Driving in Japan: Rules and What You Need to Know as a Foreign Tourist
Hiring a car in Japan can open up parts of the country you simply can’t reach easily by train. It’s such a great option if you want to visit rural areas, coastal drives, and quieter towns. But driving in Japan may be slightly different to driving in your home country. And before you get behind the wheel, there are some important rules and practical things to know.
This guide covers everything foreign tourists need to know about driving in Japan, including licences, road rules, tolls, parking, and what to expect: especially if you’re visiting from the UK. (Because I’m from the UK, and all the research included here is first-hand research I’ve done to prepare for our own driving in Japan!)
(We’re hiring a car in Japan ourselves for the first time this spring, so that we can explore Okinawa also for the first time, and will be sharing a full first-hand review soon.)
Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
Can Foreign Tourists Drive in Japan?
Let’s start with the basics, and one of the most frequently asked questions about driving in Japan. The simple answer is yes! Foreign tourists can legally drive in Japan, as long as they meet the licence requirements. These requirements vary depending on where in the world you’re travelling from, and (in many cases) what side of the road you drive on in your home country!
If you’re visiting from the UK
So almost all of my research is for UK drivers…because I am one! And if you’re visiting from the UK then you will need:
- Your full UK Driving Licence
- An International Driving Permit (IDP). This must be the permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, with the 1968 IDP not being accepted in Japan. You can apply for an International Driving Licence from any Pay Point store: We’ve done this and it’s quick, easy, and you don’t need to make an appointment.
Not all travellers from all countries will need an IDP. You may just need your Driving Licence and a Japanese translation of your license. If this applies to you then the good news is that applying for the translation is straightforward. This translation must be issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or an approved provider. Car rental companies will not accept unofficial translations.
Booking a Rental Car in Japan
Most visitors book their rental car in advance, especially during school holidays and peak travel seasons. We’ve booked ours with Klook (I know I say that a lot but it’s true!) because the prices were good, and they even let you pick up and drop off your car at different locations, which is perfect for a road trip.
The minimum age for driving a rental car in Japan is 18.
When booking, check:
- Automatic vs manual (automatics are common, but not guaranteed everywhere. We prefer a manual car anyway!)
- Pick-up and drop-off locations
- Insurance coverage (highly recommended)
You can compare and book car hire in Japan in advance via Klook, which is popular with foreign tourists and offers English-language bookings.
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Driving Rules in Japan (The Basics)
Japan is a very safe and organised country to drive in, but the rules may differ from what you’re used to. Like most countries, Japan has its own rules and codes of conduct, so these are just some of the ‘headlines’ that it’s important to know before you get behind the wheel:
Key rules to know:
- Drive on the left (This is the same as the UK, which should make it nice and easy for us)
- Steering wheel is on the right-hand side
- Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers, including the driver and ALL passengers
- Children must use appropriate car seats, and it is a legal requirement that car seats are fitted for each child under 6 years old (we will be following the UK rules and keeping our kids in their seats until they’re 12!)
- There is zero tolerance for drink driving in Japan, so avoid having even one drink with dinner if you’re going to be driving later.
I don’t want to be prescriptive about speed limits, as it’s important that you check them on each individual road that you drive. But if you’re looking for a rule of thumb, speed limits are generally:
- 30–40 km/h in cities
- 50–60 km/h on rural roads
- 80–100 km/h on expressways
Speed cameras are common, and fines can be high.
Road Signs and Navigation
Honestly? This was the thing I was most worried about! We’ve been working hard to learn to speak a little Japanese (badly!) but reading in Japanese? Far beyond my skillset! I needn’t have worried. Once I started doing a little research, found that:
- Road signs are usually displayed in Japanese and English
- Numbers use Arabic numerals, which helps too
- Most rental cars include a sat nav in English to help you get around
- Google Maps works well for driving in Japan, so you’ll be able to use a system you’re used to
Tip: Japanese sat nav systems often use map codes rather than addresses. This might not be something you’re used to (I know i’m not!) but your rental company can explain how to use these.
Tolls and Expressways
Japan’s expressways are toll roads and can be expensive. Even more so than the roads in France (which we find eye-wateringly expensive!) Whether you think they’re worth it or not depends on where you’re going, and how long you’ve got!
What to know:
- Tolls are charged based on distance
- Many rental cars offer ETC cards (electronic toll payment)
- Without ETC, you’ll pay cash or card at toll booths
If you plan to use highways often, an ETC card makes driving much easier because you’ll be able to drive straight through the barriers without queuing to pay manually.
Parking in Japan
Common options:
Parking is well organised but not always cheap! It makes sense that you’ll pay more in the bigger cities (where space is at a premium) than you will in the countryside. We don’t have the confidence(or frankly the need) to try driving in Tokyo, but we will be driving in Okinawa where things are a little cheaper and a little more laidback.
Common parking options in Japan include:
- Coin-operated parking lots (very common in cities)
- Hotel parking (often paid)
- Designated roadside parking in rural areas
Important: Illegal parking is strictly enforced in Japan, so just don’t risk it!
Fuel, Electric Cars & Costs
- Petrol stations are easy to find, even in rural areas
- Fuel types are clearly labelled
- Many stations are full service (staff will help)
- Electric vehicles are becoming more common, but charging stations are less widespread outside cities
Most rentals require you to return the car with a full tank.
Is Driving in Japan Easy for Tourists?
For many visitors, yes. Driving in Japan has a really positive reputation for being calm and orderly, well signposted, and polite. It’s one of the only cities i’ve ever visited where you can be in the busiest heart of the city and not hear drivers honking their horns or shouting. We’ve never heard any road rage or frustration during our many visits to Japan.
However, in my opinion, it’s best suited for:
- Rural areas
- Okinawa
- Day trips outside major cities
- Families travelling with lots of luggage
For big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, public transport is usually easier. We love the convenience of the public transport systems in both cities and wouldn’t dream of hiring a car (and all the hassle that goes with it) instead.
When Hiring a Car in Japan Makes Sense
Hiring a car is ideal if:
- You’re visiting rural Japan or (like us) Okinawa. We want to get out and see as many beautiful beaches as possible!
- You want flexibility with kids
- You’re travelling to places with limited public transport
- You’re planning a road trip or coastal drive
Final Tips for Foreign Drivers
- Book your car in advance
- Make sure your licence translation is sorted early
- Add full insurance for peace of mind
- Avoid city driving unless necessary
- Familiarise yourself with basic road signs before you go
We’ll be sharing our first-hand experience of hiring and driving a car in Japan, including what surprised us and what we’d do differently, once we’re back from our trip. Why not subscribe to our newsletter, if you’re interested in finding out more and following along with our adventures!
Ready to keep planning your adventure in Japan? Check out:
👉 What To Pack For Japan: Japan Travel Essentials
👉 Why Visit Japan? 8 Reasons To Visit Japan With Kids
👉 The Ultimate Guide To Japan With Kids (2026 Japan Travel Guide)
👉 8 Japan Travel Apps You Need Before You Visit Japan in 2026
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Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
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