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Driving in Japan with a Australia license

IDP Required

Yes — to drive in Japan on an Australia licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Australia licence. Japan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisJapan recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.
At the rental deskA 1949 Geneva IDP issued in your home country is required; French, German, Swiss, Belgian, Taiwanese, Monégasque, Slovenian and Estonian licences need a JAF translation.
CarryCarry BOTH your Australia national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.
Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25
Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)
FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits
Last verified June 2026Source: 1949 Geneva Convention
Get my IDP for Japan Full Japan guide

Australian drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) alongside their state licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Japan

  • Drive on the left.
  • Zero-tolerance alcohol law — severe penalties.
  • Stop fully at all railway crossings.
  • Expressway tolls via ETC or cash.

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to drive in Japan with a Australia license?
Yes — to drive in Japan on an Australia licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Australia licence. Japan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.
02
What IDP format does Japan accept?
Japan recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.
03
Do I still carry my Australia license?
Carry BOTH your Australia national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.
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