“Hello! Do I need to apply for an international driver’s license if I will rent a car? Any experience about this? Thank you!”

Absolutely, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your passport to rent a car in Japan. Not all IDPs are accepted, so make sure yours is recognized in Japan before you travel. Keep an eye out for left-hand traffic and local driving rules, which are quite strict, especially in cities like Tokyo. Also, I’d skip driving in downtown Kyoto—those narrow, busy streets are a bit of a challenge! But don’t worry, with a rental, exploring Japan’s beautiful countryside becomes super convenient and enjoyable. It’s definitely worth it for the freedom to roam!

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals are familiar with this topic and handle it naturally in their daily lives.

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