International
Drivers License
Am i eligible to
Drive in Japan?
Here is a guide!
To drive in Japan, drivers must meet the following requirements:
1. International Driving Permit (IDP) Holders
- Visitors to Japan can drive using an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. The IDP must be issued in your home country before you arrive in Japan.
- Important: Japan only accepts IDPs based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, not the 1968 Vienna Convention. Please confirm that your IDP complies with this requirement before traveling.
- The IDP allows you to drive vehicles within the same category as your home country’s license.
2. Foreign License Holders with a Japanese Translation
- If you hold a driver’s license from one of the following countries, you can drive in Japan with an official Japanese translation of your license:
- Germany
- France
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Monaco
- Taiwan
- The translation must be provided by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or the relevant embassy in Japan.
- The translation allows you to drive for up to one year from the date of entry into Japan.
3. Japanese Driver’s License Holders
- If you are a resident of Japan and hold a valid Japanese driver’s license, you can drive without restrictions.
- Foreign residents may also convert their foreign license to a Japanese license through a process called gaitame nintei (foreign license conversion). This process varies depending on the country of issuance.
4. Age and License Category
- You must be at least 18 years old to drive a standard vehicle in Japan.
- Specific vehicle categories may have additional restrictions based on the type of vehicle and your driving license qualifications.
5. Additional Requirements
- You must carry your original International Driving Permit (or translated foreign license) along with your passport at all times when driving.
- Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines or penalties.
6. Rental Conditions
- At Samurai Campers, all drivers must meet the above legal requirements to rent and operate our vehicles.
- We may require additional documents for verification during the rental process.
For more information or assistance in obtaining the necessary permits,
feel free to contact our team.
International Driver's License
Required in Japan
Choose the campervan you are comfortable in. Solo, couples or a group. We got you covered!
Germany
United Kingdom
United States
Australia
France
Netherlands
IDP license
frequently asked question
Read our FAQ sections, we have collected the most asked questions.
Can I drive without IDP license?
No, even if you bring a translation of your license ( If your country is not listed for translation )
Will digital IDP work?
No, Physical IDP is only accepted.
What do I do if I do not have the IDP/Translation?
IDP: You can ask your family member to create your IDP in your country and send it to the branch of pick up.
Translation: You can go to any JAF Office near the branch to translate the license. It usually takes about an hour to translate.
I do not know which if my IDP is ok to use in Japan.
Send it to our email or Send it through Whatsapp. Our team will check & get back to you.
