Japan is a country that rewards the adventurous driver with experiences far beyond what train travel can offer. While the Shinkansen is world-famous, driving allows you to discover hidden onsen villages, remote mountain temples, and coastal roads that reveal a side of Japan few tourists ever see.
An International Driving Permit is mandatory for driving in Japan, and it must specifically be based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. Japan does not accept IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so check your permit before traveling. Your IDP must be accompanied by your original national license at all times.
Japanese roads are impeccably maintained and well-signposted, with most major signs in both Japanese and English. Driving is on the left side, similar to the UK and Australia. Speed limits are generally 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 80-100 km/h on expressways. Highway tolls in Japan are notoriously expensive — driving from Tokyo to Osaka can cost around 8,000-10,000 yen in tolls alone. Consider purchasing an Expressway Pass (ETC card) for unlimited highway use.
The best driving routes in Japan include the scenic Izu Peninsula coastal road from Tokyo, the mountain passes around Hakone with views of Mount Fuji, the Shimanami Kaido — a series of bridges connecting islands across the Inland Sea — and the dramatic coastlines of Hokkaido. In Okinawa, driving is the primary way to explore the tropical islands.
Parking in cities can be challenging and expensive, but Japan's ingenious automated parking towers (mechanical multi-story garages) are an experience in themselves. In rural areas, parking is generally free and plentiful. Always carry cash for tolls and parking, as not all facilities accept cards. Japanese driving culture is exceptionally polite — horn honking is rare and road rage is virtually nonexistent.
