Can I drive in Japan with a Mainland China driving licence?
No. A licence from Mainland China cannot be used to drive in Japan. Mainland China is not a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, and it is not one of the six places whose licences are used with a Japanese translation.
- What you need
- Cannot be used in Japan
Before you book a rental car
- Do not book a rental car on the basis of this licence: rental offices will refuse it at pick-up.
- If you also hold a licence from another country or region, check that country’s page.
Read the full guide: Can I drive in Japan with my licence? IDP and translation rules
Sources
Facts checked:
- United Nations Treaty Collection: Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 19 September 1949 (status)
- National Police Agency: Driving with a licence issued in another country (Japanese)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department: Countries and regions issuing IDPs under the Geneva Convention
- United Nations Treaty Collection: Convention on Road Traffic, Vienna, 8 November 1968 (status)