Gaimen50-question practice tests in the real exam formatWhat does 環状交差点 (kanjō kōsaten) mean? Roundabouts in Japan
Updated: 2026-10
環状交差点 (かんじょうこうさてん, kanjō kōsaten) is a roundabout: an intersection whose roadway forms a ring, with signs designating clockwise ('right-hand') circulation. Three test points: slow down when entering and give way to traffic already inside; do not signal when entering, signal when exiting; whether turning left, right or going straight, keep left and go slowly along the outer edge.
Legal definition
Article 4(3) of the Road Traffic Act (道路交通法) defines 環状交差点 as an intersection whose part used by vehicles is ring-shaped and where signs or markings designate that vehicles must travel around it to the right (右回り). A circular junction without the 'clockwise travel at ring intersection' sign is not legally a 環状交差点.
Japan drives on the left, so you go around clockwise (seen from above). Drivers from right-hand-traffic countries are used to counter-clockwise roundabouts, so take extra care.
How to drive through
The rule that traffic inside the roundabout has priority overrides the ordinary rules for uncontrolled intersections, such as yielding to the left or to the wider road (Art. 36).
| Situation | Rule | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| About to enter | Slow down (徐行). Do not obstruct vehicles or streetcars already inside | Art. 37-2(1), (2) |
| Inside | Whether turning left, right, going straight or U-turning: keep left in advance and go slowly along the edge | Art. 35-2 |
| Overall | Pay special attention to entering vehicles, vehicles inside and crossing pedestrians; proceed safely | Art. 37-2(3) |
| Exiting | Signal (left indicator etc.) | Art. 53(2) |
When to signal
At a roundabout you do not give the usual turn signal 30 m before the intersection. Signals are required when exiting, and when slowing down, stopping or reversing inside (Art. 53(2)).
Signal your exit as you pass the exit just before the one you will take. If you leave by the first exit after entering, signal as you enter (Enforcement Order Art. 21(2)). Use the left indicator, or put your right arm out of the right side and bend the elbow straight up, or put your left arm out of the left side horizontally.
How it appears on the test, and the traps
Statements that apply ordinary intersection rules (signal 30 m before, move to the center to turn right, yield to the left) are false here.
- 'You must signal in advance when about to enter a roundabout' → False (signal when exiting)
- 'When entering, do not obstruct vehicles already in the roundabout' → True
- 'Travel counter-clockwise in a roundabout' → False (clockwise)
- 'To turn right at a roundabout, keep toward the center' → False (keep left along the edge)
- 'At a roundabout, vehicles from the left have priority' → False (vehicles inside have priority)
Similar terms that are different
The moped two-step right turn (二段階右折) is not used at roundabouts. Every vehicle keeps left and follows the edge.
Roundabouts are excluded from the places where public safety commissions should try to install traffic signals (Art. 4(3)). Roundabouts in Japan usually have no signals and work by the rules above.
Practice questions using this term
FAQ
Q. Do I signal when entering a roundabout?
A. No. You signal when exiting.
Q. Which way do I go around?
A. Clockwise (to the right) as seen from above.
Q. Must I come to a full stop before entering?
A. The law requires slowing down (徐行) and not obstructing traffic inside. If a stop sign (一時停止) is posted, you must stop.