Japan drives on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car

If you are used to driving on the right in the United States or most of Europe, driving in Japan requires a shift in habit and positioning. The driver sits on the right side of the vehicle and operates the steering wheel from that position. Traffic moves on the left lane, which means oncoming traffic approaches from your left instead of your right. This setup is the same as the United Kingdom, Australia, India, and Thailand — about 76 countries worldwide use left-side driving.

The adjustment is physical and mental. Your instinct to merge left, turn left, and judge distances from the left side of your body will work against you. Many rental car companies in Japan require you to acknowledge this difference before you take the keys, and some will not rent to drivers who have never driven on the left before.

Key Takeaways

  • Japan's left-side driving means the steering wheel is on the right, and you approach intersections and oncoming traffic from the opposite side compared to right-side countries.
  • Rental car companies often require an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your valid home country license, and some restrict rentals to drivers with left-side experience.
  • The first 30 minutes to an hour of driving in Japan is the hardest — muscle memory from right-side driving creates the most mistakes early on.
  • Highways, city streets, and parking lots all follow left-side rules, and GPS units sold in Japan are pre-set for left-side navigation.
  • Driving at night, in rain, or in unfamiliar areas compounds the difficulty; many visitors choose taxis, trains, or guided tours instead.

What an International Driving Permit is and why you need one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country driver's license into multiple languages, including Japanese. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that proves your home license is valid. Japanese police and rental car companies recognize it as proof you are legally permitted to drive.

You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association or licensing authority before you travel. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues them; in Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association does. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on how you order. You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. The IDP costs between $15 and $30 USD depending on your country.

Japan does not issue IDPs — you must bring one from home. Without it, a rental car company will refuse to rent to you, and if you are stopped by police, you may face a fine or be unable to prove your driving authorization. Some companies will accept only your home license if it has been officially translated by a Japanese consulate, but an IDP is faster and more widely accepted.

How rental car companies handle left-side driving requirements

Most major rental car companies in Japan — including Toyota Rent a Car, Nissan Rent a Car, and Orix — will rent to international drivers, but they have specific rules. You must present your home country driver's license and an International Driving Permit. Some companies also require a credit card in your name for the deposit.

Many companies will not rent to drivers who have never driven on the left before. They ask directly: "Have you driven on the left side of the road?" If you answer no, they may refuse the rental or charge a higher deposit. A few companies offer a brief orientation — usually 10 to 15 minutes in the parking lot — where staff show you the car's controls and explain the basic differences. This is not a substitute for experience; it is a legal acknowledgment that you understand the risk.

Rental rates in Japan are higher than in the United States or Europe, typically $50 to $100 USD per day for a compact car, and insurance is often mandatory. Collision damage waivers and theft protection add another $15 to $25 per day. If you cause an accident, you are liable for repairs, and your home insurance may not cover a rental car in Japan.

The physical and mental adjustment in the first hour

The hardest part of driving on the left is the first 30 to 60 minutes. Your brain is wired to steer left when you want to turn left, to merge left when the road narrows, and to judge the distance between your car and the left edge of the road. In Japan, all of that is reversed. You are steering from the right side of the car, and the left side is now your passenger's side.

Common mistakes in the first hour include drifting into the right lane (which is the oncoming lane), misjudging the distance to parked cars on your left, and instinctively turning the wheel the wrong direction at intersections. Parking is particularly disorienting because you cannot see the left edge of your parking space from the right-side driver's seat. Many visitors hit curbs or parked cars while trying to park.

The adjustment becomes easier after the first hour, but it does not become automatic for most people. You will remain conscious of the steering position for the entire trip. Fatigue, darkness, and rain all make the adjustment harder. Driving at night in an unfamiliar city while adjusting to left-side driving is a recipe for mistakes — many visitors choose not to drive after dark.

Road rules and signs that differ from right-side countries

Japan's traffic laws are similar to other left-side countries, but a few rules are different from the United States or Europe. Pedestrian crossings are marked with white stripes, and drivers must stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk — this is enforced more strictly than in many Western countries. Turning right on a red light is not permitted in Japan; you must wait for a green arrow or a green light.

Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. Highways typically have a 100 km/h limit (about 62 mph), and city streets are usually 40 to 60 km/h (25 to 37 mph). Speeding fines are steep, and rental car companies will charge you for any traffic violations issued to the car.

Parking is expensive and strictly regulated in cities. Many streets have no-parking zones during certain hours, and parking lots require payment. Some parking spaces are so narrow that only compact cars fit. GPS units and smartphone navigation apps sold or set up in Japan are pre-configured for left-side driving, so they will give you correct turn directions — but you still have to execute them from the right side of the car.

When to choose alternatives to driving

Driving in Japan is optional, not necessary. Japan's public transportation system — trains, subways, and buses — is extensive, reliable, and cheaper than renting a car in most cases. A week of train passes and local buses often costs less than three days of car rental plus gas and parking. Trains run frequently, arrive on time, and require no adjustment to left-side driving.

Taxis are available in every city and town, and drivers are trained professionals who know the roads. Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in some Japanese cities, though availability varies by region. Guided tours and bus tours are common for visitors who want to see specific areas without driving themselves.

If you are visiting for a week or less, staying in cities, or traveling with people who are uncomfortable with left-side driving, public transportation or taxis are usually the better choice. Renting a car makes sense if you are staying for two weeks or more, visiting rural areas where trains do not go, or traveling with a group where the per-person cost of a rental is lower than individual train tickets.

Preparing before you pick up the rental car

Order your International Driving Permit at least two weeks before your trip. Contact your home country's automobile association or licensing authority to confirm the current process and cost. Bring the IDP and your original driver's license with you — do not mail them or leave them at home.

Book your rental car in advance through a major company's website. Confirm that the company will rent to you given your driving history, and ask whether they offer an orientation or any guidance for left-side driving. Request a compact car if possible — smaller vehicles are easier to maneuver in tight spaces and parking lots.

If you have never driven on the left, consider renting for a short trip first — one or two days — to see whether you are comfortable with it. Drive during daylight hours on familiar routes before attempting night driving or unfamiliar areas. If after a few hours you realize left-side driving is too stressful, return the car and use public transportation for the rest of your trip. Rental companies understand this and will not penalize you for returning a car early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I have a valid driver's license from my home country?

Yes. Japanese rental car companies and police require both your home country license and an International Driving Permit. The IDP translates your license into Japanese and other languages. Without it, you cannot rent a car legally in Japan.

Can I drive in Japan with only my home country driver's license and no IDP?

No. Rental car companies will not rent to you, and if you are stopped by police while driving, you may face a fine or be unable to prove your authorization. An IDP is mandatory, not optional.

What happens if I cause an accident while driving on the left for the first time?

You are liable for repairs and damages. Your home country car insurance typically does not cover rental cars in Japan. Rental car companies require collision damage insurance, which you purchase when you rent. If you cause an accident, you pay the deductible (usually $1,000 to $3,000 USD) and the rental company files a claim.

Is it safe to drive on the left if I have never done it before?

It is possible but requires focus and caution. The first hour is the most difficult. Many people adjust within a few hours, but some find it too stressful. If you are uncomfortable after 30 minutes of driving, return the car and use public transportation instead.

Can I rent an automatic transmission car in Japan?

Yes. Most rental cars in Japan are automatic transmission, which is standard. Manual transmission cars are rare and usually cost more to rent. Automatic cars are easier to drive while adjusting to left-side driving because you do not have to think about shifting gears.