Japan drives on the left side of the road, and you'll need an International Driving Permit to rent a car legally

Yes, Japan drives on the left. This applies everywhere in the country — cities, highways, rural areas. If you're renting a car as a visitor, you'll be driving on the left side, which means the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle. The shift lever, windshield wipers, and turn signals are all mirrored from what you're used to if you come from a country that drives on the right.

To rent a car in Japan, you need either a valid driver's license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit (IDP), or a Japanese driver's license. Most visitors use the IDP route. You get an IDP from your home country before you travel — it's not issued in Japan. The IDP is a translation of your license and costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you live. It's valid for one year.

Rental companies in Japan will ask to see both your home country license and your IDP together. Without the IDP, most major rental chains will refuse to rent to you, even if your home license is valid. Some smaller local rental shops may be more flexible, but you're not legally protected if you drive without the IDP, and your insurance won't cover you.

Key Takeaways

  • Japan's entire road system uses left-side driving with the steering wheel on the right, and this is consistent across all regions and road types.
  • You must carry both your home country driver's license and an International Driving Permit to rent a car legally in Japan.
  • The IDP is issued by your home country before you travel and costs $15 to $30 for a one-year permit.
  • Rental companies require both documents together; an IDP alone or a home license alone will not be accepted.
  • Driving without an IDP in Japan leaves you uninsured and violates local law, even if you have a valid home license.

How to get an International Driving Permit before your trip

The process and cost depend on where you live. In the United States, you get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You need your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and the process form. AAA charges around $20 for a one-year permit and can issue it the same day at most locations. AATA charges around $15 and takes about two weeks by mail.

In Canada, you get an IDP from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In the UK, you explore through the Post Office or DVLA. In Australia, you get one from the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) or the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). Each country has its own issuing body, and you must explore in your home country before you travel. You cannot get an IDP in Japan.

Start this process at least two weeks before your trip, longer if you're using mail-in services. Bring your IDP and home license together when you pick up your rental car. Keep both documents with you while driving.

What changes when you drive on the left

The most when ready difference is that you're sitting on the right side of the car instead of the left. This affects how you judge distance when passing, turning, and parking. The turn signal lever is usually on the right side of the steering column instead of the left, and the windshield wiper control is often on the left. You'll reach for the wrong one repeatedly for the first hour or two.

Traffic flows in the opposite direction from what you're used to. When you turn left, you're crossing oncoming traffic that's coming from your right instead of your left. Roundabouts rotate clockwise instead of counterclockwise. Parking spaces and narrow streets feel tighter because you're judging clearance from an unfamiliar position.

Most visitors find the first 30 minutes disorienting and the first two hours tiring. Your brain is working harder to process the mirror-image environment. If you're jet-lagged, this compounds quickly. Many experienced travelers recommend spending your first day in Japan using public transit or taxis, then renting a car once you've adjusted to the time zone.

Road rules and signs in Japan

Japan's traffic laws are strict and enforced consistently. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. Highways typically have limits of 100 km/h (about 62 mph). Urban areas are usually 40 to 60 km/h (25 to 37 mph). Speeding fines are substantial and can result in license suspension.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Children under six must use a car seat or booster seat. Driving under the influence has zero tolerance — any detectable alcohol in your system is illegal. Penalties include jail time, heavy fines, and license revocation.

Traffic signs use international symbols, so most are recognizable even if you don't read Japanese. However, some signs are text-only and in Japanese. read a translation app on your phone before you drive, or rent a GPS unit from the rental company that has English navigation. Many visitors find the GPS essential because street addresses in Japan don't follow a grid system, and finding a location by address alone is nearly impossible.

Parking, tolls, and fuel in Japan

Parking in Japan is expensive and often requires a parking ticket from a machine. Urban parking can cost $10 to $30 per hour. Many parking lots are automated — you take a ticket when you enter, park in an assigned space, and pay at a machine before you leave. Some require you to pay at a machine first and display a receipt on your dashboard.

Highways have tolls, and you pay them at toll booths or through an electronic system. If your rental car has an electronic toll transponder, tolls are deducted automatically and charged to your rental agreement. If not, you pay cash at the booth. Toll costs vary by distance and route but can add up quickly on long drives.

Fuel is sold by the liter, not the gallon, and prices are higher than in most Western countries. Rental cars typically use regular unleaded petrol. Gas stations are common in cities and along highways. Most rental companies require you to return the car with a full tank, so budget for a fill-up before you return it.

Insurance and liability when renting in Japan

Rental companies in Japan offer two types of insurance: basic liability coverage (required by law) and optional collision damage waiver (CDW). Basic liability covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. CDW covers damage to the rental car itself.

Your home country's auto insurance may not cover you in Japan, and your credit card rental protection may not either. Check with your insurance company and credit card issuer before you travel. If you're not covered, buy CDW from the rental company. CDW typically costs $15 to $30 per day and has a deductible of $500 to $1,500.

If you're involved in an accident, call the police when ready. Do not leave the scene. Get the other driver's information, take photos, and file a report with the rental company. Leaving an accident scene is a serious crime in Japan.

Alternatives to driving in Japan

Japan's public transit system is extensive, reliable, and often faster than driving, especially in cities. Trains connect major cities, and local buses serve most areas. A Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) covers most train travel and is a good value for visitors planning multiple trips. Taxis are available everywhere and are metered, though expensive for long distances.

For day trips outside cities, consider hiring a driver or booking a guided tour. This eliminates the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads and dealing with left-side driving while jet-lagged. Many visitors find this a better use of their time and money than renting a car.

If you do rent, limit your driving to routes you've researched and times when you're well-rested. Avoid driving at night if you're new to left-side driving. Fatigue and unfamiliar road conditions are a dangerous combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Japan with just my home country license?

No. Japanese law requires both your home country license and an International Driving Permit. Rental companies will not rent to you without both documents. Driving without an IDP is illegal and voids your insurance coverage.

How long does it take to get used to driving on the left?

Most people feel comfortable after 2 to 4 hours of driving. The first 30 minutes are the most disorienting. Jet lag makes this worse. If you're arriving tired, spend your first day using public transit and rent a car once you've adjusted to the time zone.

What happens if I get in an accident?

Call the police when ready and do not leave the scene. Get the other driver's information, take photos, and contact your rental company. Report the accident to your insurance company when you return home. Leaving an accident scene is a serious crime in Japan with jail time as a possible penalty.

Is it cheaper to rent a car or use public transit in Japan?

Public transit is usually cheaper, especially in cities. A rental car costs $40 to $80 per day plus fuel, tolls, and parking. A Japan Rail Pass or local transit passes often cost less for the same distance. Rent a car only if you're visiting rural areas or multiple locations that aren't connected by train.

Do I need to buy extra insurance from the rental company?

Check your home insurance and credit card coverage first. If you're not covered abroad, buy collision damage waiver from the rental company. It typically costs $15 to $30 per day. Basic liability is required and included in your rental price.