{"id":5743,"date":"2025-07-01T12:02:01","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T03:02:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/?p=5743"},"modified":"2025-07-02T14:13:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T05:13:35","slug":"international-driving-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/international-driving-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit: Rules, Parking, and Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"toc\">\n<p><span class=\"bold\">Table of Contents<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#a1\">What Is an International Driving Permit?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#can-i-use-idp\">Can I Use My IDP in Japan?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#get-idp\">Where Can I Get an IDP?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#idp-validity\">How Long Is It Valid?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#rent-car\">Can I Rent a Car with an IDP?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#driving-rules\">Driving in Japan: What You Should Know<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#parking\">Parking in Japan: What You Need to Know<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#paid-parking\">1. Paid Parking Is the Norm<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#types-of-parking\">2. Types of Parking Lots<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#street-parking\">3. Street Parking Is Limited<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#parking-apps\">4. Use Parking Apps<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#maximum-charge\">5. Maximum Charge &amp; Night Discounts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#parking-mistakes\">6. Common Parking Mistakes<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#get-japanese-license\">Thinking About Getting a Japanese Driver\u2019s License?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#final-tips\">Final Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"a1\">What Is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?<\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5738 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled-design3-300x169.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled-design3-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled-design3-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled-design3-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled-design3-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled-design3.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An IDP translates your home country driver\u2019s license into multiple languages.<\/li>\n<li>It must be used together with your original license.<\/li>\n<li>It is not valid by itself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"can-i-use-idp\">Can I Use an IDP in Japan?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, if your country is part of the 1949 Geneva Convention, you can drive in Japan for up to 1 year from your entry date.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Common eligible countries:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>USA<\/li>\n<li>UK<\/li>\n<li>Canada<\/li>\n<li>Australia<\/li>\n<li>Most EU countries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Countries that require a Japanese translation instead:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>France<\/li>\n<li>Germany<\/li>\n<li>Switzerland<\/li>\n<li>Monaco<\/li>\n<li>Taiwan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"get-idp\">Where Can I Get an IDP?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>You must obtain it in your home country before arriving in Japan. <strong>Examples:<\/strong> AAA (USA), Post Office (UK)<\/li>\n<li>You cannot get an IDP within Japan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"idp-validity\">How Long Is It Valid?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Typically valid for 1 year from issuance.<\/li>\n<li>In Japan, valid for 1 year from your entry date, regardless of the printed expiration date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"rent-car\">Can I Rent a Car with an IDP?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Most rental companies in Japan accept valid IDPs.<\/li>\n<li>Book early during holidays or peak seasons.<\/li>\n<li>Always carry your IDP, original license, and passport.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">FAQ<\/h2>\n<dl>\n<dt>Q: Can I renew my IDP in Japan?<\/dt>\n<dd>A: No. You must go back to your home country.<\/dd>\n<dt>Q: What happens if I drive with an expired IDP?<\/dt>\n<dd>A: It&#8217;s treated as driving without a license\u2014fines, penalties, or even deportation may apply.<\/dd>\n<dt>Q: How do I convert my foreign license to a Japanese one?<\/dt>\n<dd>A: It depends on your country. Some require tests, others don&#8217;t.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<h2 id=\"driving-rules\">Driving in Japan: What You Should Know<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5745 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design4-300x169.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design4-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design4-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design4-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design4-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design4.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Drive on the left side of the road.<\/li>\n<li>Seatbelts required for all passengers.<\/li>\n<li>Speed limits are generally lower than in many countries. For example, the usual speed limit is 60 km\/h (about 37 mph) on regular urban roads, and up to 100 km\/h (about 62 mph) on expressways. Be sure to watch for posted signs and drive safely.<\/li>\n<li>Always carry your passport, IDP, and original license when driving.<\/li>\n<li>Be careful with narrow roads and parking regulations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"parking\">Parking in Japan: What You Need to Know<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5746 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design5-300x169.