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Driving in Japan
Guides & Tips

Licence translation, rental cars, road trips and traffic rules, for visitors driving in Japan.

Mietwagen in Japan: was der Schalter verlangt

Mietwagen in Japan: was der Schalter verlangt

Ohne japanische Übersetzung kein Fahrzeug, auch bei bestätigter Buchung nicht. Viele Stationen wollen das Dokument schon bei der Reservierung sehen.

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Conduire au Japon : le guide pratique

Conduire au Japon : le guide pratique

Papiers exigés au comptoir, conduite à gauche, péages et ETC. Avec la traduction JAF avant le départ, vous réservez la voiture que vous voulez vraiment.

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Rijbewijs vertalen voor Japan: de JAF-aanvraag

Rijbewijs vertalen voor Japan: de JAF-aanvraag

Een konbini-code bestaat pas na de landing. Onze pdf komt vóór vertrek, zodat u de auto kunt reserveren die u echt wilt. De JAF-aanvraag 2026 uitgelegd.

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Permis belge au Japon : ce qu'il faut

Permis belge au Japon : ce qu'il faut

La Belgique est l'un des six pays dont le permis international est refusé au Japon. Ce qu'il faut à la place, et pourquoi l'avoir avant le départ compte.

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Traduire son permis pour le Japon : le guide JAF

Traduire son permis pour le Japon : le guide JAF

Un code konbini n'existe qu'après l'atterrissage. Notre PDF arrive avant le départ, pour réserver la voiture que vous voulez. Démarche JAF 2026 expliquée.

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Schweizer Führerausweis in Japan: was gilt

Schweizer Führerausweis in Japan: was gilt

Der internationale Führerausweis hat in Japan keine Geltung. Was Schweizer Reisende stattdessen brauchen und wie sie es vor dem Abflug in die Hand bekommen.

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Mit deutschem Führerschein in Japan fahren

Mit deutschem Führerschein in Japan fahren

Der internationale Führerschein gilt in Japan nicht. Was deutsche Fahrer stattdessen brauchen, und warum das PDF vor dem Abflug die Mietwagen-Buchung rettet.

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Führerschein für Japan übersetzen: der JAF-Weg

Führerschein für Japan übersetzen: der JAF-Weg

Einen Konbini-Code gibt es erst nach der Landung. Unser PDF kommt vor dem Abflug, damit Sie den Mietwagen früh reservieren können. Der JAF-Antrag 2026 erklärt.

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Getting a JAF Translation from Switzerland

Getting a JAF Translation from Switzerland

Switzerland never ratified the 1949 Geneva Convention, so the international permit has no standing in Japan. What Swiss drivers need instead.

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Getting a JAF Translation from Belgium

Getting a JAF Translation from Belgium

Belgium is one of six countries needing the Japanese translation rather than an international permit. How to arrange it before you fly.

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Turned Away at a Tokyo Rental Counter

Turned Away at a Tokyo Rental Counter

A German traveller arrived with an IDP and left without a car. What went wrong, and the document that would have prevented it.

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Driving to Mt. Fuji: A Rental Car Guide for Tourists

Driving to Mt. Fuji: A Rental Car Guide for Tourists

Renting a car is the best way to explore Mount Fuji. Learn the quickest route from Tokyo, how to navigate the Subaru Line, and vital winter tire warnings.

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Speed Limits and Cameras in Japan

Speed Limits and Cameras in Japan

Ordinary roads are often 50–60 km/h and expressways 80–100. Cameras are common, and almost everyone sticks to the posted limit.

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Japanese Rental Car Insurance: CDW and NOC

Japanese Rental Car Insurance: CDW and NOC

NOC is the charge most visitors have never heard of. How Japanese rental insurance works and which cover is worth taking.

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Japanese Parking Signs and Coin Lots

Japanese Parking Signs and Coin Lots

Street parking is rarely allowed. How mechanical coin lots work, how to read the maximum-fee signs, and how to avoid a fine.

