Driving in Japan – The complete guide for tourists and foreigners

Foreigners who wish to drive a car in Japan must have a valid driving license in one of the following ways:

■ Use of an International Driving Permit (IDP )

1. An international driver's license issued by a country that is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention is required.
   Licenses issued under the Vienna Convention (1968) or other treaties are not valid in Japan.

2. Expiration date International driver's licenses are valid for one year from the date of issue. However, driving in Japan is limited to one year from the date of entry into Japan or the expiration date of the international driver's license, whichever is shorter.

3. Required documents

   • International Driving Permit (valid)

   • A valid passport from the issuing country (that can confirm the date of entry)

4. Points to note

   • If you are staying in Japan for a long period of time (such as registering as a resident), you may not be allowed to drive with an international driver's license.

   • There are legal restrictions on repeatedly obtaining an international driver's license and continuing to drive.

■ Driving with a Foreign License and Official Translation

Citizens from certain countries or regions — including Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan — can drive in Japan using:

• A valid driver's license from that country

• An official Japanese translation of the license (issued by JAF or the embassy/consulate)

 

Please be sure to review and understand the basic rules when driving in Japan.

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https://english.jaf.or.jp/safe-driving/traffic-rules-in-japan

While expressway tolls in Japan can be paid with cash or credit card, some entrances and exits now accept only ETC (Electronic Toll Collection). For this reason, having an ETC card is very convenient.
An ETC card allows you to pass through ETC toll gates by simply having the card set in an in-vehicle device.

At BONFIRE, we also offer ETC card rental. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

For Those Staying Overnight in Their Vehicle 

Car camping (sleeping in your vehicle) is a popular way to enjoy travel and nature more freely in Japan. However, inconsiderate behavior can cause trouble for others and lead to restrictions in certain areas. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

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■ Park only where overnight stays are allowed

• Only sleep in your vehicle at locations where overnight stays are permitted.

• Some rest areas, such as Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Stations) or public parking lots, prohibit overnight stays. Always check local rules and signs in advance.

■ Do not keep your engine running

• Idling your engine for long periods, especially while sleeping, creates noise and exhaust fumes that can disturb others nearby.  Please turn off your engine during the night.

■ Take your trash with you

• Illegal dumping of trash is a serious offense and causes problems for the local community.  If there is no trash bin available, take all waste with you when you leave.

■ Be quiet and respectful at night

• Keep doors and conversations quiet, especially at night.

• Avoid playing loud music or using bright lights that may disturb others sleeping nearby.

■ Use shared facilities responsibly

• Toilets and water facilities are shared spaces—please use them cleanly and respectfully.

• Do not use sinks or restrooms for cooking or laundry, unless explicitly permitted.