Renting a Car in Japan (2026): International Driving Permit and How to Book
You want to drive in Hokkaido, Okinawa or around Mt Fuji, and you are wondering whether your licence is enough. It isn't on its own: rental desks in Japan ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or, for a few countries and Taiwan, an official Japanese translation of your licence.
Sort the paperwork out at home before you fly; you can't get an IDP in Japan. Then book the car online. In Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, don't rent at all: trains are faster and parking is expensive. We checked the rules on Japan's National Police Agency (NPA) and JAF pages on 6 November 2026.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. Booking directly with a Japanese rental company can cost the same, and we say so.
Which driving permit do I need for Japan?
1949 Geneva IDP
Get it in your home country before you leave (for example from the motoring club or licensing office that issues IDPs there). Carry it with your own licence. IDPs issued under other conventions are not the Geneva format Japan names.
The NPA lists the US, Italy, the UK, Canada, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Hong Kong among Geneva countries. If your country is not on that list, ask the body that issues IDPs at home whether it issues the 1949 Geneva format.Japanese translation
These licences need an official Japanese translation instead of an IDP. JAF makes them online only; for Taiwan licences it takes 2–3 business days on average.
JAF fee: ¥6,000 for a translation used to drive in Japan, plus ¥20 a sheet to print it at a convenience store.No route for visitors
These are not Geneva members, so a licence from there plus a translation is not accepted. You would need a Japanese licence.
How long can I drive on an IDP?
Where is a rental car worth it?
Hokkaido, Okinawa, rural Kyushu
Long distances, few trains, and attractions spread out. A car reaches places that trains don't, on your own schedule.
Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, Izu
Good for viewpoints and onsen that buses reach slowly. Consider taking the train out of Tokyo and renting near the lakes instead of driving out of the city.
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
Traffic, narrow streets and paid parking everywhere. Use trains and an IC card. Suica guide →
Between big cities
Tokyo to Osaka is about 2h30 by Shinkansen. Driving means many hours at the wheel, with tolls on top. All options →
How do I book a rental car?
- Get your IDP or translation first. Without it you are not allowed to drive, so the desk cannot hand you the car. Read the cancellation and no-show terms on the booking page before you pay.
- Book online: a Japanese rental company's English site, or an agency. Agencies like Klook show several companies side by side. Pick up at the airport or a station office.
- Add an ETC card and a child seat if you need them. An ETC card pays tolls automatically and is required for the visitor expressway passes. Children under 6 must ride in a child seat by law.
- At the desk, show your licence, IDP or translation, passport and the card you paid with. Check the scratches on the car with staff and take photos.Google Maps can navigate you in Japan, but only with mobile data. A Japan eSIM is set up before you fly.Japan eSIM on Klook ↗
- Return it with a full tank. Ask at pick-up how the company wants the car refuelled and where the nearest petrol station is.
NPA "Foreign driver's licence" page: drivers need a Japanese licence, a Geneva Convention IDP, or a licence from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan with a Japanese translation; valid for 1 year from landing or the licence's expiry, whichever is shorter.
NPA leaflet: main Geneva members include the US, Italy, the UK, Canada, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Hong Kong; non-members include China, Vietnam, Brazil and Indonesia.
JAF page: translations are applied for online only; Taiwan licences take 2–3 business days on average. JAF fee page: ¥6,000 (driving in Japan).
NPA child seat page: drivers must not carry a child under 6 who is not in a child seat.
Nippon Rent-A-Car expressway pass page: ETC card required, pass period = rental period, no extension or refund, kei cars in the rate table, passes handled in Hokkaido and Tohoku only.
What does a rental car cost in Japan?
Should I get an expressway pass?
Visitor expressway passes give unlimited driving on expressways in one region for a fixed price. Japan's tourism board lists four: Hokkaido (HEP), Tohoku (TEP), San'in-Setouchi-Shikoku (SEP) and Kyushu (KEP). They work through an ETC card issued by the rental company, so you add them to the rental, and not every company handles every pass.
Worth it if you drive long expressway stretches most days. For one or two short drives, pay tolls as you go.
What if…?
…I forgot my IDP?
You can't drive, and there is no way to get one in Japan. Switch to a tour with a driver or take the bus.
Mt Fuji day tours on Klook ↗…my IDP is from the 1968 Vienna Convention only?
Japan names the 1949 Geneva format. Ask the body that issued it whether it can issue a 1949 Geneva permit before you travel.
…I'm in an accident?
Call 110 (police) even for a small accident, then the rental company, and follow its instructions for the insurance claim.
…I'd rather not drive at all?
Hakone and the Fuji area can be done by train and bus with a regional pass. Hakone Freepass →
Not driving after all?
Most of Japan is easy by train. Check whether a rail pass beats buying tickets one by one for your route.
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