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Getting a Japanese Driving Licence Translation
The JAF portal only opens from inside Japan. How to get the official translation as a PDF before you fly, so you can book the car you actually want.
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Driving in Japan on a Dutch Licence: Get the 1949 IRB
ANWB sells two international permits. Japan only accepts the 1949 model (one year, €18.95), not the three-year 1968 one. Where to get it and what to carry.
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How to Pay Highway Tolls Without an ETC Card in Japan
Don't have an ETC card? Learn how to navigate Japanese highway toll gates using the General (Green) lanes and pay with cash or credit cards.
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Driving in Japan on a German Licence
Germans: your IDP is NOT valid in Japan. You need an official Japanese translation, such as JAF's, to drive legally. Learn the exact steps to rent a car in Japan in 2026.
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Japanese Petrol Stations: How They Work
Full-service and self-service work differently in Japan, the screens are often Japanese only, and rural stations close early.
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Parking in Japan: How to Use Coin Parking Lots
Street parking is illegal in Japan. Learn how to navigate automated flap-style coin parking lots, read pricing signs, and avoid massive towing fines.
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Japan's Traffic Rules for Foreign Drivers
Left-hand traffic, low speed limits, the triangular stop sign and near-zero tolerance on alcohol. What differs most from European roads.
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Driving in Japan on a Swiss Licence
Swiss drivers: your International Driving Permit is NOT accepted in Japan. Order an official Japanese translation online — here's the fastest way to do it.
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Renting a Car in Japan: Requirements
What the counter asks for, how booking works, what insurance to expect and the documents that decide whether you drive away.
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Google Maps or the Car's Navigation?
Japanese car navigation uses phone numbers and map codes rather than addresses. When each option works better on the road.
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Can You Drive in Japan on a German Licence?
Yes, with a Japanese translation, not an international permit. Why the permit fails, what the rental counter checks, and when to sort it out.
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Driving in Japan on a French Licence
France is a Geneva Convention party, yet the JAF lists only the Japanese translation for French licences. What to carry and when to apply.
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Using a Monaco Licence in Japan
Monaco is one of six places whose licence requires a Japanese translation. What to carry, how long it is valid, and where to apply.
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Driving in Japan on a Hong Kong Licence: IDP Guide
A Hong Kong licence plus a Transport Department IDP lets you drive in Japan. How to apply online, how long it takes, and why mainland licences differ.
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Why a Swiss Driving Permit Isn't Valid in Japan
Switzerland signed the 1949 Geneva Convention but never ratified it. What Swiss drivers need instead, and how to sort it out before the flight.
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Driving in Japan on an Indonesian Licence
Can you drive in Japan with a Indonesian license? Unfortunately, the rules are strict. Learn about the restrictions and alternatives.
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Driving in Japan on an Italian Licence: Geneva 1949
Italian drivers can use a 'Ginevra 1949' international permit in Japan. Where to get it, why the Vienna 1968 model won't do, and what to carry.
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Getting the JAF Translation from Germany
The JAF form only works from inside Japan. How to have the translation as a PDF before your flight, what photos to send, and the real timing.
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Arrived in Japan Without the Translation?
You can't drive yet and the rental counter won't release the car. How fast you can get the translation now, and what to do with the booking.
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Driving in Japan on a Malaysian Licence: JPJ IDP
Malaysian drivers can use an IDP in Japan. JPJ and the AAM issue it, but only to Competent Driving Licence holders. Who qualifies and what to carry.
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Driving in Japan on a Monégasque Licence
If you hold a Monégasque driver's license, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not accepted in Japan. You must get an official Japanese translation.
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How to Get a JAF Translation in Japan
The step-by-step JAF process: what the fee actually is (¥6,000, revised 2026), the documents required, and how long each stage takes.
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IDP vs JAF Translation: Which You Need
A quick eligibility check by country, what each document costs, and why the wrong one leaves you standing at the rental counter without a car.
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Driving in Japan on a Foreign Licence
Whether Japan accepts your licence comes down to Article 107-2 of its Road Traffic Act: an IDP under the 1949 treaty, or a Japanese translation for six countries. Check your country, and see what to carry in the car alongside it.
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Driving in Japan on a New Zealand Licence: AA IDP
Kiwis need an IDP from the AA to drive in Japan: NZ$49.50 online or NZ$39.50 in person, valid 12 months. What to carry and what will feel familiar.
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Driving in Japan on a Singapore Licence: AA IDP
Singapore drivers can use an IDP from the Automobile Association of Singapore in Japan. It costs S$20, lasts a year and must travel with your licence.
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Driving in Japan on a Spanish Licence: DGT Permit
Spanish drivers can use the DGT's permiso internacional in Japan together with their licence. Who issues it, how long it lasts, and what to carry.
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Driving in Japan on a Swedish Licence: 1949 Permit
Swedish drivers need an international permit of the 1949 type for Japan. Which organisations issue it, and why the 1968 permit isn't accepted.
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Driving in Japan with a Thai Licence: Which IDP?
Thai drivers can use an IDP in Japan, but only the one-year 1949 version. The three-year 1968 permit issued since 2021 is not accepted. What to carry.
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Driving in Japan on a UK Licence: The 1949 IDP
UK drivers need the 1949 International Driving Permit for Japan. It costs £5.50 at PayPoint shops. Why a 1968 permit won't do, and what to carry.
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Can Americans Drive in Japan? The AAA/AATA Permit
Yes, with an IDP from AAA or AATA and your state licence. What it costs, why online 'licences' don't count, and how long the permit lasts in Japan.
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Belgian Drivers in Japan: the Essentials
Belgium is one of six countries needing the Japanese translation rather than an international permit. What to arrange before you fly.
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Best Road Trips in Japan for Foreign Drivers (2025)
From Hokkaido's wide-open roads to Kyushu's volcanic landscapes, discover the most rewarding driving routes in Japan that only a car can unlock.
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JAF Translation or International Permit?
Japan accepts only 1949 Geneva Convention permits. Six countries need the JAF translation instead. Find which applies before you book a car.
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How to Drive in Japan as a Foreigner
Which document your country needs, what to carry in the car, and what surprises visitors most once they are actually on the road.
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