Driving in Japan
Easier than you think.
Here's everything you need to know.
Japan has smooth, well-maintained roads, famously courteous drivers, and clear English signage on all major routes. Thousands of international visitors drive here every year without trouble. This page covers the documents you need, the basic rules, and what to do if anything unexpected happens.
What You Need to Drive in Japan
Please check your documents before booking — you cannot rent a vehicle without them, and some documents must be obtained in your home country before your trip.
Most countries (US, Canada, Australia, UK, and more)
You need all three of the following, all originals:
- Your home country driver’s license
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention
- Your passport
Get your IDP before you leave home — it cannot be issued in Japan. In the US, AAA issues them same-day for about $20.
⚠️ Check the convention year on the cover. Some countries issue only 1968 Vienna Convention IDPs, which are not valid in Japan. Yours must say “Convention of 1949.”
Your IDP must be valid (IDPs expire one year after issue), and you can drive in Japan for up to one year from your arrival date.
Taiwan, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Estonia
These countries are not covered by the Geneva Convention system, so an IDP will not be accepted. Instead, you need:
- Your home country driver’s license
- An official Japanese translation of your license — available in advance in Taiwan or from JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) offices in Japan
- Your passport
Ordering the translation before your trip is strongly recommended.
A few countries cannot drive in Japan
Licenses from mainland China and some other countries are not valid in Japan under either system.
Not sure about your country?
Contact us — we’ll check for you before you book, free of charge.
Also note: all drivers must have held their license for at least one year.
Driving on the Left — You'll Be Fine
If this is your first time, here’s what actually happens: the first 10 minutes feel strange, and by minute 30 it feels normal. A few tips that help:
- The steering wheel keeps you honest. Our vehicles are right-hand drive — if you’re sitting near the center line, you’re in the correct lane.
- Turn signals and wipers are swapped. Everyone wipes their windshield on day one. It’s a rite of passage.
- When in doubt, follow the car ahead — especially at intersections.
- Roundabouts are rare in Japan — intersections have clear signals.
- Japanese drivers are patient and rarely honk. Take your time.
Before you set off, we’ll walk you through the vehicle and give you time to practice on the quiet roads around our office — no rush, no pressure.
Rules of the Road
The basics:
- Speed limits: typically 40–50 km/h in towns, 50–60 km/h on rural roads, and 80–100 km/h on expressways (some sections allow 120). Limits are clearly posted.
- Seat belts are required for every passenger, front and back — whenever the vehicle is moving.
- Child seats are required by law for children under 6.
- Zero alcohol. Japan has a strict zero-tolerance drink-driving law. One drink is too many — and it applies the next morning too.
- No phone use while driving. Park safely first.
- Pedestrians always have priority, especially at crosswalks.
- Narrow streets: old town centers and island villages can be tight. Take it slow and you’ll be fine.
Three rules that surprise visitors:
- 止まれ (Stop) signs are red inverted triangles, not octagons. Come to a complete stop — police do enforce this.
- Stop completely before every railway crossing. It’s the law in Japan, even when no train is in sight.
- No turning on red — ever. Unlike the US, you cannot turn left on a red light. Wait for green or a green arrow.
Also good to know:
- Traffic lights hang on the far side of the intersection — stop at the painted line, not under the light.
- Flashing hazard lights twice means “thank you.” You’ll see it often — feel free to use it.
Expressways, Tolls & Fuel
Tolls
Every vehicle is fitted with an ETC device — Japan’s version of E-ZPass or FasTrak. To use the ETC lanes you need your own Japanese ETC card; we don’t supply one. If you don’t have a card, no problem at all: just take the lanes marked “一般 (General)” and pay by cash or credit card. As a rough guide, expect ¥1,000–3,000 in tolls for day trips around Hiroshima, and about ¥5,000 to cross the full Shimanami Kaido.
Fuel
Both campervans take regular gasoline. Gas stations are everywhere along main routes; in rural areas, fill up before evening as some stations close early.
- At full-service stations, just say: “Regular, mantan” (fill it up with regular) — that’s all the Japanese you need.
- At self-service stations, screens have an English option. The red nozzle is regular.
Please return the vehicle with a full tank.
Navigation
Use Google Maps on your smartphone — it works perfectly in Japan, in English, with live traffic. The built-in car navigation is Japanese-only, so plan to navigate by phone.
Tip: search destinations in English (“Itsukushima Shrine” works fine), or pick them straight from our Where to Go page.
How Far Is Everything?
Driving times from our office near Hiroshima Airport:
| Destination | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Onomichi (Shimanami Kaido start) | ~40 min |
| Hiroshima City (Peace Memorial Park) | ~50 min |
| Miyajimaguchi (ferry to Miyajima) | ~1 hr 15 min |
| Kurashiki (historic canal town) | ~1 hr 20 min |
| Iwakuni (Kintaikyo Bridge) | ~1 hr 40 min |
| Imabari, via the Shimanami Kaido | ~2 hrs |
Everything on this list fits comfortably in a 3–5 day trip. → Explore Where to Go
Parking & Overnight Stays
Daytime parking
- Use marked parking lots — street parking is generally not allowed in Japan.
- Check height limits before entering: avoid multi-story and mechanical parking garages. Flat outdoor lots are always the safe choice for a campervan.
- For popular destinations, plan parking ahead. For Miyajima, park at Miyajimaguchi and take the 10-minute ferry.
Overnight stays
You’re welcome to sleep in the vehicle — that’s the whole point! But only in places where overnight stays are permitted:
- RV parks (powered sites, often with toilets and washing facilities)
- Campgrounds
- Michi-no-eki (roadside stations) that permit overnight resting — treat them as rest stops: no awnings, tables, or open-air cooking.
Please don’t overnight in regular parking lots, on streets, or on private land. When you pick up your vehicle, we’ll share our recommended overnight spots along your route — including the best seaside locations on the Shimanami Kaido.
Driving in Winter (December–March)
The coast — Hiroshima City, the Shimanami Kaido, Miyajima — rarely sees snow. Mountain areas in northern Hiroshima do. If you’re traveling in winter, tell us your route and we’ll advise.
If Something Happens
Save our number before you set off: +81-82-437-1970. You probably won’t need it, but it’s good to have.
Breakdown or flat tire
Call us first. We’ll arrange roadside assistance and guide you in English.
In case of an accident
- Move to a safe place and check for injuries. For an ambulance, dial 119.
- Call the police: dial 110. This is required by law for every accident, even minor ones — never settle privately or leave the scene.
- Then call us. We’ll handle the next steps with you, in English, including the insurance process.
Insurance
Every rental includes insurance, and our Peace-of-Mind Pack covers your deductible. See the FAQ for details.
Ready to Go?
Your pre-trip checklist:
- ✓Valid home country license (original)
- ✓IDP (1949 Geneva Convention) — or official Japanese translation for Taiwan
- ✓Passport
- ✓Booking confirmation