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How Much Do Japanese Tolls Cost?

How Much Do Japanese Tolls Cost?

Expressway tolls add up fast on long drives. What a typical route costs, how ETC works, and which passes are worth buying.

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Using a Japanese Petrol Station

Using a Japanese Petrol Station

Self-service screens are usually Japanese only. The steps in order, the words to look for, and why to fill up before dark.

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Do I Need an International Driving Permit for Japan?

Do I Need an International Driving Permit for Japan?

Do you need an IDP or a Japanese translation to drive in Japan? Check by nationality — some countries need an IDP, others need a JAF translation. Find out now.

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Driving in Okinawa: a Rental Car Guide

Driving in Okinawa: a Rental Car Guide

Okinawa rewards a car more than almost anywhere in Japan. Routes, parking, and the documents you need to collect the vehicle.

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Using an ETC Card on Japanese Expressways

Using an ETC Card on Japanese Expressways

ETC lets you pass tolls without stopping. How to request one with a rental car, what it costs, and what to do if you have no card.

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Winter Driving in Hokkaido

Winter Driving in Hokkaido

Snow tyres are required, daylight is short and drive times stretch. What ski visitors need to plan for on Hokkaido's winter roads.

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Can You Rent a Car in Japan Without a Credit Card?

Can You Rent a Car in Japan Without a Credit Card?

No credit card? Most Japan rental agencies will reject you. Learn which companies accept debit cards or cash, and how to avoid being turned away at the counter.

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Never Rent a Car in Japan — Here's Why (You'll Never Want to Leave)

Never Rent a Car in Japan — Here's Why (You'll Never Want to Leave)

A tongue-in-cheek guide to everything you'll miss by renting a car in Japan.

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Mieten Sie NIEMALS ein Auto in Japan — hier ist der Grund

Mieten Sie NIEMALS ein Auto in Japan — hier ist der Grund

Ein augenzwinkernder Reisebericht über alles, was Sie mit einem Mietwagen in Japan verpassen.

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Ne louez JAMAIS de voiture au Japon — voici pourquoi

Ne louez JAMAIS de voiture au Japon — voici pourquoi

Un guide à contre-courant sur tout ce que vous ratez en louant une voiture au Japon.

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Permis français au Japon : cas d'urgence

Permis français au Japon : cas d'urgence

Sans traduction japonaise, le comptoir de location refuse la voiture. Vos options une fois arrivé au Japon, et le délai réel de la démarche JAF.

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Permis belge au Japon : cas d'urgence

Permis belge au Japon : cas d'urgence

Le permis international belge n'est pas accepté au Japon. Ce qui reste possible quand vous avez déjà atterri et que la voiture est réservée.

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Führerschein-Notfall in Japan: was jetzt

Führerschein-Notfall in Japan: was jetzt

Der internationale Führerschein gilt in Japan nicht. Was deutschen Fahrern bleibt, wenn sie schon gelandet sind und den Mietwagen morgen brauchen.

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Führerausweis-Notfall in Japan: was tun

Führerausweis-Notfall in Japan: was tun

Ohne japanische Übersetzung gibt der Mietwagenschalter kein Fahrzeug heraus. Was Sie tun können, wenn Sie bereits in Japan sind und die Zeit drängt.

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What to Do in a Car Accident in Japan (Tourist Guide)

What to Do in a Car Accident in Japan (Tourist Guide)

Involved in a car accident in Japan? Learn why you must call 110 immediately, how to deal with the police, and why apologizing can cost you thousands.

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Child Car Seat Rules in Japan

Child Car Seat Rules in Japan

Japan requires child seats for under-sixes. Which seat by age, how to request one with a rental car, and what it costs.

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Japan's Drink Driving Laws Are Severe

Japan's Drink Driving Laws Are Severe

The limit is close to zero, the fines are large, and passengers can be held liable too. What visitors need to understand before driving.

