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Car hire in Japan
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Driving in Japan on an Australian licence
International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians.
Yes - Australians need an International Driving Permit for Japan.
Japan only accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit, which is the type issued in Australia by the AAA's state motoring clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ and so on). You must apply in Australia before you leave - you cannot get one once you're in Japan.
Drives on the leftSame as Australia
Minimum age 18For most hire companies
$55-$110Typical daily hire
IDP required1949 Geneva Convention
Is hiring a car in Japan worth it?
Most Australians won't need a car - the rail network is better. Hire is worth it for Hokkaido, Okinawa and rural Kyushu.
Typical daily hire runs $55-$110.
Where to hire a car in Japan
Prices are indicative, shown in AUD and refreshed from provider APIs where available. Always confirm the final price on the provider's site - it is the price that applies. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never changes what you pay. A row labelled "Featured partner" holds a paid position at the top of the table. Partners are listed before providers who pay us nothing, as our terms set out; sorting by price ignores all of that and orders on the number alone. How we make money.
What Australian drivers need to know in Japan
- Carry your Australian licence, your IDP and your passport together - all three are required.
- Expressway tolls are expensive; a rental ETC card is worth it for long drives.
- Blood alcohol limit is effectively zero, and penalties extend to passengers who let a driver drink.
- Snow tyres or chains are compulsory in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps in winter.
Driving without the permit here means driving uninsured. Australian policies exclude claims from driving without a valid licence for that vehicle in that country, and in Japan the International Driving Permit is part of being validly licensed.
You can only get an International Driving Permit in Australia, before you fly - the state motoring clubs issue them for about $49 and it takes a fortnight to be safe. How to get one, and where it works.
More Japan essentials
Japan visa and entry rules
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Flights to Japan
Search fares from Australia, then sort the rest of the trip.
Japan eSIM plans
Instant data, no physical SIM required.
Japan travel insurance
Medical, cancellation and luggage cover for Australian travellers.
Japan money and cards
Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers.
Japan airport transfers
Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared.
Japan travel essentials
Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.
Things to do in Japan
Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.
Further reading: International Driving Permit: which countries Australians need one for
How these comparisons are made
Licence and permit rules come from the destination's road authority and the Australian motoring clubs that issue International Driving Permits, and each page states whether an IDP is legally required, required in practice by hire companies, or genuinely not needed - three different situations most sites blur into one. Read the full editorial policy.
Japan driving FAQs
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Japan?
Yes, if you plan to drive. Japan accepts only the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, which you must apply for in Australia through your state motoring club before you leave. You cannot obtain one in Japan, and hire companies will refuse the car without it.
Planning Japan?
We will send you the Japan guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.