Renting a car in Japan (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: A visitor can drive in Japan for one year from landing with an international permit, or with a licence from a designated country plus a Japanese translation. The legal minimum age for an ordinary car licence is 18. Every motor vehicle needs compulsory liability insurance.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Foreign driving licence acceptedRenting a car as a visitor | A visitor may drive in Japan for one year from the date of landing with an international driving permit (Geneva Convention of 1949 format), or with a foreign licence from a country or territory designated by government order if a Japanese translation made by an approved person is attached. The permit or licence must be carried while driving. [1] |
| International driving permitRenting a car as a visitor | An international driving permit meeting the Geneva Convention of 1949 is the main route. A foreign licence can be used instead only for countries designated by government order, with a Japanese translation attached. [1] |
| Minimum age set by lawRenting a car as a visitor | A person under 18 cannot be granted a licence for an ordinary car (19 or 20 for some larger classes; 21 for large vehicles). This is the legal driving age; it is not a rental-company rule. [1] |
| Compulsory insuranceRenting a car as a visitor | A motor vehicle may not be used on the road unless a compulsory automobile liability insurance (jibaiseki) or mutual-aid contract is in force. Breach is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to JPY 500,000. [2] |
| Statutory rules for rental contractsRenting a car as a visitor | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- A foreign licence without an international permit counts only if it comes from a country or territory designated by government order and has an approved Japanese translation attached. The designated list was not read.
- Rental contract terms are private contracts; no statute specific to rental contracts was read.
Sources
- e-Gov Law Search (Digital Agency): 道路交通法 (Road Traffic Act, Act No. 105 of 1960) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- e-Gov Law Search (Digital Agency): 自動車損害賠償保障法 (Automobile Liability Security Act, Act No. 97 of 1955) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.