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Car Hire in Japan: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Japanese speed limits, expressway tolls and ETC, parking, International Driving Permit requirements, winter roads and the driving rules that matter on a trip through Japan.

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Before you leave the rental car park

Japanese roads are generally well maintained, but driving can range from busy urban expressways to narrow residential streets and snow-covered mountain roads. Take a few minutes to understand the vehicle before departure.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, electricity or another fuel.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and parking brake.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Ask about ETC: find out whether the vehicle has an ETC unit and whether an ETC card is supplied.
  • Check your documents: make sure you have your passport, national driving licence, International Driving Permit and rental documentation.
  • Winter journey: confirm that suitable winter tyres or chains are supplied if your itinerary requires them.
  • Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's assistance number accessible.

Drive on the left

Traffic drives on the left in Japan and vehicles normally overtake on the right.

  • Keep left: return to the left after overtaking where appropriate.
  • Visitors used to right-hand traffic: take particular care after turns and when leaving car parks.
  • Junctions: watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists before turning.
  • Narrow streets: expect utility poles, walls, drainage channels and little roadside clearance.
  • Follow traffic signals and road markings even when navigation software suggests a different movement.

Speed limits in Japan

The maximum speed depends on the road and any posted limit.

  • Expressways: generally 100 km/h for ordinary passenger cars where no different limit is posted.
  • Some expressway sections: signed limits can be 120 km/h or lower according to the road.
  • Ordinary roads: generally 60 km/h where the statutory 60 km/h maximum applies and no different limit is posted.
  • Many narrow residential and local roads: 30 km/h under the rule introduced on 1 September 2026.

Posted speed-limit signs always take priority over the general statutory limits.

Japan changed the speed limit on many local roads in September 2026

From 1 September 2026, the statutory maximum on many narrow roads used primarily for local daily traffic was reduced from 60 km/h to 30 km/h.

  • The change particularly affects roads without a centre line or marked vehicle lanes.
  • Roads with centre lines or traffic lanes generally retain the previous statutory 60 km/h maximum where no different limit is signed.
  • A posted speed-limit sign overrides the general statutory limit.
  • Many narrow streets require speeds well below 30 km/h because of pedestrians, cyclists and limited visibility.

Japanese expressways are generally tolled

Most of Japan's expressway network charges tolls. The amount depends on the route, distance and vehicle class.

  • Some routes use entry and exit toll points to calculate the charge.
  • Roads around Tokyo and other major cities can use more complex distance-based toll systems.
  • Some interchanges are ETC-only.
  • Toll and route information can be checked using the official NEXCO expressway websites.
  • Allow extra time on busy holiday weekends because congestion can be substantial.

ETC makes expressway tolls easier

ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection. Many Japanese rental cars can be supplied with an ETC onboard unit and a rental ETC card.

  • Ask whether the rental includes an ETC card or whether one needs to be requested separately.
  • Check how toll charges will be settled when the vehicle is returned.
  • Make sure the ETC card is correctly inserted before using an ETC lane.
  • Enter an ETC lane at less than 20 km/h.
  • Confirm that the barrier has opened before driving through.
  • If the barrier does not open, stop and follow the toll-staff instructions rather than reversing.

Driving in Japanese cities

  • Expect heavy traffic in major urban areas.
  • Watch carefully for cyclists and pedestrians at junctions.
  • Some residential streets are extremely narrow.
  • Railway crossings are common away from the largest arterial roads.
  • In central Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, public transport may be more convenient than using the car for sightseeing.

Parking requires careful attention

  • Do not assume roadside parking is permitted simply because another vehicle is stopped there.
  • Check parking and no-parking signs carefully.
  • Paid car parks are widely available in cities.
  • Coin-operated and ticket parking systems are common.
  • Observe the time limit shown for an individual parking space.
  • Hotel parking may need to be reserved in advance.

Take particular care at railway crossings

Japan has a dense railway network and level crossings are common, including on relatively small roads.

  • Obey warning lights, alarms and barriers.
  • Make sure there is enough space on the far side before crossing.
  • Never enter a crossing if traffic ahead could leave the vehicle trapped on the tracks.
  • Be especially cautious where visibility along the railway is limited.

Give pedestrians priority at crossings

Drivers must pay close attention to pedestrians at marked crossings.

  • Approach pedestrian crossings at a speed that allows you to stop.
  • Stop where a pedestrian is crossing or clearly intends to cross.
  • Watch for cyclists using or approaching crossings.
  • Take extra care when turning across a pavement or cycle route.

