Driving in Japan: Travel Tips

There’s something appealing about the idea of renting a car in Japan. 

The freedom to roam. The ability to pull off the road when you see something beautiful (which happens often). The chance to reach quiet, rural places in Japan that trains just don’t serve well (or at all). 

But driving in Japan isn’t for everyone. For many travelers, it won’t even be necessary.

That might sound like an odd way to start a guide about driving, but honesty matters. If you’re thinking about driving in Japan as a visitor (whether you’re coming from the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Europe) there’s a lot to consider. It's not just a question of whether you can drive in Japan, but whether you should.

Let’s get into the practical side of whether, why & how to drive on your Japan trip.

Do You Actually Need a Car in Japan?

For most travelers, driving in Japan isn’t something that would be needed — or even a good idea. 

Japan’s rail and public transport network is world-class. Trains (especially the shinkansen bullet trains — are fast, clean and on time.*  (*almost always)

Major cities in Japan (most notably the Golden Route of Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka) are linked by frequent express train service, and even a lot of rural areas are reachable by train or bus. If you’re traveling on any of these routes, for example, riding the shinkansen bullet train will get you there faster and in greater comfort (less stress) compared to driving:

• Tokyo → Kyoto / Osaka

• Kyoto/Osaka → Hiroshima

• Tokyo → Kanazawa → Kyoto/Osaka

• Hakone to/from Tokyo or Kyoto/Osaka

• Fukuoka to/from Hiroshima, Kyoto/Osaka or Tokyo

But there are definitely cases where a car makes sense, or at least is tempting. If you’re planning to:

• Visit more remote parts of Japan (like Hokkaido, Kyushu, the Japanese Alps, or the Noto Peninsula)

• Stay at an onsen ryokan that’s far from the nearest station

• Travel to interior locations with kids, older adults or anyone with limited mobility

• Carry extra gear — like skis, surfboards or camping equipment

• Prioritize flexibility over fixed train timetables

... then renting a car in Japan could be worth looking into.

What You'll Need: International Driving Permit (IDP)

First things first: you must bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) with you if you want to drive in Japan. 

This is a legal requirement, not just a formality, and you must obtain it before arriving in Japan.

• U.S. & Canadian travelers: Apply through your local AAA (or CAA in Canada). It’s inexpensive, and the process is simple — bring your driver’s license, a passport-style photo and pay a small fee.

• Australians & New Zealanders: You’ll also need an IDP, available from your local motoring organization.

• European travelers: Most EU countries also require you to carry an IDP in Japan. Note that some European countries are not signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention — check with your local automobile authority for the correct format.

A few important points:

• IDPs are not digital — bring the physical paper document

• They're typically valid for one year

• You need to carry both your IDP and your original license when driving

What’s It Like Driving in Japan?

Even for experienced international drivers, Japan has its quirks. Here’s what to expect:

1. Driving is on the left side of the road!

This will be second nature for Australians, New Zealanders, Brits, and Irish visitors. But if you're from North America or most of Europe, it's an adjustment. It takes a bit of getting used to, especially when making turns or navigating roundabouts.

2. The roads are often narrow, really

In rural towns, mountain villages, and older neighborhoods, streets can be just wide enough for one car — even if they're officially two-way. Stay alert and take your time, especially around blind corners and tight turns.

3. Parking takes planning & practice

In cities, street parking is rare (and usually illegal). Most drivers use coin-operated lots or hotel parking. Some ryokan and guesthouses offer free parking, but not all. And in some cases, your accommodation might not have space at all, which could leave you hunting for a paid lot a few blocks away (or worse).

Parking systems vary; some lock your tires in place until you pay, others use number plate cameras. So take a few minutes to learn how it works before leaving your car.

Also, parking lots in Japan are usually back-in, not head-in. And parking spaces can be quite narrow compared to western countries. This often takes some getting used to… and extra time.

4. Estimated travel times can be misleading (and jet lag can slow you down)

Google Maps and GPS tools can underestimate the actual time it takes to drive from A to B in Japan. Why?

• Speed limits are lower than in many countries (typically 40–60 km/h on regular roads, and 80–100 km/h on expressways)

• Roads may be winding, especially in mountainous areas

• Small towns often have traffic-calming zones, school zones, or pedestrian-heavy areas

So that 45-minute drive? It might take 70. Don’t rely too heavily on app estimates — and definitely don’t plan your day too tightly around them.

Also, jet lag when traveling to Japan? Yeah that’s a thing. And you should definitely think about that before renting a car.

If you’re thinking about renting a car at the airport after that long haul flight over to Japan? Think again. This is pretty much never a good idea. Get situated for a few days. Then, if need be, rent a car to go out and about.

You might still be feeling the effects of jet lag some days into your Japan travels. If that’s the case and your itinerary has a car rental on it, the options are to (a) cancel the rental and go by train instead; or (b) plan on taking more frequent breaks, slowing things down and not pushing yourself (or the car) too far.

5. Expressways are not FREEways (and Fuel’s Not Cheap)

Expressways in Japan are toll roads — you use it, you pay. A drive that covers 100 km could easily cost the equivalent of $15–30 USD in tolls..

If you’re going from city to city, or even crosstown in the same city, expect to pay tolls. Your rental car will be equipped with an ETC transponder and the charges will be billed to your account. Some estimated toll examples include:

• Tokyo to Osaka: 13000 yen

• Kyoto to Hiroshima: 10000 yen

• Narita Airport to/from Tokyo: 4000 yen (this will also be added to a taxi or car service fee)

• Tokyo to Sendai: 13000 yen

• Osaka to Fukuoka:  13000 yen

When calculating the cost of driving versus train, it’s important to remember these tolls – plus parking, fuel, etc.

Fuel costs also run higher than in North America. Gas is sold by the liter, and full-service stations are still common (especially outside cities). Expect friendly staff to wave you in, clean your windshield, and even bow as you drive away.

Drinking & Driving in Japan: Zero Tolerance

Unlike countries that allow a small amount of alcohol in your system while driving, Japan’s policy is zero tolerance.

There is no legal limit above zero. Any amount of alcohol in your system while driving — even if you don’t feel affected — is considered a crime.

And it’s not just the driver who could face penalties:

• Passengers can be held responsible for knowingly riding with a driver who has been drinking

• Businesses (like restaurants) can be penalized if they knowingly allow a customer to drive home after drinking

So if you’re someone who enjoys wine or sake with dinner or a couple of beers at a brewery — and you're not finished driving for the day — think carefully. It's safest to plan your day around meals where you're parked for the night and won't be getting behind the wheel again.

Should You Drive in Japan?

Here’s a simple way to think about whether driving in Japan is right for you:

                                                                                                                                                                                         

If...	Then...
You're visiting major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka	Don’t rent a car — trains and subways will serve you better.
You’re exploring countryside or regional areas with limited public transport	A rental car could be a big help — possibly essential.
You’re confident driving on the left, navigating tight roads & using unfamiliar GPS systems	You’ll likely do fine with a little patience.
You enjoy beer or sake with lunch or dinner	Public transport is your friend — it pairs better with alcohol.

Is Driving in Japan for You?

Driving in Japan can be a rewarding way to explore — but only when it fits the trip you're planning. 

It’s not something to do because you usually rent a car when traveling in your country or even when abroad. 

But in the right situation, with the right mindset and preparation, renting a car can unlock quiet towns, dramatic coastlines, mountain trails and sleepy villages where time slows down.

Just remember to bring your IDP — and don’t drink and drive.

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