Driving in Japan: Germany, France & Switzerland License Guide
If you hold a driver's license from Germany, France, or Switzerland, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Japan. Instead, you use the JAF translation route — a simpler path that pairs your original license with an official Japanese translation and your passport.
This guide explains exactly what documents you need, how to get the JAF translation, which countries are eligible, and what to avoid so your check-in goes smoothly — whether you are joining a Tokyo street kart tour or renting a car.
No JAF translation = no tour, no refund
Unofficial translations, self-made documents, screenshots, or digital files are not accepted. Only an official JAF translation in physical form will pass verification.
Why the JAF Translation Route Exists
Japan has specific bilateral agreements with several countries that allow their license holders to drive using their domestic license plus an official Japanese translation — no separate International Driving Permit required. This is significantly simpler than the IDP route used by U.S. and U.K. citizens, because you only need one extra document (the translation) rather than a separate permit booklet.
The JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) is the official organization responsible for issuing these translations. No other translation service — online or offline — produces documents that are legally recognized for driving in Japan.
The Three Documents You Must Bring
1. Original Driver's License
Your German, French, or Swiss driver's license must be valid, unexpired, and physically present at check-in. A photo, photocopy, or digital version is not accepted.
2. Official JAF Translation
An official Japanese translation of your license, issued by JAF. This is a physical document with JAF's official seal. Unofficial translations, even if produced by a professional translator, are not accepted.
3. Valid Passport
Your original passport — not a photocopy, photo, or scan. The name on your passport must match exactly with the name on your driver's license and JAF translation.
Eligible Countries for the JAF Translation Route
The JAF translation route is available to license holders from the following countries and regions:
Germany
German Führerschein holders are fully eligible. No IDP is needed — just your license + JAF translation + passport.
France
French permis de conduire holders can use this route. Bring your license, JAF translation, and passport — all original physical documents.
Switzerland
Swiss license holders are eligible. Your Führerausweis / permis de conduire + JAF translation + passport is the correct combination.
Belgium & Monaco & Taiwan
These countries are also eligible for the JAF translation route. Same document requirements apply: original license + JAF translation + passport.
How to Get the JAF Translation
The JAF translation process is straightforward but must be initiated well before your trip. JAF offices in Japan issue these translations, but you can also apply through the mail from overseas or have someone in Japan apply on your behalf.
Option 1: Apply at a JAF Office in Japan
If you are already in Japan or arriving with time before your tour:
Visit a JAF branch office — there are multiple locations in Tokyo
Bring your original driver's license (German, French, or Swiss)
Bring your passport
Fill out the application form (available at JAF branches)
Fee: approximately ¥4,000
Processing: same-day at some locations, otherwise a few business days
Option 2: Apply by Mail from Overseas
You can apply for the JAF translation before leaving your home country:
Download the application form from the JAF website
Include a clear photocopy of both sides of your driver's license
Include a copy of your passport identification page
Include payment (international postal money order in Japanese yen)
Mail the application to JAF — allow at least 3–4 weeks for processing and return mail
JAF will mail the official translation document to your overseas address
Option 3: Have Someone in Japan Apply for You
If you have a friend, family member, or contact in Japan, they can visit a JAF branch on your behalf with:
A clear copy of both sides of your driver's license
A copy of your passport identification page
A signed letter of authorization from you
Their own identification document
What to Check Before Your Trip
Your JAF translation is the original document — not a photocopy
Your driver's license is valid and not expired
All names match exactly across your passport, license, and translation
Your passport is valid for the full duration of your stay in Japan
The JAF document has the official JAF seal or stamp — not a third-party mark
You carry all three documents as physical originals, not photos on your phone
Common Mistakes That Get You Rejected
Buying an IDP When You Do Not Need One
Many German, French, and Swiss travelers mistakenly buy an IDP, thinking it is required. Not only is it unnecessary, but buying from an unofficial online seller can result in a fake document that looks suspicious at check-in.
Using a Self-Made or Unofficial Translation
A translation produced by a commercial translation agency, a bilingual friend, Google Translate, or an online service is not accepted. Only a JAF-issued translation has legal standing for driving in Japan.
Forgetting Your Original License
The JAF translation is not a standalone document — it must be paired with your original driver's license. Showing up with only the translation without the license it translates is a common rejection reason.
Name Mismatches
If your name on your passport differs from your license (for example, because of marriage, middle names, or different transliterations), it can cause problems at verification. Ensure consistency before applying for the JAF translation.
Do You Need an IDP as a Backup?
No. The JAF translation route is a complete, legally sufficient path. Having an IDP in addition to your JAF translation provides no extra benefit and can actually create confusion at check-in if the two documents show different information. Stick to one legal path: license + JAF translation + passport.
Driving in Japan: What European Drivers Should Know
Japan drives on the left side of the road. For drivers from Germany, France, and Switzerland (where driving is on the right), this is the biggest adjustment. Key differences from European driving:
The steering wheel is on the right — gear shifts and hand controls are reversed from what you are used to
Urban speed limits are lower: 40–50 km/h in cities vs. typical 50 km/h in European cities
Expressway speed limits are 80–100 km/h — significantly lower than German Autobahn speeds
Japan uses international-style traffic signs with English text in most urban areas
Stop signs are red inverted triangles and require a full stop before the stop line
Zero tolerance for drinking and driving — the legal limit is 0.03% BAC
What If Your License Is Not from Germany, France, or Switzerland?
If you are a resident of one of these countries but your license was issued elsewhere, the JAF translation route may not apply. The eligibility is based on the country that issued your driver's license, not your nationality or where you live. Use the eligibility questionnaire below to confirm your exact path.
Fast Summary: What You Need
No IDP is needed — the JAF translation route replaces it
Get your official JAF translation (apply by mail from overseas, or at a JAF branch in Japan)
Bring your original driver's license — valid and unexpired
Bring your original passport — matching names across all documents
Start the JAF application at least 3–4 weeks before your trip
Use the eligibility questionnaire to confirm your route before booking
Ready to Book Your Tokyo Tour?
Once your JAF translation is in hand, reserve your preferred date. The questionnaire below confirms your route in under a minute.
