Japan Driving Guide for Americans (2026): What to Know Before You Drive

1. Quick Answer: Can Americans drive in Japan with just a U.S. License?

• No, Americans cannot drive in Japan with just a U.S. license alone. Japan requires all U.S. drivers license holders to carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. If your license was issued in a country other than the United States, check out our complete guide about who is eligible to get an IDP.

• Requirements:

  • You must be age 18 or older

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver’s license

  • You must carry your IDP document while driving

Holders of U.S. driver’s licenses must obtain an IDP from an authorized issuer. PriorityIDP expedites obtains legitimate IDPs from AAA on behalf of American drivers and express ships them domestically or internationally. This is the fastest, most reliable way to acquire an IDP if you are unable to visit a AAA branch yourself, saving you time and money.

Exploring areas of Japan like Asakura offers a wider range of experiences.

2. How do American drivers legally drive in Japan as foreigners?

Does Japan require an IDP if I have a U.S. license?

• Yes, Japanese law requires that U.S. license holders must carry a valid International Driving Permit to drive in Japan. See the “Transportation” section on the US State Department’s website for Japan for more information.

• These rules are based on two legal texts:

  • 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic: This is the international treaty that created IDPs and continues to govern them. The U.S. and Japan are both signatories to this treaty and will recognize 1949-format IDPs. Neither country recognizes 1968-format IDPs.

  • Japanese Federal Law: Japan’s Road Traffic Act lists out the acceptable forms of driving licenses in Japan. For American license holders, the relevant section (Article 107) lays out the following rules:

    • Holders of International Driving Permits may legally drive in Japan for up to 1 year from the date of entering Japan or until their IDP expires, whichever comes first.

    • Drivers must carry their IDP with them while operating a vehicle.

    • Note: if you are re-entering Japan after being out of the country for less than 3 months, your IDP validity period will be altered. We highly recommend that you read this article from the Chiba prefecture police for a detailed explanation.

Who checks IDPs in Japan and what happens if I don’t have one?

Japan is the strictest country in the world when it comes to requiring International Driving Permits. Here are the policies of the three groups who will check for an IDP:

• Police

  • Driving without an IDP is considered driving without a valid license, which is a serious offense in Japan that could result in up to 3 years of jail time.

  • In addition to possible jail time, you could face a fine of up to ¥500,000 (~$3,219).

  • It’s also a criminal offense to be a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone that you know doesn’t have proper licensing.

• Rental car agency

  • Both Japanese and international rental car companies (e.g., Avis, Toyota Rent-a-Car, Times, Nippon) will refuse to rent a car to anyone without a valid 1949-format International Driving Permit. You will be turned away at the rental desk if you attempt to rent a car without a valid IDP or with a fake IDP (see our blogpost about how to spot IDP scams).

  • Rental car agents can face criminal charges for renting a car to someone who doesn’t have a valid IDP.

• Insurer

  • If you paid for a collision damage waiver (CDW) through your rental car company, the contract likely has language requiring that you be properly licensed to drive in Japan. If they can show that you aren’t, they may claim that you violated the contract and refuse to cover any of the damage.

  • If you paid for a travel insurance policy or have rental car insurance through your credit card, they may also refuse to reimburse your claim if you get into an accident and can’t prove that you were properly licensed.

How to get an IDP (U.S. drivers license holders)

Holders of U.S. drivers licenses must obtain an IDP from an authorized issuer. PriorityIDP obtains legitimate IDPs on behalf of its customers from AAA and express ships them internationally. This is the fastest, most reliable way to receive an IDP while abroad.

There is more to explore with a rental car in Hirado, Nagasaki in southern Japan.

3. What can American drivers expect when renting a car in Japan?

Requirements to rent a car in Japan

• You must have a valid U.S. driver’s license.

• You must have a valid International Driving Permit.

• You must have a credit card to place a temporary hold for security deposit. Typically, a physical card with magnetic strip or chip is required. Typically, tap-to-pay like Apple Pay is not accepted.

• You must be age 18 or older – see our blog about the minimum age required to rent and drive a car or motorcycle.

How does insurance work when renting a car in Japan?

Check out our blog on this topic.

What other fees should I look out for while renting a car / driving in Japan?

Check out our blog on this topic.

4. What are Japan-specific driving rules that American drivers must know?

Quick tips

• Driving side: Japan drives on the left side of the road (opposite of the U.S.).

• Road signs: Road signs are typically posted in Japanese. Make sure to review what different traffic symbols mean in Japan.

• Speed limits: Japan uses both handheld radar and automated speed cameras to catch speeders. If you are renting a car, your ticket will be sent to your rental company who will bill you automatically.

• Headlights: Required at night, in tunnels, and in poor visibility (e.g., rain, fog, etc). 

• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers.

• Car seats: Children under 6 must be in car seats.

• Phone usage: Handheld phone usage while driving is strictly prohibited.

• Alcohol limit: Approximately 0.03% BAC, which is significantly lower than the U.S. legal limit. 1-2 drinks can put many people over the limit. For drivers under 20, the limit is zero. Your best bet is to not drive if you plan on drinking at all.

• Right (left)-of-way:

  • Right turns (across oncoming traffic) must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning left.

  • If not explicitly marked by a sign, traffic coming from the left has priority.

  • Must yield to pedestrians and cyclists in or waiting at crossings.

• Left / right turn on red: Not allowed unless there is a green turn arrow.

• Required equipment (generally provided by rental company): Warning device such as a triangle, warning beacon, or flare for use in case of a breakdown.

• Tolls: Almost all of Japan's expressways (Jidoshado/Kosoku Doro) are toll roads. Most rental cars come equipped with an ETC (electronic toll collection) device, but drivers need to opt into an ETC card from the rental company. Be sure to use purple ETC lanes at toll stations. Tolls will be automatically added to your rental bill. If you are planning on doing a lot of driving, inquire with your rental company about adding an unlimited-use Expressway Pass to your ETC card for a fixed daily rate.

What to do if you get pulled over

Check out our blog on this subject.

What to do if you get into an accident

The emergency number in Japan is 110 for police and 119 for ambulance and fire.

Check out our blog for more information on this subject.

5. How do American drivers acquire an IDP the quickest?

Need an IDP? We can ship as quickly as next-day for domestic orders and 2 days for most major cities abroad. We can help figure out where to ship your IDP if you’re already abroad. Don’t panic! We’re here to help.