Can I drive in Japan with a Germany driving licence?

Yes. If your licence is from Germany, you can drive with your Germany licence and an official Japanese translation. You can drive for one year from the day you enter Japan, or until your licence expires, whichever comes first.

What you need

Your licence + official Japanese translation

Japanese translation from

ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club), approved by Japan's National Public Safety Commission / Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), online application / Embassy or consulates of Germany in Japan (as the licence-issuing country's consular office)

How long you can drive

One year from the day you enter Japan, or until the document expires — whichever comes first

Notes

ADAC is one of the organisations approved to issue the official Japanese translation of a German licence. Germany is not a party to the 1949 Convention, so a German IDP cannot be used in Japan.

Before you book a rental car

1. Order the Japanese translation from a recognised organisation before you drive.
2. Make sure your licence will still be valid on every day you plan to drive.
3. Check the rental company’s own requirements when you book. Rental offices check your documents at pick-up.

Read the full guide: Can I drive in Japan with my licence? IDP and translation rules