Rental Car Accidents Involving Foreign Tourists Surge 15-Fold to 575 Cases in Nagano; Concentrated Near Tourist Spots and Ski Resorts, Prompting Government Pilot Program
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Rental car accidents involving foreign tourists are surging in Nagano Prefecture. According to a report by NBS Nagano Broadcasting, the number of accidents rose roughly 15-fold, from 39 cases in 2022 to 575 cases. The accidents are concentrated near tourist destinations and ski resorts during the winter months, with a notable pattern of right-turn collisions.
In response, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Hokuriku-Shinetsu District Transport Bureau launched a pilot program on August 4, 2026 covering both Niigata and Nagano prefectures to prevent rental car accidents involving foreign tourists. At a review meeting among relevant parties, participants agreed on the need to promote awareness of Japanese traffic rules and understanding of winter driving conditions, with measures under consideration including training sessions for rental car operators and the production of awareness videos.
Current status: Specific details of the pilot program's content, schedule, and evaluation methods have not been disclosed as of this writing. This article will be updated as further details emerge.
Other reported friction involving foreign visitors includes a case in Kabukicho in which a foreign national was arrested for illegal touting targeting inbound tourists (related coverage). Frictions accompanying the rise in foreign visitors are becoming apparent in both traffic safety and public order.