Driving in Japan: Tips and requirements

Thinking about driving in Japan? Great choice! There’s no better way to explore a destination than at your own pace. Rent a car, get behind the wheel, and stop wherever you like. Take as much time as you need to discover hidden gems—places that aren’t on the usual tourist routes, like rural areas, natural parks, and charming coastal towns.

That said, it’s really important to stay organized and take the right precautions. Traffic rules aren’t the same everywhere, and tolls work differently too. Plus, you can’t just drive with any license! We’ve put together a guide to help you with everything you need to know before hitting the road in Japan. Ready to get started?

Valid driver’s licenses in Japan

Let’s start with the basics: what kind of license do you need to drive in Japan? If you plan on renting a car when you arrive, it’s best to have this sorted out in advance. Not just any license will do when picking up your rental, and definitely not for driving.

The type of driver’s license you’ll need depends on where you got your original one. In some cases, an international permit will be enough. In others, you’ll need a translation. Here’s what you’ll need based on your country of residence or origin:

1. International Driver’s License (IDP)

Spaniards, Mexicans, Americans, Chileans… most travelers will need to get an international driver’s license before leaving their country. It’s a very simple process. In Spain, for example, you can do it through the DGT; in Mexico, at the SRE offices.

Heads up, Japan only accepts international permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. If your country issues an IDP based on the 1968 Vienna Convention (as some Latin American countries do), it won’t be valid there.

2. Domestic license + official translation

Visitors with a driver’s license issued in France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan can drive in Japan without an IDP. However, they’ll need to provide an official Japanese translation of their original license. This can be obtained at your country’s embassy in Japan or by requesting it through the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

3. Exchange of foreign license to Japanese license

The two options mentioned above are only valid for up to 12 months. If you’re planning to study, work, or stay longer in Japan, you’ll need to exchange it for a Japanese driver’s license. This process, called “gaimen kirikae”, also depends on your nationality.

If you’re coming from Spain, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Switzerland, or a few other countries, you won’t have to take a driving test. All you need to do is provide the necessary documents (passport, residency card, valid license, official translation, proof of residence) and pass an eyesight test.

If you are from Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, USA, among others, you will have to take both theoretical and practical tests to obtain the Japanese license. In both cases it is done at a local JAF office or traffic police station.

Be careful, as the rules are pretty strict in this country. If someone with a valid license rents a car and you decide to drive it without the proper permit, you could end up with a hefty fine.

Requirements and documentation to drive in Japan

Having a valid driver’s license isn’t the only thing you’ll need to drive legally in Japan; there are a few other requirements. Many of them are the same as in other countries, like making sure your insurance is up to date. But some are a bit different. Here’s what else you should keep in mind:

• Minimum and maximum age to drive: In Japan, you can only get behind the wheel if you’re over 18. There’s no official maximum driving age, but once you hit 70, you’ll need to renew your license more often.
• Compulsory insurance: In Japan, every vehicle has to be covered by mandatory insurance, known as Jibaiseki. If you’re renting a car, this is usually included. On top of that, many travelers choose to get optional coverage—called Nini Hoken—to protect against damage to the car or third parties.
• Alcohol limits at the wheel: Japan has zero tolerance when it comes to drinking and driving—no amount of alcohol is allowed. And the penalties are serious: fines can go up to ¥1,500,000 ($3,280), and you could even face jail time. Plus, if someone lets you drive after drinking, they can be penalized too.
• Technical inspection and maintenance of the vehicle: All cars in Japan must pass a mandatory technical inspection (Shaken) every two years.

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Traffic regulations in Japan and signage

Alright, now that we’ve covered what you need to legally drive in Japan, let’s talk about a few other things you should know before hitting the road. Are the traffic rules in Japan the same as everywhere else? Some are—but others are definitely not. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Direction of traffic: First off, in Japan, people drive on the left side of the road. If you’ve never done it before, it’ll definitely feel strange at first. You’ll need to stay extra alert—especially at intersections.
• Speed limits: They are pretty low compared to other countries. In cities, it’s usually 40 km/h. On smaller roads, it’s around 50 to 60 km/h, and on highways, you can go between 80 and 100 km/h. In school zones or residential areas, it drops even further.
• Cell phone use: Using your cell phone while driving is strictly prohibited.
• Signage: Road signs in Japan can look a bit different from what you’re used to. For example, stop signs are red upside-down triangles with Japanese characters on them. And traffic lights? The “green” light often looks more blue than green—but don’t worry, that’s totally normal.
• Fines and common violations: Breaking traffic rules in Japan can cost you—big time. Just checking your phone while driving could land you a fine of up to ¥100,000 ($656). Caught driving under the influence? You’re looking at up to three years in jail or a massive fine. And if you’re speeding, don’t be surprised if they take away your license altogether.

