Driving in Japan can seem intimidating at first, but it's often one of the best ways to explore rural areas and the regions surrounding Kyoto, Nara, or the coast. Here's a comprehensive guide based on my firsthand experience: rules, licenses, JAF translation, car rentals, tips, and real-life insights into driving in Japan.
Driving in Japan: license, translation and validity
Depending on your country, you will be able to drive in Japan with: (A) your national driver's license + Official JAF translation, or (B) un international driving permit (1949 Convention) + your license. The rules vary depending on the origin of the license — details below.
Case A — Permit + JAF translation
Valid for permit holders: France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco, Taiwan.
- Drive with your license + official (JAF or recognized consular authority).
- Validity : up to 1 year from your entry in Japan (short stay).
- Predictable : passport, original license, possibly a passport photo depending on the branch.
Case B — International license (1949) + permit
For other countries recognized by the Geneva Convention 1949.
- Drive with your license + International Driving Permit (IDP) in accordance with 1949.
- Validity : generally 1 year from the date of entry into Japan.
- Check that your IDP is correctly set to 1949 format (Other formats are not accepted).
General Info: National police agency
get the JAF translation (current procedure)
- Or now mainly online via the JAF.
- Time limit : a few working days depending on the volume.
- Useful links : Official JAF information, Official translation service
My experience obtaining Japanese translation
I am leaving this part as a “memory”, but the approach described below is no longer representative of the current procedure (today, the application is made online).
At the time, due to time constraints, I chose to have the translation done directly at the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation). This caused us to lose almost a day of our visit, but it was the simplest option for me.
So, on the morning of the second day, after searching for the nearest address, I went to their office south of Kyoto. See the location below:
After a short metro ride, we had a good kilometer to walk (and I had taken the wrong bridge, which added another kilometer to our walk...).
We were the only ones there when we arrived. A studious atmosphere, greetings all around. An employee who spoke a few words of broken English helped us with the process.
The procedure was simple: present a permit from the countries mentioned above, fill out a form (still available online).
This translation cost 3,000 yen (approximately €23) and we received it the same day. We simply had to come back before 17 p.m. to collect the document.
Just a small point: as with the international driving permit, the French exception allowing the driving of a two-wheeler up to 125cc was not included in the translation. Therefore, I was limited to driving a car.
The validity period was one year from the date of issue.
Driving in Japan: A personal experience
I was surprised to find that the Japanese weren't always as strict as one might imagine. Nothing like Thailand, obviously, but even respecting the (rather low) speed limits, I still regularly got overtaken.
I also saw a few late passes at the red light… This remains anecdotal, and driving there is generally simple and rather calm, especially if, like me, you are used to driving on the left.
The average speed is low, which can be frustrating and has even put us behind schedule.
Another discovery: highways single lane, limited to 80 km/h (and 70 km/h in the rain). This was mainly in the mountains, with an improbable number of tunnels.
The GPS was very useful. The signs were mostly in English, so it was manageable, but I still missed an exit: on the motorway, it was impossible to turn around for a long time.
In the city, pay attention to traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. In Japan, the pedestrian is priority in every respect.
Useful little details before hitting the road
Parking In Japan, parking lots are everywhere but rarely free, even in small towns. Expect to pay 200 to 500 yen per hour in urban areas. Some parking lots have a system with ground-level barriers: when you park your car, a metal bar rises to lock it in place. You pay at the machine before leaving, and the bar lowers.
Tolls and ETC If you drive a bit outside of cities, the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) really simplifies things. The card is inserted into a reader in the car. At the end of the rental, you simply pay the amount due. Without ETC, you have to choose the "general" lane at toll booths.
Gas stations Many are still on assisted service, and you're asked "Regular? Full tank?". red pump corresponds to Regular (unleaded). We will guide you in any case.
Mountain roads Endless tunnels, tight turns and very low speed limits. Nothing difficult, but progress is slow.
City vs. countryside In town, pedestrians dominate. In the countryside, be careful of very narrow roads: sometimes only one vehicle can pass.
GPS Even with bilingual signs, GPS saves time. The car's GPS was set to English, but Japanese addresses (without standard numbers) can be confusing: it's best to enter via phone number or Google Maps coordinates.
If you are interested in the details of the rules of conduct, here is a PDF booklet we were given (in English):
Car rental in Japan
We were departing from and returning to the same point, Kyoto. I had chosen an agency close to our first hotel for the outbound journey, and another near the second for the return journey — convenient.
Based on these criteria, I used Toyota Rent-A-Car (no affiliation).
I opted for a small Toyota Yaris. Around €60 a day: reasonable. A student handled the paperwork; her English was very basic, but we understood each other.
She offered us an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for the highway—very convenient and only 324 yen. Upon returning the car, we paid the total amount of tolls incurred with the card. We were reminded to fill up the tank before returning the car (red pump, Regular).
After a walkaround of the brand-new vehicle (less than 500 km), we were ready, in the rain…
This allowed us to go on two excursions:
- Kyoto by the sea: Road trip from Amanohashidate to the fishing village of Ine
- Miyama: night in a Ryokan and visit to a thatched-roof village
Location: quick reminders
- Introduce the documents adapted (Case A: permit + translation / Case B: permit + IDP 1949), passport and bank card.
- Vehicle condition : photos at departure/return, check the options (ETC, GPS in English), deductible and assistance.
- Left-hand drive, strict prioritiesPedestrians have priority in the city.
Did you like the article? share on Pinterest!
3 Comments
Hello Romain,
What a wonderful blog! 😉
I am French, I am 70 years old, I live in France and I want to go to Japan with my 650 cc motorbike and ride this machine there as a tourist.
I have noted the general rules regarding the need for a valid passport, a return ticket, a hotel reservation for the first night, a Carnet de Passage en Douanes, a Japanese translation of my driving license and insurance for my motorcycle in Japan, but I cannot get the certainty of being able to use my machine in this country given its engine capacity > 400 cc. Could you help me to decide this question?
Sincerely,
Gilles
Hello and good year !
To my knowledge, only cylinder capacities above 750cc are prohibited in Japan, above 400cc, it will be a motorcycle of the category "Heavy Motorcycle", therefore authorized to circulate on highway. On the other hand, the speed is limited to 60km / h, know it.
Sincerely,
Roman
Thank you and Happy New Year too!