You need to have a valid driver’s license to drive in Japan.
Please read carefully the information below.
- Japanese Driver’s License
-
Driver’s licenses issued by Public Safety Commissions in Japan
- International Driving Permit
-
International driving permits issued by a signatory to the Geneva Convention in conformity with the Convention’s provisions.
An International driving permits on the other conventions or treaties, including the Vienna Convention, is invalid even if it is issued by a signatory to the Geneva Convention.
In addition, the following conditions must be satisfied:【Condition】
【NOTE】- International driving permits are valid for one year from the date of issue and their validity for driving in Japan is one year from the date of landing in Japan. (You are required to have the immigration stamp in the passport showing the date of landing in Japan. Be sure to confirm the date of issue.)
- The passport will not be stamped or sealed if automated gate is used for entering and leaving Japan. A stamp or seal is necessary to use when renting a car. After passing the automatic gate, please request a stamp or seal to the staff at the examination office.
- If you are a registered resident in Japan and re-enter Japan in less than three months after leaving Japan with confirmation of departure or permission to re-enter Japan, you shall not drive with your International driving permits that obtain during such a stay outside Japan because it is not considered as the date of landing.
- International driving permit by a signatory countries to the Paris Convention (1926), the Washington Convention (1943) or the Vienna Convention (1968) are not allowed to drive in Japan.
- Please read through carefully the conditions above.
- Valid Foreign Driving License in Japan
-
Driving licenses issued by the authorities of Belgium, Estonia，France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland, and Taiwan are valid in Japan under the following conditions.
【Condition】
【NOTE】- Japanese translation of the driver’s license must be issued by the respective country’s embassy or consulate in Japan or by Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
- For Taiwanese licenses, a Japanese translation of the driver’s license must be issued by Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association.
- Please read through carefully the conditions above.