Tolls and refueling

With everything we’ve covered so far, you’re pretty much ready to hit the road! Now let’s move on to some of the more practical stuff. Two things you’ll deal with almost right away are tolls and fuel. So, what should you know about them?

1. How tolls work in Japan

Important to note: most highways in Japan have tolls. The cost depends on the distance and route you’re taking. For example, driving from Tokyo to Nagoya could set you back between ¥7,000 and ¥8,000 ($47–54). For shorter trips, expect to pay around ¥25 ($0.17) per kilometer.

How do you pay? When you enter the highway, you’ll get a ticket. When you exit, you’ll hand it over so they can calculate the toll. You can pay in cash, so make sure to have small bills on hand.

You can also choose to get the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system when renting your car. It’s a prepaid card that’s placed in the vehicle, and the toll is automatically charged when you pass through the toll gates. It’s much easier to use, and you’ll also get some discounts.

2. Refueling in Japan 

Gas stations are quite efficient in Japan, there are both self-service and staffed. If you get an automatic one, you will have to choose on the display:

• Red: Normal gasoline
• Yellow: Premium gasoline
• Green: Diesel

How much does it cost? Right now, a liter of regular gas is around ¥185 ($1.27). Despite Japan’s high cost of living, gas prices are pretty average compared to other countries. You can pay in cash or by card, and some stations even accept mobile payment apps.

Parking in Japan

Please note, you can’t park wherever you want. The rules in this regard are quite strict. In fact, it can be quite expensive to leave your car improperly parked.

In most Japanese cities, you can only park in designated parking areas. These can be underground, surface lots, multi-story garages, or other types. One interesting system you’ll often see is the wheel lock. When you park, a bar lifts under your car, and it only lowers once you’ve paid the fee at the machine.

How will you recognize these parking lots? You have to look at the signs:

• Blue circle sign with a white P: Parking allowed.
• Red circle with a cross bar: Parking prohibited.
• Signs with time slots: Indicate restrictions according to the time of day.

Parking prices can vary a lot depending on the area, so it’s hard to give an exact figure. To give you a rough idea, in central Tokyo or Kyoto, you’ll pay between ¥400 and ¥600 ($2.70 to $4.05) for half an hour. In less touristy or rural areas, you can find spots from ¥100 ($0.70) per hour, or sometimes even free. There are also daily flat rates, typically around ¥700 ($4.70).

Options for renting a car in Japan

Now that you know everything you need to hit the road in Japan, what kind of car should you rent? First off, you won’t have trouble finding both local and international agencies offering rental services. They offer a wide range of options to choose from. The one you pick will depend on the type of trip you’re planning.

For city trips or short getaways, subcompact cars are a great choice. They’re the most affordable, averaging around ¥5,000 ($33) per day. Electric or hybrid vehicles are also a good option for these kinds of trips, but they tend to be a bit more expensive.

If you’re planning a longer trip or heading to areas with hills, consider renting a van or SUV. These typically cost around ¥10,000 ($66) per day, and many come with built-in GPS in English. If you need more space to get around Japan, you can also opt for larger vans, which go for about ¥15,000 ($99) per day.

Planning to spend a while exploring everything Japan has to offer? Many rental companies offer weekly or monthly rates. Booking online or in advance will save you some money.

Tips for driving in Japan as a foreigner

Awesome! Now you’re all set with the info you need to drive in Japan. A few last tips? Take note:

• Always carry your documents with you: In Japan, you could get fined if you’re not carrying your passport, international driver’s license, and the car’s paperwork.
• Beware of cyclists and pedestrians: In cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, there are plenty of bikes and pedestrians crossing in areas without traffic lights. Always drive slowly and stay extra alert.
• Use a GPS in English or an app with offline maps: Not all signs are in English, so if you can’t read Japanese, it might be tricky to find your way around. An updated GPS will definitely save you more than once.
• Don’t underestimate the distances: Even if the distances don’t seem that long, speed limits and frequent traffic lights can make your trip take longer than you’d expect.
• Check your route before leaving: This is particularly important in mountain areas. Some routes aren’t ideal for drivers unfamiliar with the region. Always be cautious.
• Drive calmly: In Japan, honking is almost unheard of, pedestrians are given priority, and driving is very smooth and courteous. Just adjust to the vibe of the surroundings.

Frequently asked questions about driving in Japan

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