How to Drive in Japan with a Foreign License

Why You Might Need to Drive in Japan

Japan's public transport is excellent in major cities, but many of the country's most memorable experiences — mountain roads in Hokkaido, the coastal highways of Shikoku, hidden hot springs in Tohoku — are only accessible by car.

If you plan to rent a car in Japan, you need the right documents. For most countries, an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention is sufficient. However, drivers from six specific countries need a different document: an official Japanese translation of their license, issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

Does Your Country Require a JAF Translation?

Japan does not accept International Driving Permits from the following six countries, because these countries do not issue IDPs based on the 1949 Geneva Convention that Japan recognizes:

Country	License Type
🇨🇭 Switzerland	Swiss driver's license
🇩🇪 Germany	German driver's license (Führerschein)
🇫🇷 France	French driver's license (permis de conduire)
🇧🇪 Belgium	Belgian driver's license
🇲🇨 Monaco	Monégasque driver's license
🇹🇼 Taiwan	Taiwanese driver's license

If your license was issued by any other country, you likely need a standard IDP instead — check with your local automobile association.

The reason only these six countries are listed is based on Japan's Road Traffic Law (道路交通法 Article 107-2), which specifically designates these countries as eligible for the official translation system.

What Is a JAF Translation?

A official translation is an official Japanese-language document that translates the information on your driver's license into Japanese. It is issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), Japan's national automobile association.

• It is not a new license — it is a certified translation of your existing license
• Valid for driving in Japan for up to 1 year from your date of entry
• If you leave Japan and re-enter, the 1-year period resets from your new entry date
• Your original license must remain valid (unexpired) during your stay
• You must carry both documents — your original license AND the official translation — while driving
• The translation must be printed in color (digital copies are not accepted)

How to Apply for Your Translation

What you need:

• A valid (unexpired) driver's license from one of the six eligible countries
• Clear photos of both the front and back of your license

How the process works:

1. Submit your application online. Upload clear photos of the front and back of your license and fill in your personal details.
2. Pay securely. Payment is processed via Stripe with major credit cards accepted.
3. Receive your translation by email. Your completed JAF-format translation will be sent as a PDF. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks.
4. Print it in color. Before driving in Japan, print the translation on standard A4 paper in full color.

You can apply before your trip from your home country — there is no need to wait until you arrive in Japan.

Tips for Driving in Japan

Drive on the left. Japan uses left-hand traffic. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Allow yourself some time to adjust, especially at intersections.

Highway tolls. Japan's expressways charge tolls. Most rental cars come equipped with an ETC card, which automatically deducts tolls. Driving from Tokyo to Osaka costs approximately ¥8,000–¥12,000 one way.

Speed limits:

• Urban areas: 30–50 km/h
• National roads: 50–60 km/h
• Expressways: 80–100 km/h (some sections allow 120 km/h)

Parking. Street parking is generally not allowed in urban areas. Use coin parking lots (コインパーキング), typically ¥200–¥400 per hour.

Alcohol. Japan has an extremely strict zero-tolerance policy. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03% — effectively, do not drink any alcohol if you plan to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use an International Driving Permit from my country?
A: If your license is from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan — no. You need a official translation.

Q: How long is the translation valid?
A: You can drive for up to 1 year from the date you enter Japan. If you leave and re-enter, the 1-year period resets.

Q: Do I need my original license while driving?
A: Yes. You must carry both your original license and the printed official translation at all times while driving.

Q: Can I apply from outside Japan?
A: Yes. Our online service allows you to apply before your trip and receive your translation by email.

Best Regions to Drive in Japan

Japan's public transport covers the major cities well, but driving unlocks experiences that trains simply cannot reach. Here are the top regions for a driving trip:

• Hokkaido — Japan's northernmost island is made for road trips. Wide roads, open fields, lavender farms in Furano (July–August), and dramatic scenery in Shiretoko. Best visited May–October. Winter driving is possible but requires studless tires.
• Tohoku — Largely off the tourist trail. Oirase Gorge, Lake Towada, the Rikuchu Kaigan Coast, and Mt. Zao (famous for snow monsters in winter). The roads are quiet, the scenery exceptional.
• Kyushu — Compact enough to drive in a week. Highlights include the Aso Caldera, Nagasaki's historic streets, Beppu's hot springs, and the Takachiho Gorge. From Fukuoka, everything is accessible within 2–3 hours.
• San'in Coast — Tottori and Shimane — One of Japan's most underrated driving routes. The Tottori Sand Dunes, Izumo Taisha Shrine, and Matsue Castle along a rugged Sea of Japan coastline. Minimal crowds, stunning scenery.
• Shikoku — The smallest of Japan's four main islands. The dramatic coastal highway along Cape Muroto and Cape Ashizuri, ancient henro pilgrimage routes, and Iya Valley's vine bridges.

Summary

Driving in Japan is one of the best ways to explore beyond the major cities. If your license is from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, you need an official official translation — not an IDP. Apply online before your trip, receive your translation by email, print it in color, and you're ready to drive.