Getting around

Driving & cycling

Renting a car or a bike opens up the countryside. Japan drives on the left, and since April 2026 cyclists can be fined on the spot for common offences.

10 steps · 3 common mistakes· Show in Japanese (1)

Photo: Hirho / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Your licence

Step by step

Bring an International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention, together with your own licence.
If your licence is from Taiwan, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco or Estonia, bring an official Japanese translation of it instead (for Taiwan, from JAF or the Taiwan–Japan Relations Association).
You can drive for up to one year from arrival, or until the permit expires if that's sooner.

Common mistakes

Arriving with only your home licence — rental companies will refuse to give you the car.

On the road

Step by step

Drive on the left. At red lights, there's no turning on red.
Stop fully at 止まれ (stop) signs and at railway crossings.
Never drink and drive — even a small amount is against the law.

Common mistakes

Stopping in the wrong lane at a toll gate — ETC lanes are for cars with an ETC card.

Riding a bike

A person rides a rental bike on the left side of a quiet road, with a light on the handlebar and a helmet on.

Since 1 April 2026, riders aged 16 and over can get a ticket with a fine (aokippu) for offences such as using a phone while riding, holding an umbrella, riding on the wrong side or ignoring signals.

Step by step

Ride on the left side of the road; use the pavement only where a sign allows it, and give way to people walking.
Don't use your phone or hold an umbrella while riding.
Use a light at night, and wear a helmet.
Park only in bicycle parking areas — bikes left elsewhere can be removed.