Driving in Japan with a German License

Can I Drive in Japan with My German License?

Yes — but you cannot use a standard International Driving Permit (IDP). Germany is one of six countries whose drivers need an official Japanese translation instead.

Japan only recognizes IDPs based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. Germany issues IDPs based on the 1968 Vienna Convention, which Japan does not accept. Instead, Japan's Road Traffic Law (Article 107-2) allows German license holders to drive with a certified JAF translation.

What You Need

• Your valid German Führerschein (EU-format card, must not be expired)
• An official Japanese translation (JAF-format)
• Both documents must be carried together at all times while driving

How Long Can I Drive?

You can drive in Japan for up to 1 year from your date of entry. If you leave Japan and return, the 1-year period resets from your new entry date.

Since most German licenses are now issued without an expiry date, this should not be an issue for most drivers.

How to Get Your Translation

1. Apply online — Upload photos of the front and back of your Führerschein
2. Pay securely — €99 via credit card (Stripe)
3. Receive by email — Your translation PDF arrives in 2–3 weeks
4. Print in color — A4 paper, full color before your trip

You can apply from Germany before your trip. No need to wait until you arrive in Japan.

German Drivers in Japan — Key Differences

• Left-hand traffic: Japan drives on the left (opposite to Germany)
• No Autobahn: Japan has speed limits on all roads. Maximum is 100–120 km/h on expressways
• Alcohol limit: 0.03% in Japan (much stricter than Germany's 0.05%)
• Highway tolls: Unlike Germany's Maut system, Japan charges per-route tolls. ETC cards handle this automatically in rental cars
• Parking: Street parking is generally prohibited. Use designated parking lots (コインパーキング)

Renting a Car in Japan

Present your German Führerschein along with the printed JAF translation at the rental counter. Major companies (Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental) all accept this combination.

Most rental cars in Japan are automatic transmission, which differs from the manual-heavy market in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My German IDP says it's valid worldwide. Why can't I use it in Japan?
A: Japan specifically requires IDPs based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. Germany issues IDPs based on the 1968 Vienna Convention, which Japan does not accept for driving.

Q: My German license doesn't have an expiry date. Is that a problem?
A: No. A German license without an expiry date is considered valid for the purpose of driving in Japan with a JAF translation.

Q: I'm a German citizen but my license was issued in another EU country. What do I need?
A: What matters is the issuing country, not your nationality. If your license was issued in Germany, you need a JAF translation. If it was issued in another EU country, check that country's requirements.