID. When I returned the cables, I got my ID and deposit back.
So, if you are ever in the same situation, try to get yourself to the closest gas station to see if you can borrow the cables. Or, if you can't find a gas station, call your insurance provider to find out if you have road-side assistance as part of your coverage. Finally, if you have 4000 yen to spare, consider joining the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), so you will always have someone to call when you run into problems like this.
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Car Auction Tsukuba
If you are thinking about buying a new car, you might want to consider asking a dealer to attend a car auction on your behalf. Car auctions happen every day of the week except Sunday all over the country. They are only open to dealers, but local used car dealers may agree to attend the auction on your behalf if you give them specific guidelines of what you are looking for and how much you are willing to pay.
The closest car auction to Tsukuba is called "Car Auction Tsukuba" (CAT) and it is held in Tsuchiura (Nakamura Nishine 1111) on Fridays. (It's quite common for events and sites in places around Tsukuba (but not actually in Tsukuba) to use the Tsukuba name, I guess because it is well-known and has good associations.)
I have never bought a car this way, so I can't offer any advice. I wonder if any Tsukuba residents might be able to tell us about their experiences?
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Changes to Traffic Laws
Some changes have been been made to the Traffic Law which will come into effect on June 1, 2008. Here is an overview of the changes (from what I understand).
1. Changes to the rules regarding bicycles driving on the sidewalk
You may ride your bicycle on the sidewalk under the following conditions.
- If there is a sign that specifically permits riding bicycles on the sidewalk.
- If you are under 13 or over 70 years of age.
- When you have to because of road or traffic conditions.
Cyclists must ride slowly on the part of the sidewalk that is designated for bicycles. However, if there are no pedestrians on the part of the sidewalk that is designated for bicycles, or if there are no pedestrians who are trying to walk on that part of the sidewalk, then cyclists can go at a safe speed using proper and safe riding techniques. Pedestrians must also make an effort to avoid the part of the sidewalk that is designated for bicycles.
2. Children must wear helmets when riding bicycles or when being carried on a bicycle that is being driven by someone else.
3. All passengers must wear seatbelts, including those in the back seat. If the driver or any of the passengers are not wearing a seatbelt in a car that is driving on the toll highways, the driver will be punished.
4. Elderly drivers (above 75 years of age) must display an "elderly driver" mark on their cars. People between the ages of 70 to 75 years of age "should" display the mark. (The elderly driver symbol is in the shape of a tear drop. It is cut down the middle and the left half is orange and the right half is yellow.)
5. People who are hard of hearing are now able to get a driver's license if they use a special wide mirror. They must display a "hard of hearing mark" on their cars. Other drivers are forbidden from cutting off or aggressively passing cars with such marks. (The "hard of hearing" symbol is a green circle with a yellow butterfly inside.)
More Information
- Ibaraki Prefectural Police Website (Japanese)
- Topics on Traffic and Safety on the Police Website (Japanese)
- Amendments to Traffic Laws (Effective June 2008, Japanese)
- Amendments to Traffic Laws (Effective September 2007, English)
- Basic Traffic Safety Instructions (English)
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Changes to Traffic Laws in Japan
The latest Tsukuba City Hall Newsletter notes that there have been some recent changes to traffic law within Japan. These laws affect drivers of cars and bicycles, and also passengers in cars, so please read through them carefully.
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Several traffic laws changed on June 20, 2007 and will come into force within a certain amount of time after that date. For example, it will soon be mandatory for people to wear seatbelts in the back seats of cars, and fines and imprisonment terms for drunk drivers and people who do not stop drunk drivers from driving will be stiffened.
1. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
(These laws come into effect within three months of June 20.)
a. Rules Affecting the Driver
Drunk Driving
Old Law: Penalty of less than three years imprisonment or less than 500,000 yen fine
New Law: Penalty of less than five years imprisonment or less than 1,000,000 yen fine
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Old Law: Penalty of less than one year imprisonment or less than 300,000 yen fine
New Law: Penalty of less than three years imprisonment or less than 500,000 yen fine
Refusing Breathalyser Test
Old Law: Penalty of less than 300,000 yen fine
New Law: Penalty of less than three years imprisonment or less than 500,000 yen fine
b. Rules Affecting Accomplices to the Driver
Providing a Vehicle to Someone who Could be Under the Influence of Alcohol
Old Law: None
New Law: In the case of a drunk driver: Penalty of less than five years imprisonment or less than 1,000,000 yen fine
In the case of a driver under the influence of alcohol: Penalty of less than three years imprisonment or less than 500,000 yen fine
Providing Alcohol to Someone who is Likely to Drive
Old Law: None
New Law: In the case of a drunk driver: Penalty of less than three years imprisonment or less than 500,000 yen fine
In the case of a driver under the influence of alcohol: Penalty of less than two years imprisonment or less than 300,000 yen fine
Asking or Requesting Someone who is Known to be Under the Influence of Alcohol to Drive and Accompanying Him/Her in the Car
Old Law: None
New Law: In the case of a drunk driver: Penalty of less than three years imprisonment or less than 500,000 yen fine
In the case of a driver under the influence of alcohol: Penalty of less than two years imprisonment or less than 300,000 yen fine
c. Rules About Hit and Run
Old Law: Penalty of less than five years imprisonment or less than 500,000 yen fine
New Law: Penalty of less than ten years imprisonment or less than 1,000,000 yen fine
2. Laws Regarding Elderly Drivers
(These laws come into effect within one or two years of June 20.)
Drivers over 75 must take a test within six months prior to the expiry date of their license. (Comes into effect within two years.)
Drivers over 75 must display an "elderly driver" sign on their cars. Other drivers must not interfere with vehicles displaying such marks. (Comes into effect within one year.)
3. Laws Regarding Cyclists
(These laws come into effect within one year of June 20.)
In addition to sidewalks that are designated as open to bicycles, other sidewalks can be used by cyclists who are too young to use the road or who are forced to use the sidewalk because of road conditions.
Children must be told to wear helmets when riding bicycles.
4. Laws to Reduce Injuries
(These laws come into effect within one year of June 20.)
Drivers must ensure that passengers in the back seat use seat belts.
Sources: 広報つくば平成１９年８月１５日号：p4、茨城県警察：道路交通法一部改正
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