How to Drive in Japan with a Foreign License: Comprehensive Guide

1. Short-Term Driving (International Driving Permit or Foreign License)

Who can drive: Foreign tourists (with non-Japanese visas) may drive in Japan using a valid international driving permit (IDP) or a qualifying foreign license. Japan honors the 1949 Geneva Convention: visitors from most countries (e.g. USA, UK, Canada, Australia, EU nations, Singapore, etc.) who hold an international driving permit (issued under the Geneva Convention) and their home license can drive. Nationals of Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan may also drive in Japan on their domestic license with an official Japanese translation (prepared by the embassy or JAF).

Required documents: Carry your valid foreign driver's license and international driving permit together with your passport. Rental companies and police will ask for both. (If using a foreign license + Japanese translation instead of an IDP, present the license, the official Japanese translation, and passport.) Make sure your passport shows the entry (arrival) stamp, as the driving period is counted from your arrival.

Valid driving period: You may drive in Japan for up to 1 year from the date of entry (or until the international driving permit/license expires), whichever comes first. Note: the international driving permit itself is valid for only 1 year from its issue date. There is no extension of international driving permit validity in Japan; if you stay in Japan beyond one year, you must obtain a Japanese license.

Example: A U.S. tourist arriving on Jan 1 can legally drive in Japan (with a U.S. license + international driving permit) until the next Jan 1 or until the international driving permit expires. To rent a car in Japan, this traveler would simply show the international driving permit, U.S. license, and passport at the rental desk.

2. Converting Your Foreign License to a Japanese License (Long-Term Stay)

Eligibility & Pre-conditions: To convert your license to a Japanese license, you must be a resident in Japan and have stayed 3 months or more in the license-issuing country after obtaining the license. (Proof: entry/exit stamps or a "travel certificate" from your embassy.)

Where to apply: Visit your prefectural driver's license center or police licensing branch (depending on your address). You must apply in person (no agents).

Documents needed: Be prepared to submit:

• A completed application form (including a health questionnaire).
• A recent passport-style photo (3.0×2.4cm, front view).
• Your residence certificate (with honseki permanent address) or passport if not in the register.
• ID/health card (e.g. Residence Card, insurance card).
• Original foreign license (the actual official license from your country; an international driving permit alone is not accepted).
• A Japanese translation of the foreign license prepared by an authorized body (embassy, JAF - Japan Automobile Federation, etc.).
• Proof that you stayed 3+ months after getting the license (entry/exit stamps in passport).
• Application fees and issuance fee (about ¥2,800–3,900 total).

Examination: In principle, the license center will confirm your knowledge and driving skill. For most applicants, the written (knowledge) and practical driving test are waived if everything checks out. You will still take an eye exam and an interview in your language. However, whether tests are waived depends on your country of origin:

Country/Region	Written Test	Driving Test	Notes
29 Exempt Countries (e.g. USA*, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, most EU, Germany, France, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, S.Korea, Taiwan, etc.)	Waived	Waived	*US (OH, OR, CO, VA, HI, MD, WA) are exempt. (Indiana: written exam required.)
All other countries (e.g. China, India, etc.)	Required	Required	Must pass both tests normally.

Written test: If required, it covers Japanese traffic rules and signs. Foreign-language versions (English, Chinese, Korean, etc.) are generally available, but reviewing rules of the road in advance is advised (see next section for key rules).

Practical driving test: If required, this is on a closed course. It tests vehicle control, proper lane use, turns, stops, and obedience to signals. For example, you'll be judged on "keeping left", signaling and checking mirrors before lane changes, proper cornering, and stopping at stop/yield signs. Common tips: practice left-hand driving and narrow-road maneuvers. (Many foreign nationals take a few lessons at a Japanese driving school or practice at a closed course beforehand.)

Tips for success: Study the Japanese driver's handbook or use online practice quizzes in English. When taking the test, drive slowly and predictably (Japan's exam is very strict on precision). Pay special attention to "stop lines" at intersections (you must stop completely at a stop sign), and always yield to pedestrians. We also recommend bringing an interpreter if you're not confident in Japanese, especially at smaller centers.