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design5-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design5-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design5-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design5-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design5.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li id=\"paid-parking\"><strong>Paid Parking Is the Norm<\/strong><br \/>\nFree parking is rare in cities. Typical rates: \u00a5100\u2013\u00a5500\/30 min, up to \u00a53,000+\/day in central Tokyo.<\/li>\n<li id=\"types-of-parking\"><strong>Types of Parking Lots<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Flat lots with lock bars<\/li>\n<li>Automated tower parking<\/li>\n<li>Underground lots<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"street-parking\"><strong>Street Parking Is Limited<\/strong><br \/>\nHeavily restricted; illegal parking may result in fines or towing.<\/li>\n<li id=\"parking-apps\"><strong>Use Parking Apps<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Helpful apps: Times, Navitime, Google Maps<\/li>\n<li>Some allow real-time availability or reservations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"maximum-charge\"><strong>Look for \u201cMaximum Charge\u201d Options<\/strong><br \/>\nE.g., &#8220;\u00a51,800 for up to 12 hours&#8221; or &#8220;\u00a5500 overnight (10 PM\u20138 AM)&#8221;<br \/>\nAlways check signs for time-based pricing<\/li>\n<li id=\"parking-mistakes\"><strong>Common Mistakes Foreigners Make<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Not understanding lock bar systems<\/li>\n<li>Missing small print on prices<\/li>\n<li>Forgetting to pay before unlocking<\/li>\n<li>Parking in reserved spaces marked &#8220;\u6708\u6975&#8221; or &#8220;\u5c02\u7528&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Take a photo of the space number and pricing sign when you park.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"get-japanese-license\">Thinking About Getting a Japanese Driver\u2019s License?<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5750 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u81ea\u52d5\u8eca\u6559\u7fd2\u6240-300x169.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u81ea\u52d5\u8eca\u6559\u7fd2\u6240-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u81ea\u52d5\u8eca\u6559\u7fd2\u6240-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u81ea\u52d5\u8eca\u6559\u7fd2\u6240-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u81ea\u52d5\u8eca\u6559\u7fd2\u6240-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u81ea\u52d5\u8eca\u6559\u7fd2\u6240.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>If you plan to stay in Japan long-term, converting or getting a Japanese license is the next step.<\/p>\n<p>Language and banking issues can make this hard\u2014but here\u2019s a helpful option:<\/p>\n<h3>\ud83c\udfeb Koyama Driving School<\/h3>\n<p>A driving school offering courses in English and Chinese.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why it&#8217;s great for foreigners:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lessons in English or Chinese<\/li>\n<li>Help with conversion or getting a license from scratch<\/li>\n<li>Pay with MobalPay, even without a Japanese bank account<\/li>\n<li>Locations in the Tokyo area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Website URL: <code>https:\/\/www.koyama.co.jp\/english\/<\/code><\/p>\n<div class=\"beginner-tip-box\" style=\"background-color: #f4f8ff; border-left: 5px solid #337ab7; padding: 1em; margin: 1.5em 0;\"><strong>Did you know?<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5749 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u521d\u5fc3\u8005\u30de\u30fc\u30af-300x169.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u521d\u5fc3\u8005\u30de\u30fc\u30af-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u521d\u5fc3\u8005\u30de\u30fc\u30af-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u521d\u5fc3\u8005\u30de\u30fc\u30af-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u521d\u5fc3\u8005\u30de\u30fc\u30af-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u521d\u5fc3\u8005\u30de\u30fc\u30af.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/strong><br \/>\nIn Japan, new drivers are required by law to display a beginner mark (called a <em>wakaba mark<\/em>) on their car for one year after getting a license.Failing to do so can result in a fine or points on your license. It\u2019s important to follow this rule\u2014even when renting a car!<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"final-tips\">Final Tips<\/h2>\n<p>Driving in Japan is a great way to explore beyond the cities\u2014hot springs, mountains, countryside, and more await. Just make sure your IDP is valid, follow the rules, and enjoy the ride!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents What Is an International Driving Permit? Can I Use My IDP in Japan? Where Can I Get an IDP? How Long Is It Valid? Can I Rent a Car with an IDP? FAQ Driving in Japan: What You Should Know Parking in Japan: What You Need to Know 1. Paid Parking Is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":5758,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5743","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit: Rules, Parking, and Tips - MobalPay<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Planning to drive in Japan? Learn how to use your International Driving Permit (IDP), parking tips, rules, and where to get driving lessons in English.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mobalpay.com\/blog\/international-driving-japan\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit: Rules, Parking, and Tips - MobalPay\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Planning to drive in Japan? 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Can I Use My IDP in Japan? Where Can I Get an IDP? How Long Is It Valid? Can I Rent a Car with an IDP? FAQ Driving in Japan: What You Should Know Parking in Japan: What You Need to Know 1. 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