“Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Japan?”

Yes! When you rent a car in Japan, you need:

• International Driving Permit (IDP) from your country
• Your passport
• Your regular driver’s license

But wait – not all IDPs work in Japan. Check if yours is accepted before your trip!

Important Things to Know

“What should I watch out for when driving?”

I’ve driven abroad, and there are three big things you need to know about driving in Japan:

1. Left-Side Traffic

Japan drives on the left side of the road. Everything is reversed:

• The steering wheel is on the right
• Wipers and turn signals are swapped
• When leaving a parking lot, it’s easy to accidentally drive on the wrong side

Be extra careful when pulling out from convenience stores or parking lots!

2. Lots of Rules (and Police)

In cities like Tokyo, police are everywhere. Watch out for:

• Stop signs – You must completely stop
• Speed limits – 40-60 km/h on regular roads, 80-100 km/h on highways
• No-entry zones – These are easy to miss

Speed limits are lower than many countries. Check your speed often!

3. Don’t Drive in Downtown Kyoto

Seriously. The streets are:

• Old and narrow
• Full of pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and taxis
• Not designed for modern cars
• Very stressful to navigate

Use public transport in Kyoto. Trust me.

Where Renting a Car Makes Sense

“Is driving worth it at all?”

Yes! Driving is amazing in:

• Rural areas – Buses are rare, driving gives you freedom
• Hokkaido – Huge distances, beautiful scenery
• Countryside – Small towns, hidden gems
• Mountain areas – Hot springs, nature spots

The car protects you from Japan’s hot summers, cold winters, and sudden rain. It’s the best way to explore off the beaten path!

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals:

• Don’t drive in big cities (parking is expensive, trains are better)
• Rent cars for countryside trips
• Use rental companies at train stations (very convenient!)
• Book through Toyota, Nissan, or Times Car Rental

Where to Rent

Rental car companies are easy to find:

• Toyota Rent a Car
• Nissan Rent a Car
• Times Car Rental
• Orix Rent a Car

Many have locations right at train stations!

Extra Travel Tips

1. Get your IDP before leaving home – You can’t get one in Japan

2. Book in advance – Especially during holidays

3. GPS is included – Most rental cars have navigation (set it to English)

4. Highways have tolls – They can add up quickly

5. Gas stations are full-service – Staff will fill your tank for you

6. Return with a full tank – Otherwise you’ll pay extra

Have more questions about getting around Japan? Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for daily tips!