Renting a Car in Japan: IDP Rules by Country
Quick answer
It depends on your country. Most visitors need a Geneva Convention International Driving Permit (IDP) plus their home license. A few (Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan, Slovenia) instead use their license plus an official Japanese translation. Check JAF first.
Can I legally drive in Japan with my license?
Whether you can drive comes down to your country and which document it uses. There is no single rule for everyone. Use this flow to find your category, then confirm the detail with JAF or the National Police Agency before you travel.
- Is your country a Geneva Convention (1949) member? If yes, you generally need a Geneva-Convention IDP plus your home license.
- Is your country Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan, or Slovenia? If yes, you use your home license plus an official Japanese translation instead of an IDP.
- Neither of the above? Your IDP may not be valid in Japan. Check directly with JAF or your embassy before assuming you can drive.
Japan accepts only the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP. The newer 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is not accepted on its own, which catches out many visitors who hold the wrong type.
Which document does my country need?
The table below shows the main routes. It is a guide, not a complete list of every country. If your country is not shown or you are unsure, treat it as “check JAF or your embassy” rather than guessing.
| Your country | Document needed (as of June 2026) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| USA, UK, Australia, Canada | Geneva-Convention IDP + home license | IDP |
| Most Geneva Convention members | Geneva-Convention IDP + home license | IDP |
| Germany | Home license + official Japanese translation | Translation |
| France | Home license + official Japanese translation | Translation |
| Switzerland | Home license + official Japanese translation | Translation |
| Belgium | Home license + official Japanese translation | Translation |
| Monaco | Home license + official Japanese translation | Translation |
| Taiwan | Home license + official Japanese translation | Translation |
| Slovenia | Home license + official Japanese translation | Translation |
| Country not listed / unsure | Check JAF or your embassy | Verify |
For the translation route, the translation must come from an approved body such as JAF or the license-issuing authority of that country. A translation you make yourself is not accepted.
How does the translation route work?
A small group of countries cannot use an IDP in Japan and instead rely on their own license plus an official Japanese translation. As of June 2026, this applies to Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan, and Slovenia.
To use this route:
- Get an official translation of your driving license. JAF translates licenses for these countries, and the issuing authority of some countries can do it too.
- Carry both documents in Japan: your valid home license and the official translation together.
- Show both at the rental counter and to police if asked. One without the other is not enough.
This route exists because these countries do not issue the Geneva-Convention IDP that Japan recognizes. If you are from one of them, do not buy a Vienna Convention IDP expecting it to work; get the translation instead.
How do I rent a car once I have the right document?
With the correct paperwork, renting is straightforward. Bring everything the counter needs, or you may be refused even with a reservation.
| Step | What to do | Bring |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Book ahead | Reserve online or by phone; note pickup branch | — |
| 2. Confirm documents | Check your country’s route (IDP or translation) | — |
| 3. At the counter | Present documents for the staff to verify | Home license + IDP or translation + passport |
| 4. Inspect the car | Note existing scratches with staff | — |
| 5. Drive | Remember Japan drives on the left | — |
Japan drives on the left, and signs are mostly in Japanese with some English on major routes. Many rental cars include a navigation system; you can often set a destination by phone number or a map code. Take care at first, especially with right turns across oncoming traffic.
Quick reference: driving in Japan at a glance
| Topic | Detail (as of June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Accepted IDP type | 1949 Geneva Convention only |
| Not accepted alone | 1968 Vienna Convention IDP |
| Translation-route countries | Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan, Slovenia |
| Where to get an IDP | Your home country, before travel |
| Maximum driving period | Up to one year from entry (confirm officially) |
| Documents to carry | License + IDP or translation + passport |
| Side of the road | Left |
Rules on documents and validity can change, and country lists are updated from time to time. Always confirm your exact requirement with JAF, the National Police Agency, or your embassy before your trip, and bring the original documents, not copies, to the rental counter.
FAQ
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Japan?
For most countries, yes. As of June 2026, if your country signed the 1949 Geneva Convention, you need a Geneva-Convention IDP plus your home license. Some countries instead use a license-plus-official-translation route. Get the IDP in your home country before you travel, as you cannot obtain it in Japan.
Which countries can drive in Japan without an IDP?
As of June 2026, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan, and Slovenia can drive on their home license together with an official Japanese translation (for example from JAF or the issuing authority). They do not use an IDP. The translation is mandatory, so carry both your license and the translation.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit?
You must get an IDP in your home country before arriving, usually from a national automobile association or licensing authority. As of June 2026, you cannot get a foreign IDP issued inside Japan. Check that your IDP is the 1949 Geneva Convention type, as Japan does not accept the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP.
How long can I drive in Japan on an IDP or translation?
As of June 2026, you may drive for up to one year from your date of entry, or until the IDP or translation expires, whichever comes first. If you become a resident, different rules apply and you may need to convert to a Japanese license. Confirm the current limit with official sources.
What do I need to rent a car at the counter in Japan?
Bring your home license, your IDP or official translation, and your passport. The rental company checks all of these before handing over the car. Without the correct document for your country, the company will refuse to rent. Booking ahead and confirming document rules avoids being turned away.