3. Japanese Driving Norms and Rules of the Road

• Drive on the left: Japan uses left-hand traffic. Vehicles are right-hand-drive (steering wheel on the right) by standard. If you're from a right-driving country, be especially careful at intersections and roundabouts. Always stay in the left lane except when overtaking.
• Yield to pedestrians: Everyone must stop for people at zebra crosswalks. (In fact, a painted white diamond on the pavement warns of a crossing ~50m ahead.) When approaching a STOP sign (red octagon with "止まれ"), come to a full stop and check all directions before proceeding.
• Traffic lights read left-to-right: green – yellow – red. Note that in Japanese traffic practice, a green arrow signal lets you turn even if the main light is red.
• Speed limits are posted in km/h (typically 60km/h on urban roads in Japan, 100km/h on expressways) and must be obeyed strictly.
• Seatbelts & safety: Everyone in the car (driver + all passengers, front and rear) must wear a seatbelt at all times, on any road. Child seats are required for young children.
• No phone/headphones: Hand-held mobile phone use while driving is illegal; use a hands-free kit if you need to call. Listening to music with headphones/earbuds while driving is also banned (you must hear emergency sirens).
• No drinking and driving: Japan has zero tolerance for drunk driving. Even a small amount of alcohol (any detectable breath-alcohol) can lead to arrest. Penalties are severe (fines, license revocation, possible imprisonment). Do not drink before driving under any circumstances.
• Lights and signals: Use headlights from dusk till dawn and in rain/fog. Turn signals must be used for every lane change or turn. A quick flash of the hazard lights (double-click) is commonly used by Japanese drivers to say "thanks" or to warn following cars of a slowdown or hazard ahead.
• Horns: Car horns are used only to alert danger. Honking to express frustration is considered rude.
• Overtaking/Parking: Pass only on road sections where overtaking is explicitly permitted (broken-center lines). Do not overtake on the left. Parking is strictly regulated – only park in designated spaces or metered lots (look for a big "P" sign). Illegally parked vehicles may be towed by the police. Use coin-operated or electronic parking lots when you stop in towns.
• Etiquette: Japanese driving is generally polite and defensive. For example, drivers in Japan often flash hazard lights or wave to yield to other cars at merges. Follow the flow and keep pace with traffic; don't impede faster vehicles.

4. Actionable Tips and Real-World Insights

• Rent a car in Japan: Most rental agencies (Nippon Rent-A-Car, Toyota Rent-A-Car, etc.) require an international driving permit plus your passport. You must also meet age (often 18+) and credit-card requirements. Always check the rental terms: some companies allow a domestic license (with Japanese translation) if you qualify. Book well in advance during holidays or in rural areas.
• Insurance: Rental rates include basic liability and typically optional collision/damage waivers (CDW). Japan's mandatory insurance has low coverage, so we strongly recommend opting for full CDW (often called "安心コース" or "Full Cover") when renting. This minimizes out-of-pocket costs if you crash. Verify what is covered (the rental agent will explain). If you have international car insurance, confirm it covers rentals in Japan.
• Police checks & violations: Always carry your driver's license and passport when driving. If stopped by police (e.g. for a routine check or minor infraction), remain polite and show your documents. Do not bribe or argue. If you commit a violation, the penalty is the same as for Japanese drivers: fines (often payable later by mail or at a convenience store) and demerit points. Accumulating points (for speeding, red-light running, etc.) can lead to license suspension or cancellation. For accidents or crimes (driving under influence, hit-and-run), arrest or detention is possible.
• In case of accident: Stop immediately and move to safety. Call emergency services: 119 for ambulance (if injuries) and 110 for police. Stay at the scene. Exchange information and cooperate fully. You will need to file a police accident report and may need to apply for a "Traffic Accident Certificate" for insurance claims. (Japan has strict accident-reporting rules.)
• Parking: In cities, use official parking lots (monthly or hourly). In residential zones, cars parked on streets are quickly ticketed. "Mansion parking" (with windshield tickets) allows short stops. Never park on yellow lines or block driveways.
• Local differences: Tokyo's roads can be complex (many one-way streets, narrow lanes). Use GPS/map apps to navigate – most car GPS systems have English menus. Note that addresses are often given by blocks, not street names. Always read signs carefully (note green signs for expressways, blue for city directions).
• Fueling & tolls: Fuel stations are usually self-service; press the button for English, then prepay or pay on pump. Toll highways (marked by green signs) charge entrance fees – you can pay cash or use an ETC card. Speed cameras are common; drive the speed limit.
• Dealing with emergencies: If you break down, call your rental's 24-hour roadside service or JAF (Japan Automobile Federation; English support available). As a courtesy, place your hazard lights on and a warning triangle if it's safe.

Bottom line: With the correct permit or converted license, foreign residents can safely drive in Japan. Follow the rules above, carry the proper documents, and exercise the same caution you would at home – plus a bit more awareness of Japan's unique road culture.