On the Road in Japan
While Japan's public transportation is world-class, driving a car can offer freedom and flexibility, especially for exploring rural areas or for families with children. However, driving in Japan comes with its own set of rules, costs, and challenges that are important to understand.
Getting a License
To drive legally in Japan, you need a valid license. The process depends on your home country.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): For short-term visitors, an IDP (issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention) is valid for up to one year. You must obtain this in your home country before coming to Japan.
- Converting Your Foreign License: If you are a resident and hold a license from one of about 28 countries with agreements with Japan (including the UK, Canada, Australia, and many European countries), you can convert your license to a Japanese one with a simple application, eye test, and paperwork.
- Taking the Japanese Driving Test: If your license is not from one of these countries (e.g., the USA, China), you will need to take the full Japanese driving test, which includes a written exam and a notoriously difficult practical driving test. Many people attend a driving school to prepare.
The Realities of Car Ownership
Owning a car in Japan, especially in a major city, is a significant expense.
- Parking: In cities, you must prove you have a designated off-street parking spot (a process called shako shōmei) before you can even purchase a car. Monthly parking can be extremely expensive.
- Shaken (車検): This is a mandatory, comprehensive vehicle inspection that must be performed every two years. It is very thorough and can be very costly, often running into hundreds of dollars.
- Tolls: Expressways in Japan are not free. Long-distance drives can incur very high toll fees.
- Driving on the Left: Remember that in Japan, you drive on the left side of the road.
Is It Worth It?
For most people living in large cities like Tokyo or Osaka, a car is an unnecessary luxury due to the excellent public transport and high costs. However, in smaller cities or the countryside where public transport is less frequent, owning a car can be essential for daily life, opening up the country for exploration in a way that trains cannot.