Asia
Driving in Japan
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Here is exactly what Japan expects from a visiting driver, and how to have it before you land.
Japan
Asia · drives on the left
- Drives on the
- Left
- Rental min age
- 18+
- Ready in
- 8 min
Do I need an international driving permit in Japan?
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Rental desks in Japan will not release a car without a 1949-convention permit. There is no way to obtain one after you land.
Which side of the road does Japan drive on?
Japan drives on the left-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Japan?
Rental desks in Japan generally require drivers to be at least 18. Younger drivers may face a surcharge or be refused.
How quickly can I get one before I fly?
The digital document is issued in minutes — the median is 41 seconds after payment — and works offline. A printed booklet ships separately by tracked courier.
Requirements are set by Japan and can change. We publish what the destination currently expects and update it when it moves. If Japan refuses the document we recommended for it, our money-back guarantee applies.