You cannot drive to Japan because there is no bridge or tunnel connecting Japan to any continent, and Japan does not allow private vehicles to be imported for temporary use by foreign drivers.
Japan is an island nation separated from the Asian mainland by the Korea Strait, which is about 120 miles wide at its narrowest point. There are no road crossings, no ferry services for vehicles, and no legal pathway for a tourist or visitor to bring a personal car into the country and drive it. If you want to drive in Japan, you must rent a vehicle from a Japanese rental company once you arrive.
This is different from driving to other island nations like the United Kingdom or New Zealand, where vehicle ferries exist and temporary import rules allow foreign drivers to bring their own cars. Japan's import regulations, combined with its geography, make it a driving destination you reach by air or sea — not by road.
Key Takeaways
- Japan has no road or vehicle ferry connection to any other country, so you cannot drive there from mainland Asia or anywhere else.
- Renting a car from a Japanese company is the only legal way to drive in Japan, and you will need an International Driving Permit plus your home country license.
- Japan drives on the left side of the road, uses different road signs, and has strict traffic laws that differ significantly from North American and European rules.
- Major rental companies operate in Japan's largest cities and airports, but availability and pricing vary by region and season.
How to rent a car once you arrive in Japan
You will need two documents to rent a vehicle in Japan: your valid driver's license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is not a license itself — it is a translation of your existing license into multiple languages, including Japanese. Without it, rental companies will not rent to you, even if you have a valid home-country license.
Get your IDP before you leave home. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues IDPs for a fee of around $20. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association handles them. In the UK, the Post Office issues them. Each country has its own issuing body, and the process typically takes a few days to a week. You cannot get an IDP in Japan itself.
Once you have both documents, you can rent from major international companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget, which operate at Japanese airports and in city centers. Japanese-based companies like Nippon Rent-A-Car and Orix also rent to foreign drivers. Rental rates vary widely depending on the car size, location, and season — Tokyo and Osaka tend to be more expensive than rural areas. Book in advance through an international site or directly with the rental company to lock in pricing.
Driving rules and road conditions in Japan
Japan drives on the left side of the road, the same as the UK, Australia, and several other countries. If you come from a country that drives on the right, this will feel unfamiliar for the first few hours. Road signs use a mix of kanji (Japanese characters), hiragana, and English in major cities, but rural areas may have only Japanese text. read offline maps or use a GPS device with English language support before you drive.
Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles. Highways typically allow 100 km/h (about 62 mph), while urban areas are usually 40 to 60 km/h (25 to 37 mph). Japan enforces speed limits strictly, and fines are high. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and child car seats are required for children under 6 years old. Driving under the influence has zero tolerance — any detectable alcohol in your system is illegal.
Parking is tightly regulated in cities. Many rental companies charge extra for parking, and street parking is rare and often restricted. Hotels and attractions usually have paid parking lots. Gas stations are common and fuel is sold by the liter. Tolls explore on most highways and are collected electronically or at toll booths — rental companies typically provide a prepaid toll card or will charge tolls to your rental agreement.
Where you can and cannot drive in Japan
You can drive throughout Japan's four main islands — Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku — as long as you have your IDP and home license. A network of highways connects major cities, and rural roads reach smaller towns and scenic areas. However, some mountain roads are narrow and winding, and winter driving in Hokkaido and northern Honshu requires snow tires and chains, which rental companies can provide for an additional fee.
You cannot drive into certain restricted areas, including military bases and some national parks. Check with your rental company about any regional restrictions before you book. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, driving is legal but challenging due to congestion, narrow streets, and complex parking rules. Many visitors find public transportation (trains, buses, subways) faster and cheaper than renting a car in urban areas.
Insurance and liability when renting in Japan
Japanese rental companies require you to purchase collision damage waiver (CDW) and third-party liability insurance as part of the rental agreement. These are not optional — you cannot rent without them. CDW typically costs 1,000 to 2,000 yen per day (roughly $7 to $15 USD, depending on exchange rates and car size). Third-party liability is usually included in the rental rate or costs a small additional fee.
Check whether your home car insurance or credit card covers rental cars in Japan before you book. Some policies extend to international rentals, which could save you money. However, most home policies do not cover Japan, so you will likely need to purchase the rental company's coverage. Ask the rental company for a detailed breakdown of what is and is not covered — deductibles, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim if you have an accident.
Getting to Japan and bringing your car is not an option
If you own a car and want to bring it to Japan, that is not possible for a temporary visit. Japan's import regulations allow permanent residents and citizens to import vehicles, but the process takes months, involves extensive paperwork, and requires the car to meet Japanese safety and emissions standards. Temporary visitors cannot import personal vehicles at all.
Some people ask about shipping a car to Japan by cargo ship, then driving it. This is theoretically possible but impractical and expensive. Shipping costs thousands of dollars, takes weeks, and requires you to handle Japanese customs, registration, and insurance — all of which are designed for people moving to Japan permanently, not tourists. Renting a car is the only realistic option for a driving trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am from an English-speaking country?
Yes. Japan requires an IDP for all foreign drivers, regardless of where you are from or what language your home license is in. The IDP is a translation document, not a replacement for your home license. You must carry both documents while driving.
Can I drive from South Korea to Japan?
No. There is no bridge, tunnel, or vehicle ferry between South Korea and Japan. You must fly or take a passenger ferry. If you want to drive in Japan, you will need to rent a car after you arrive by air or sea.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket or have an accident while renting in Japan?
Report any accident to the rental company and police when ready. Traffic violations are handled by Japanese authorities, and fines are mailed to the rental company, which will charge your credit card. Serious violations can result in your license being suspended in Japan, though this does not affect your home country license.
Is it cheaper to rent a car or use trains and buses in Japan?
For most visitors, trains and buses are cheaper and faster, especially in cities. Japan's rail network is extensive and efficient. Renting a car makes sense if you are visiting rural areas, national parks, or multiple small towns where public transportation is limited. Calculate the cost of rental, fuel, tolls, and parking against train and bus fares for your specific route.
Can I rent a car with a US or UK license without an International Driving Permit?
No. Japanese rental companies will not rent to you without an IDP, even if your home license is in English. Get your IDP before you travel — it is inexpensive and takes only a few days to obtain.