Japan is a wonderful country to visit on business trips. But it can be nice to take public transport as driving can be difficult. While many business travelers to Japan will take public transportation (their trains are amazing), some may want to rent a car. But before renting a car in Japan, it helps to understand some of the rules.
Specifically, unlike many European countries, American drivers will need to have an International Driving Permit (note: sometimes called an International Driving License) to drive in Japan. If you are caught driving in Japan without one, you risk fines, arrest, or possible deportation. In other words, they are serious about it.
Please note that an International Driving Permit must be used in conjunction with a valid United States license. It is basically a translation of your existing driver’s license into different languages and provides some identifying information (photo, address, etc.). There isn’t much to them, but they can be important if you need one. In the United States, an International Driving Permit can be obtained at AAA offices.
Considerations when driving in Japan
It is also important to note that driving in Japan can be very different from driving in the United States. Unless you can read Japanese, road signs can be difficult to understand. Highway tolls are expensive, traffic can be extremely bad, and there is little on-road parking. Roads can also be narrower and traffic flows to the left.
Another problem with driving in Japan is insurance. In many cases, US auto insurance will not provide coverage for Japan. However, Japan requires insurance for all drivers, so you need to make sure you have the proper insurance.
Extended stays and driving tips
If you are staying for more than 12 months in Japan, you will need to apply for a Japanese driver’s license. You may need to take a written driving test, a hearing test, a vision test, and a driving test. It is best to check with the U.S. Embassy or Japanese government for current requirements.
For additional driving tips for Japan, the United States Embassy in Tokyo has some helpful tips for driving in Japan that are worth checking out.
The Japan National Tourism Board is also a good resource for business travelers to Japan. Their website provides information on Japanese driving licenses, insurance, and more.
Don’t pay too much for an International Driving Permit (or IDP)! There are many online outlets that sell international driving licenses at heavily inflated prices. For more information, read my article on international driver’s license scams.
