Driving in Japan

Your licence and permit

Each driver needs their full driving licence, their passport and an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. In Singapore, the Automobile Association of Singapore issues it. Get it before you travel, because Japan cannot issue one.

Japan does not accept the 1968 Vienna Convention permit. Some countries, the UK among them, issue both kinds, so check which one you are given.

Licences from a few places, including Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan, need an official Japanese translation instead of a permit. If you are unsure, tell us where your licence is from and we will check.

Getting the car

We bring the car to your hotel in Tokyo, to Haneda or Narita airport, or to places up to about three hours’ drive away, and collect it wherever you finish. There is no rental office to visit.

On the road

Traffic keeps to the left and cars are right-hand drive, as in Singapore. Expressway signs are in English as well as Japanese, and other drivers are patient.

Most expressways allow 100 km/h, and other roads are lower. Limits are shown on round signs and are often painted on the road as well.

Rules that catch visitors out

• Stop before every railway level crossing, even with no train in sight, then look and listen before you cross.
• The stop sign is a red triangle pointing down, marked 止まれ. Come to a complete stop at the line.
• Do not drink at all if you are driving. Japan’s limit is very low, and passengers who knowingly ride with a driver who has been drinking can be penalised too.
• Holding a phone while driving is against the law. Set your route before you set off.
• Children under six must ride in a child seat. Add child or booster seats to your enquiry and we fit them before the car reaches you.

Expressways and tolls

Most longer drives use expressways, which charge tolls. Your car comes with an ETC card, so you drive through the lanes marked ETC without stopping, and we settle the tolls with you after the trip.

Lanes marked only 一般 are for paying at the booth.

Fuel

Our price does not include fuel; we explain how fuel works when we confirm your booking. Many petrol stations are full service, where staff fill the car for you. Ask for “mantan” (満タン) for a full tank.

Parking

Parking in Japan is almost always paid, and parking on the street is rarely allowed. Ask your hotel whether it has parking and what it charges before you arrive. Coin car parks (コインパーキング) are common: you pay at the machine before you drive out.

Winter driving

Nikko, Karuizawa and the roads around Fuji need snow tyres from about December to March, and you can add them to a winter enquiry. If you have not driven on snow before, tell us and we will suggest an easier route.

If something goes wrong

Call 110 for the police, or 119 for an ambulance or the fire service. Then contact us and we will take it from there.