Driving in Japan: Requirements for Foreign Visitors
Select your country below to see the specific documents and permits you will need to drive legally in Japan.
Issuing country of driver's license
1. Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan
In order to drive in Japan, you will need to carry the following three items:
- Your original, valid passport
- Your original, valid driver's license from your home country
- An official Japanese translation of your driver's license, issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)
Please Note: The requirements shown are a general guideline. We strongly advise you to confirm your specific requirements on the official JAF website before you travel.
2. United States and other countries
In order to drive in Japan, you will need to carry the following three items:
- Your original, valid passport
- Your original, valid driver's license from your home country
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued abroad under the September 19, 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic
Please Note: The requirements shown are a general guideline. We strongly advise you to confirm your specific requirements on the official JAF website before you travel.