Japan Driving Guide: License, Road Rules and Car Rental
Contents
- 1Which license lets you drive in Japan?
- 2License translation: Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan
- 3How long you can drive, and returning visitors
- 4Road rules you need to know
- 5Renting a car: what to bring and how booking works
- 6Insurance words: CDW, NOC and ECO
- 7Tolls, ETC cards, fuel and winter tyres
- 8If you have an accident
- 9Mistakes first-timers make
- 10FAQ
- 11Related guides
You can drive in Japan as a visitor, but only with the right papers. You need one of three things: a Japanese license, an International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or a license from certain countries with an official Japanese translation ⓘ National Police Agency. After that, the main points are simple. Drive on the left, follow the rules, and bring your original documents to the rental desk.
1Which license lets you drive in Japan?
Japan accepts three kinds of papers. You need a Japanese license, a Geneva Convention permit, or an eligible foreign license with a Japanese translation ⓘ National Police Agency. Which one you need depends on where your license was issued.
The International Driving Permit (IDP) must come from the 1949 Geneva Convention. A country's official body must issue it under that treaty ⓘ National Police Agency. Permits under the 1968 Vienna Convention cannot be used to drive in Japan (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
Carry the paper original of your permit. A digital version on your phone does not count ⓘ National Police Agency. JNTO advises getting your IDP before you travel to Japan ⓘ JNTO. For more details, see our full permit guide.
Many first-timers learn these points the hard way. One video shares lessons learnt after getting fines while driving in Japan.
2License translation: Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan
For licenses from six places, you can drive with an official Japanese translation. These are Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan ⓘ National Police Agency.
Only certain groups may make this translation. These include the license issuer, that country's consulate, and approved organizations ⓘ National Police Agency. Examples are JAF (the Japan Automobile Federation), Zipplus Co., Ltd., and the Association for Supporting Foreign Drivers in Japan ⓘ National Police Agency. A sworn translator in your home country does not count ⓘ National Police Agency.
Applying to JAF, step by step
- Take clear photos of the front and back of your valid license (JAF).
- Apply online. When checked, JAF required you to apply from a network inside Japan (JAF).
- Pay the fee. It was 6,000 yen, with no tax, on 2026-11-03 (JAF).
- Wait about 2–3 business days on average (JAF).
- Print the translation at a convenience store for 20 yen per sheet (JAF).
- If JAF adds an extra sheet, keep it with the translation while you drive (JAF).
3How long you can drive, and returning visitors
As a rule, you can drive with an IDP or a translated license for up to 1 year from your arrival date. If your license expires sooner, that earlier date applies ⓘ National Police Agency. An IDP itself is valid for 1 year from the date it was issued ⓘ National Police Agency.
JNTO advises rental users to get a landing stamp in their passport. This stamp shows the date you entered Japan ⓘ JNTO.
Do you want to switch to a Japanese license? You must meet conditions. One is that you stayed in the country that issued your license for at least 3 months in total after getting it ⓘ National Police Agency. People not covered by the resident register law usually cannot apply for a Japanese license, apart from some legal exceptions ⓘ National Police Agency. One video walks through a license test course in Miyazaki Prefecture.
4Road rules you need to know
Japan drives on the left side of the road ⓘ JNTO. The driver and all passengers wear seat belts ⓘ JNTO. Keep to the speed limit ⓘ JNTO.
| Situation | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Red light | Stop. Do not go straight, or turn right or left | National Police Agency |
| Green arrow signal | You may go in the arrow's direction | National Police Agency |
| Stop sign | Stop completely, then look left and right | National Police Agency |
| Railway crossing | Stop at the stop line, then look both ways before crossing | JNTO |
| Turning right | Let oncoming cars going straight or turning left go first | National Police Agency |
| Pedestrian crossing or about to cross | Stop completely | National Police Agency |
| Phone use | Using a phone while driving is illegal | JNTO |
Watching others drive can help you prepare. A popular channel gives a beginner's guide to driving in Japan.
5Renting a car: what to bring and how booking works
Rental rules differ by company. The examples below come from Nippon Rent-A-Car on 2026-11-03. Other companies may use different rules (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
- You cannot rent a car without a valid license to show on the day (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
- Customers without a Japanese license also need their passport on the day (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
- Every driver, including extra drivers, must show their original license and passport. Copies and digital versions are not accepted (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
- You can add extra drivers for free when you pick up the car. All drivers must come to the shop (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
- You book a car class. A specific model, brand or color is not promised (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
- Prices depend on car class and rental length. Each region has normal and high-season prices (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
Before you leave, check the car for scratches and dents with the staff ⓘ JNTO. Here, a traveler walks beginners through renting and driving.
