In order to drive in Japan, it is necessary to have and international driver's license and a translation of the license from your home country.
Please be sure to prepare these before your trip.
Driving with an International Driver's License
- You can drive with an international driver's license consistent with the style stipulated by the Geneva Convention for one year after you land in Japan. Please note that it must be presented together with your passport.
Countries where international driver license acquisition is effective (Member State of Geneva Convention)
- Asia
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- Philippines
- India
- Thailand
- Bangladesh
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Korea
- Middle East
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- Turkey
- Israel
- Syria
- Cyprus
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- United Arab Emirates
- African States
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- South Africa
- Central Africa
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Algeria
- Morocco
- Botswana
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Republic of Congo
- Benin
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Niger
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
- Namibia
- Burkina Faso
- Nigeria
- European States
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- England
- Greece
- Norway
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Serbia
- Montenegro
- Spain
- Finland
- Portugal
- Austria
- Belgium
- Poland
- Ireland
- Hungary
- Romania
- Iceland
- Bulgaria
- Malta
- Albania
- Luxembourg
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican
- Kyrgyzstan
- Georgia
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- American States
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- America
- Canada
- Peru
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Argentina
- Chile
- Paraguay
- Barbados
- Dominican republic
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Venezuela
- Jamaica
- Oceania
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- New Zealand
- Fiji
- Australia
- Papua New Guinea
- Administrative regions
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- Hong Kong
- Macao
Driving with a driver's license issued by another country
- It is also possible to drive in Japan if you have a driver's license in Switzerland, Slovenia, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, and a Japanese translation prepared by a person specified by a Cabinet Order is attached,
- For further information please check your home consulate or police department website.