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Australian Licence in Japan: What Works

Australian Licence in Japan: What Works

Australia issues 1949 Geneva Convention permits, which Japan accepts. What to carry, how long it lasts, and what the counter checks.

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Japanese Road Signs Worth Knowing

Japanese Road Signs Worth Knowing

The inverted red triangle means stop. Which other signs carry fines, and the handful worth memorising before you set off.

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Gaimen Kirikae: Converting Your Licence

Gaimen Kirikae: Converting Your Licence

Swapping a foreign licence for a Japanese one: who qualifies, the documents, the tests, and how long each stage realistically takes.

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Can Australians Drive in Japan?

Can Australians Drive in Japan?

Yes, with a 1949 Geneva Convention permit, which Australia issues. What to bring, how long it is valid, and what rental staff ask for.

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Can Americans Drive in Japan?

Can Americans Drive in Japan?

Yes, with a 1949 Geneva Convention permit from AAA. What to carry, how long it lasts, and what happens at the rental counter.

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Driving in Kyoto: Narrow Streets

Driving in Kyoto: Narrow Streets

Kyoto's old streets are tight and parking is scarce. When a car helps, when the train is better, and where to leave the vehicle.

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How Long a Japanese Licence Translation Takes

How Long a Japanese Licence Translation Takes

The JAF quotes 2–3 business days for the six eligible countries. What that means from Europe, and what our own rush tier realistically delivers.

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Driving in Japan on an Australian Licence

Driving in Japan on an Australian Licence

Planning to drive in Japan? Find out if your Australian driver's license is valid and what type of International Driving Permit (IDP) you need.

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Driving in Tokyo: Is It Worth Renting a Car?

Driving in Tokyo: Is It Worth Renting a Car?

Thinking about driving in central Tokyo? Think again. Learn why the world-class train system is better, and the expensive nightmare of Tokyo coin parking.

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Renting a Campervan in Japan

Renting a Campervan in Japan

Campervan hire needs the same documents as any rental. What to arrange before you fly, and where you can legally park overnight.

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Tokyo to Mount Fuji by Car

Tokyo to Mount Fuji by Car

The drive, the tolls and the traffic to expect. Realistic timings, where to stop, and the documents you need to rent the car.

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Driving in Japan on a Belgian Licence

Driving in Japan on a Belgian Licence

If you hold a Belgian driver's license, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not accepted in Japan. You must get an official Japanese translation.

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Exploring Okinawa by Car: The Ultimate Driving Guide

Exploring Okinawa by Car: The Ultimate Driving Guide

Okinawa is a driver's paradise, but it has unique rules. Learn about the Okinawa Expressway, slippery limestone roads, and why you must rent a car.

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JAF Translation or IDP: What Japan Accepts

JAF Translation or IDP: What Japan Accepts

Japan accepts only 1949 Geneva Convention permits. Six countries need the JAF translation instead. Find which applies to you before you book a car.

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Driving in Japan on a California Licence

Driving in Japan on a California Licence

Planning to drive in Japan? Find out if your California state driver's license is valid and what type of International Driving Permit (IDP) you need.

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Hokkaido in Winter: Snow Tyres and Safety

Hokkaido in Winter: Snow Tyres and Safety

Winter tyres are not optional in Hokkaido. What rental companies provide, what to check, and how much longer journeys really take.

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台湾で取得した免許で日本を運転できる?2026年完全ガイド

台湾で取得した免許で日本を運転できる?2026年完全ガイド

台湾の運転免許証をお持ちの方が日本で合法的に運転するための完全ガイド!必要な「日本語翻訳文」の申請方法から、JAFでの手続き、セブンイレブンでの印刷手順、日本の交通ルールの注意点まで徹底解説。

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Driving in Japan as a Tourist

Driving in Japan as a Tourist

Which document your country needs, what the rental counter checks, how tolls and ETC work, and what surprises visitors on day one.

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