Driving
Road Safety
Japan drives on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle. Speed limits are typically 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 50-60 km/h on regional roads, and 80-100 km/h on expressways. Handheld phone use while driving is illegal and subject to heavy penalties, and Japan enforces a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence, any detectable alcohol in your system results in severe penalties.
Before driving in Japan, familiarize yourself thoroughly with local road safety rules. The Japan Automobile Federation offers detailed information on their website and publishes a helpful guide called "Rules of the Road", which you can purchase directly from them.
Driving License
Driving with an International Driving Permits
For Short-Term Visitors: Visitors not registered in Japan's Basic Resident Register may drive with a valid Geneva Convention IDP for up to one year from their entry date or the IDP issue date, whichever is shorter.
For Registered Residents: Individuals registered in Japan's Basic Resident Register are subject to the "Three-Month Rule" under Article 107-2 of the Road Traffic Act:
- If you leave Japan and return after less than 3 months abroad, you may not drive with an IDP
- If you return after 3 months or more abroad, you may drive with your IDP for up to one year from your re-entry date
IDP Requirements: Your IDP must be issued by a Geneva Convention Contracting State and conform to Annex 9 or 10 format specifications.
Driving with a Non-Japanese Driver's License
Eligible Licenses: You may drive in Japan with a driver's license issued by countries or regions with licensing requirements equivalent to Japan's. Your license must be valid and accompanied by an official Japanese translation.
Eligible Countries: Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco & Taiwan
Validity Period: You may drive for up to one year from your entry date into Japan, provided your license remains valid.
Translation Requirements: The Japanese translation must be issued by either:
- The embassy, consulate, or representative office of the license-issuing country
- JAF (Japan Automobile Federation)
Three-Month Rule for Registered Residents: Individuals registered in Japan's Basic Resident Register are subject to the same "Three-Month Rule":
- If you return to Japan after less than 3 months abroad, you may not drive with your non-Japanese license
- If you return after 3 months or more abroad, you may drive with your non-Japanese license for up to one year from your re-entry date
Transferring to a Japanese Driver's License (Gaimen Kirikae)
What is Gaimen Kirikae: Foreign driver's licenses can be transferred to a Japanese driver's license by applying at your prefectural police department's Driver's License Center.
Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for license transfer, you must meet both conditions:
- Your foreign driver's license must be currently valid
- You must prove you stayed in the license-issuing country for at least 3 months total after obtaining the license
Required Documents:
- Application form
- Photograph for application
- Official copy of your resident record (Jūminhyō / 住民票) showing registered domicile (Honseki / 本籍) (or passport if not registered in the Resident Register System)
- National health insurance card, My Number card, or residence card (for presentation)
- Valid foreign driver's license (IDP alone is not sufficient)
- Japanese translation of foreign license (JAF provides translation services online)
- Documents proving 3+ months stay in the issuing country after license acquisition (e.g., passport with entry/exit stamps)
- Processing fee
Where to Apply: Contact your local prefectural police department's Driver's License Center for applications and additional information.
Parking
Finding and using parking in Japan requires understanding the local systems and signage. Japanese cities typically have limited street parking, with most drivers using paid parking facilities.
Types of Parking Facilities
Coin Parking Lots (Koinpaakingu / コインパーキング): These unmanned, pay-and-display lots are common throughout urban areas. Most use automated payment machines that accept cash and IC cards. Upon entry, a lock plate may rise behind your vehicle to prevent departure without payment. When ready to leave, pay at the machine using your parking space number, and the lock plate will lower automatically.
Parking Buildings: Multi-story parking structures are prevalent in city centers and near major shopping areas. These facilities typically have height restrictions (usually 1.5 to 2.1 meters), so check clearance before entering. Payment is usually made at automated machines near elevators or the exit, using either your parking ticket or vehicle plate number.
Hotel and Shopping Center Parking: Many hotels offer free parking for guests, though space may be limited. Shopping centers often provide discounted or free parking for customers who meet minimum purchase requirements. Always validate your parking ticket at the service counter before returning to your vehicle.
Reading Parking Signs
Japanese parking signs may be entirely in Japanese, so familiarize yourself with key words: Parking lot (Chūshajō / 駐車場), Full (Mansha / 満車) and Space Available (Kūsha / 空車).
Prohibited Parking
Never park in areas marked with yellow road paint or where signs prohibit parking. Illegally parked vehicles may be towed, resulting in significant fines and retrieval fees. Parking violations can also affect your rental car deposit.
Gas Stations
Types of Gas Stations
Full-Service Stations (Furusaabisu / フルサービス): At these stations, attendants will fill your tank, check tire pressure, clean windows, and provide other services. When you pull in, staff will guide you to a pump and ask what fuel type and amount you need. You can specify by saying "満タン" (mantan) for "full tank" or requesting a specific yen amount. Payment can be made inside or at the pump after service is completed.
Self-Service Stations (Serufusaabisu / セルフサービス): These stations require you to pump your own fuel. The process involves selecting your fuel type on the screen, choosing payment method (prepayment is common), pumping fuel, and collecting any receipt or change. Most self-service stations have emergency stop buttons and attendants monitoring from a central booth who can provide assistance if needed.
Fuel Types
Japanese gas stations offer three main fuel grades: Regular (Regyuraa / レギュラー), High-Octane/Premium (Haioku / ハイオク), and Diesel (Keiyu / 軽油). Most rental cars use Regular gasoline. The fuel cap or rental documentation will specify the correct type. Using the wrong fuel type can damage the engine and void insurance coverage.
Station Etiquette
At full-service stations, remain in your vehicle while attendants fuel your car. If you need to use the restroom, inform the attendant first. Smoking near pumps is strictly prohibited. When leaving, wait for the attendant's signal before pulling away, as they need to close your fuel cap and ensure safety.
Finding Gas Stations
Major chains include ENEOS, Idemitsu, Cosmo, and Shell. Car navigation systems and smartphone apps like Google Maps can help locate nearby gas stations (gasorin sutando / ガソリンスタンド).
Rental Companies
Major car rental companies in Japan offer English-language booking websites for international travelers. When renting a vehicle, consider requesting an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for convenient expressway toll payment. Some rental companies provide regional flat-rate expressway passes, which can be cost-effective for travelers planning multiple highway trips.
Major rental companies operating in Japan include: Toyota Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Nissan Rent-A-Car, JR Rent-A-Car, and ORIX Rent-A-Car.
Last Updated: