Driving in Japan with a Belgian or Monaco License — Complete Guide (2026)

Can You Drive in Japan with a Belgian/Monaco License?

Yes — but not with a standard International Driving Permit (IDP).

Both Belgium and Monaco signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Japan only recognizes IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This means your Belgian or Monégasque IDP is not valid in Japan.

Instead, you need an official Japanese translation of your driver's license in JAF format. This is the same requirement that applies to drivers from Switzerland, Germany, France, and Taiwan.

What You Need to Drive in Japan

• Your valid Belgian or Monaco driver's license (original, not a copy)
• An official JAF-format Japanese translation — printed on A4 paper in color
• Your passport — rental car companies check your entry date
• Both documents must be carried at all times while driving

How to Get Your JAF Translation

Option 1: Apply Online via JDLTC (Recommended)

1. Upload clear photos of both sides of your license
2. Pay securely via Stripe (credit card)
3. Receive your translation as a PDF by email within 2-3 weeks
4. Print in color on A4 paper before your trip

Advantages: Apply from Belgium/Monaco before your trip. No need to wait until you arrive in Japan.

Option 2: Apply at JAF in Japan

• Cost: ¥4,000
• Processing: Same-day to a few days
• ⚠️ Limitation: The JAF online system only works from within Japan. You must apply after arrival, which means you can't rent a car on day one.

About Belgian Driving Licenses

Belgian driving licenses are issued by local municipalities and follow the EU format (credit card-sized with photo). The Category B license is what you need for renting a standard car in Japan.

Make sure your license is not expired before applying for a translation. If your license expires during your trip to Japan, the translation becomes invalid.

Belgian licenses issued before 1989 in the old format are also accepted, but a newer EU-format license makes the translation process smoother.

About Monaco Driving Licenses

Monaco issues its own driving licenses through the Direction de la Sûreté Publique. Despite Monaco's small size, its driving licenses are internationally recognized. The same translation requirement applies as for larger countries.

If you hold a French license while living in Monaco, the process is the same — you need a official translation of whichever license you plan to use in Japan.

Driving Tips for Belgian/Monaco Drivers in Japan

Rule	Belgium / Monaco	Japan
Side of road	Right	Left ←
Steering wheel	Left side	Right side
Priority from right	Yes (Belgium)	No — signals/signs only
Highway speed limit	120 km/h	80–120 km/h
Alcohol limit	0.05%	0.03% (near-zero)
Toll system	Free highways	All highways are toll roads

Key Differences to Watch For

• Left-side driving: The biggest adjustment. Most drivers adapt within an hour, but be extra careful at intersections.
• No "priority from the right": Unlike Belgium, Japan uses traffic signals and signs at every intersection. There's no automatic right-of-way rule.
• Highway tolls: Unlike Belgium's free highways, Japanese expressways charge tolls. Ask for an ETC card at your rental counter for automatic payment and discounts.
• Strict speed cameras: Japan enforces speed limits more strictly than Belgium. Don't exceed posted limits.
• Zero alcohol tolerance: At 0.03% BAC, Japan effectively has zero tolerance. Even one beer could put you over the limit. Penalties are severe.

Renting a Car in Japan

At the rental counter, present:

1. Your Belgian/Monaco driver's license (original)
2. Your printed official translation
3. Your passport
4. A credit card for the deposit

Major rental companies operating at airports and cities:

• Toyota Rent a Car — Largest fleet, English website
• Nippon Rent-A-Car — Good English support
• Times Car Rental — Budget-friendly
• ORIX — Competitive prices

Most Japanese rental cars are automatic transmission and come with GPS navigation (some with English). You can also use Google Maps in French or Dutch on your phone.

Recommended Road Trips from Popular Entry Points

🗼 From Tokyo (Narita/Haneda)

• Mt. Fuji & Hakone — 2-hour drive, hot springs with iconic volcano views
• Nikko — UNESCO World Heritage shrines in the mountains
• Izu Peninsula — Coastal scenery, onsen towns, fresh seafood

🏯 From Osaka (Kansai)

• Kumano Kodo — Ancient pilgrimage trails through mystical forests
• Shimanami Kaido — Stunning cycling/driving bridge connecting islands
• Nara & Yoshino — Deer park and Japan's most famous cherry blossom mountain

🌋 Kyushu (Fukuoka)

• Aso Caldera — Drive through one of the world's largest volcanic calderas
• Beppu & Yufuin — Japan's most famous hot spring towns
• Yakushima Island — Ancient cedar forests (ferry from Kagoshima)

Costs to Expect

Item	Typical Cost
Compact car rental (per day)	¥5,000–¥8,000 (€30–50)
Gasoline (per liter)	¥170–180 (€1.10)
Highway toll (100 km)	¥2,000–¥3,000 (€12–18)
Parking (city center, per hour)	¥300–600 (€2–4)
official translation (JDLTC)	From ¥9,800 (€60)

FAQ

Q: I have a Belgian IDP. Can I use it in Japan?
A: No. Belgium issues IDPs under the Vienna Convention, which Japan doesn't recognize. You need a official translation.

Q: How long can I drive in Japan with my translation?
A: Up to 1 year from your date of entry. If you leave and re-enter Japan, the period resets.

Q: Can I drive in Japan with a provisional Belgian license?
A: No. You need a full, valid Category B license. Provisional licenses are not accepted.

Q: Do I need to print the translation or can I show it on my phone?
A: You must print it on A4 paper in color. Digital copies are not accepted.

Q: Is driving in Japan difficult for European drivers?
A: The main challenge is left-side driving, but most adapt quickly. Roads are well-maintained, signage includes English, and Japanese drivers are very courteous.