2026.09.24
Essential Conditions for Renting a Car
Essential Conditions for Renting a Car (Required Documents)
To rent a car in Japan, you must present either driver's license ① or ②, along with your passport ③. All documents must be the originals (copies are not accepted).
① International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the Geneva Convention
Only IDPs issued by member countries of the "Geneva Convention (1949)" are valid.
Note: IDPs based on the Paris, Washington, or Vienna Conventions cannot be used to drive in Japan.
② Foreign Driver's License from Specific Countries/Regions + Official Japanese Translation
Eligible countries/regions: Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan (*Slovenia is sometimes included).
You must present the driver's license issued by the eligible country alongside an official Japanese translation (issued by the JAF or your country's embassy/consulate in Japan). Self-translated documents are invalid.
Note: "International Driving Permits" issued by these specific countries/regions cannot be used to drive in Japan.
③ Passport (Entry Stamp Required)
An entry stamp is required to verify your "date of landing" in Japan.
Caution: If you use the "Automated Gates" at the airport, you will not automatically receive a stamp. You must ask a staff member for an entry stamp when passing through the gate. You cannot rent a car without this stamp.
Valid Driving Period in Japan
One year from the date of landing in Japan, or the validity period of your driver's license, whichever is shorter.
Note: If a person registered in Japan's Basic Resident Register (e.g., mid-to-long-term residents) leaves Japan and re-enters within less than 3 months, that date of re-entry will not be recognized as the "date of landing" (the starting date for the 1-year driving period).
Japanese Traffic Rules and Manners to Keep in Mind
Japan has unique road conditions and traffic laws. It is important to understand the following points before driving:
Left-Side Traffic / Right-Hand Drive: Cars drive on the left side of the road. The controls are also configured for right-hand drive vehicles (the turn signal lever is usually on the right).
Absolute Pedestrian Priority: You must always temporarily stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, even in places without traffic lights or crosswalks.
Left-Turn Blind Spots: When turning left, accidents involving bicycles, motorcycles, or pedestrians coming up from behind are common. Visually checking your blind spots over your shoulder is mandatory.
Signs are Mainly in Japanese: Many road signs (such as "止まれ STOP" or "徐行 SLOW") are primarily in Japanese. You should memorize the shapes and meanings of major signs beforehand.
Horn Restrictions: Honking your horn to say hello or to rush the car in front of you is prohibited by law. You may only use the horn in unavoidable situations to prevent immediate danger.
No Aggressive Driving: Forceful lane changes and aggressive overtaking (such as tailgating) are strictly penalized.
Expressways and ETC: Japanese expressways are toll roads. Renting an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card allows you to pass smoothly through the toll gates without stopping to pay cash.
Speed Limits: Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 60 km/h on regular roads and 100 km/h on expressways. However, limits are strictly regulated depending on the specific road section or weather. Speed limit enforcement (such as automated speed cameras) is frequently conducted.