Learn what license and documents you need to rent a car in Japan, country-specific rules, and key Japanese traffic regulations.
About the International Driving Permit (IDP)
The International Driving Permit (IDP) authorizes foreign driving under the Geneva Convention. Japan accepts IDPs issued by Geneva Convention member countries, valid for 1 year from the issue date.
Important: The IDP must be presented together with your original home-country license. An IDP alone is not accepted.
Country-Specific Rules
| Customer's Country/Region | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| South Korea | Korean license (original) + certified translation from the Korean consulate, or International Driving Permit (IDP) |
| Taiwan | Taiwanese license (original) + translation issued by Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association or JAF |
| English-speaking (US, UK, AU, NZ, etc.) | Home-country license (original) + IDP |
| Mainland China | Cannot drive in Japan (IDP not accepted) |
* Please verify before arrival. Translations must typically be obtained in your home country.
Japanese Traffic Rules
- Left-side driving: Japan drives on the left. Pay attention to lane selection when turning at intersections.
- Speed limits: ~80 km/h on expressways, ~50 km/h on general roads, ~40 km/h in urban areas. Follow signs.
- Drinking and driving: strictly prohibited. Legal limit is 0.03% BAC. Penalties are severe.
- Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers. Children under 6 require a child seat.
- Mobile phones: Use while driving is prohibited (including discouraged hands-free use).
- Stop signs: A complete stop is required at red inverted-triangle "止まれ" signs.
Required Documents Checklist
- ☐ Passport (valid)
- ☐ Driver's license (original — for every planned driver)
- ☐ IDP or certified translation (for foreign licenses)
- ☐ Booking confirmation (paper or phone screen)
- ☐ Credit card (in your name, recommended)
* If any of the above is missing, we may not be able to hand over the vehicle.
Related Info
For incident and accident handling, see Insurance Guide. For airport transfer, see Shuttle Service.