6Insurance words: CDW, NOC and ECO
What insurance covers depends on the company ⓘ JNTO. Here is how Nippon Rent-A-Car explains its terms (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
| Term | What it means at Nippon Rent-A-Car |
|---|---|
| CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) | An option. It removes your share of the cost for damage to the car or to property after an accident |
| NOC (Non-Operation Charge) | A fee you pay if the car needs repair or cleaning after an accident or damage. It covers part of the company's lost rental time |
| ECO | A plan that covers the NOC. It is not insurance |
This Korean video comes from a rental app worker. They share how they got used to driving in Japan.
7Tolls, ETC cards, fuel and winter tyres
Expressways and some other roads charge tolls. The price depends on the road and the distance ⓘ JNTO. Nippon Rent-A-Car offers ETC cards at some shops. ETC is Japan's electronic toll card. You can choose it as an option when you book (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
Nippon Rent-A-Car gives you the car with a full tank. You should fill it up before you return it (Nippon Rent-A-Car). If you do not, they charge fuel based on distance or the fuel gauge. This can cost more than filling up yourself (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
In snowy areas, use winter tyres or tyre chains ⓘ JNTO. At Nippon Rent-A-Car, you choose winter tyres when you book. They cost 2,200–3,300 yen extra per day, but are free at shops in heavy-snow areas (Nippon Rent-A-Car, checked 2026-11-03).
8If you have an accident
Call the police on 110 after any traffic accident, even if nobody is hurt ⓘ National Police Agency. If someone is hurt, give first aid. Then call 119 for an ambulance and 110 for the police ⓘ National Police Agency.
If you rent a car, follow the rental company's accident steps too. Nippon Rent-A-Car says insurance and cover may not apply if you skip them (Nippon Rent-A-Car). The Japan Rent-A-Car Association has driving help for visitors. It covers road rules, what to do after accidents, and disaster information ⓘ Japan Rent-A-Car Association.
9Mistakes first-timers make
- Bringing a 1968 Vienna permit -> Get a 1949 Geneva Convention permit before you travel ⓘ Nippon Rent-A-Car, JNTO.
- Showing a phone photo of your papers -> Carry the paper originals of your permit, license and passport ⓘ National Police Agency, Nippon Rent-A-Car.
- Using a translation from a sworn translator at home -> Use an approved maker, such as JAF ⓘ National Police Agency.
- Returning the car without filling up -> Fill the tank before you return it, or you may pay more (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
- Driving off after a small scrape -> Call 110 and follow the rental company's accident steps, even for a small scratch ⓘ National Police Agency, Nippon Rent-A-Car.
10FAQ
Can I use the digital version of my International Driving Permit? No. You must carry the paper original ⓘ National Police Agency.
Is a US or UK license enough by itself? The police translation list includes only six countries and regions. Other drivers need a 1949 Geneva permit or a Japanese license ⓘ National Police Agency.
How much does a JAF translation cost? It was 6,000 yen with no tax, plus 20 yen per printed sheet, on 2026-11-03 (JAF).
Can I choose a specific car model? At Nippon Rent-A-Car, you book a class. The model, brand and color are not promised (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
Does my friend need to come to the counter to be an extra driver? At Nippon Rent-A-Car, yes. Every driver must come and show original papers (Nippon Rent-A-Car).
How much are expressway tolls? It depends on the road and the distance ⓘ JNTO.
11Related guides
- International Driving Permit in Japan
- Japan emergency numbers
- Japan entry requirements
- Hokkaido travel guide
- Japan public transport guide
- Japan first-time travel tips
Sources
- S1 National Police Agency – For holders of foreign driver's licenses: [1]
- S2 National Police Agency – Follow the Rules for Safe Driving in Japan: [2]
- S3 National Police Agency – Q&A related to international driver's license: [3]
- S4 JNTO – Things to know when renting a car: [4]
- S5 JAF – How to apply for a translation: [5]
- S6 Nippon Rent-A-Car – FAQ: [6]
- S7 JNTO – FAQ: [7]
- S8 Japan Rent-A-Car Association – Information for international tourists: [8]
- S9 JAF – How to use the Foreign Driver's License Translation Application Site: [9]
Last checked: 2026-11-03
Sources referenced in this article
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