Winter driving

Snow and ice are a major consideration in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku, the Japanese Alps and other colder regions.

  • Request a vehicle with suitable winter tyres when travelling to snow-prone areas.
  • Snow can fall heavily enough to close roads and expressways.
  • Reduce speed substantially on snow and ice.
  • Allow much greater braking distance.
  • Check the forecast and road restrictions before departure.

Snow chains

  • Chains may be required on particular roads during severe snowfall.
  • Ask the rental company whether chains are supplied or available for your route.
  • Know how and where they should be fitted before beginning a mountain journey.
  • Follow temporary road signs and police or expressway-operator instructions.

Mountain roads can be demanding

  • Expect steep gradients, tight bends and tunnels.
  • Some mountain roads close seasonally.
  • Heavy rain can increase the risk of landslides.
  • Use an appropriate gear on long descents.
  • Check the current road status before attempting a remote mountain route.

Typhoons and severe rain can disrupt roads

Japan can experience typhoons and intense rainfall, particularly from summer into autumn.

  • Expressways can be closed because of severe weather.
  • Heavy rain can cause flooding and landslides.
  • Avoid driving through flood water.
  • Follow official evacuation and road-closure instructions.
  • Allow the itinerary to change if conditions deteriorate.

If an earthquake occurs while you are driving

  • Avoid sudden braking if possible.
  • Reduce speed gradually and move to a safe place.
  • Follow police, road-operator and emergency instructions.
  • Do not enter closed expressway sections or damaged roads.
  • In coastal areas, take tsunami warnings seriously and follow evacuation instructions immediately.

Drink-driving is treated very seriously

Japan has strict drink-driving laws and penalties can apply not only to the driver but in some circumstances to people who assist or knowingly travel with a drink-driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol.
  • Do not treat a statutory alcohol threshold as a safe drinking target.
  • Alcohol may remain in the body the following morning.
  • The safest approach with a rental car is zero alcohol before driving.

Mobile phones and distractions

  • Do not hold or operate a mobile phone while driving.
  • Set navigation before moving.
  • Mount the device securely if it is being used for directions.
  • Stop somewhere legal and safe if you need to make substantial route changes.

Seat belts and child restraints

  • Seat belts should be worn in all fitted seating positions.
  • Children must use an appropriate child restraint where required.
  • Arrange any child seat with the rental provider before collection.
  • Check that the restraint is correctly installed before leaving the branch.

Most visitors need a 1949 International Driving Permit

Japan recognises International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

  • A 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is not valid for driving in Japan.
  • Carry the original national driving licence as well as the IDP.
  • Carry your passport because it can be needed to establish your date of entry into Japan.
  • Permission to drive using the IDP is generally limited to a maximum of one year from entry into Japan, subject to the legal conditions.
  • Rental companies can impose additional age, experience and documentation requirements.

Irish licence holders need an IDP

An Irish driving licence on its own is not sufficient for a tourist driving in Japan.

  • Obtain a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit before travelling.
  • NDLS currently issues the 1949 Convention IDP required for Japan.
  • Carry the IDP together with your valid full Irish driving licence.
  • The IDP is a supporting document and does not replace the Irish licence.
  • Confirm the rental company's documentation requirements before collecting the vehicle.

Japanese trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Hokkaido

A car provides excellent flexibility for national parks, rural landscapes, hot-spring towns and destinations spread far beyond the main railway routes.

Japanese Alps

Driving can make it easier to combine mountain towns, villages and scenic areas, with winter conditions requiring careful planning.

Kyushu

A rental car is useful for volcanic landscapes, hot springs, coastal areas and rural destinations away from the main cities.

Shikoku

A car offers flexibility for mountain areas, coastal roads, temples and smaller towns where public transport can be less frequent.

Okinawa

Driving is useful for beaches and attractions outside Naha, although congestion can occur around the main urban areas.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone requires medical assistance.
  • Call the police where required.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant driver, vehicle and insurance information.
  • Photograph the scene where it is safe to do so.
  • Follow the rental company's accident-reporting procedure.

Emergency numbers in Japan

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 119
  • Fire service: 119

For an ordinary rental-car breakdown, use the roadside-assistance service specified in the rental agreement.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact branch or airport return location.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow extra time around Tokyo, Osaka and other busy urban areas.
  • Confirm how ETC toll charges will be settled.
  • Return any rental ETC card supplied with the vehicle.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork until the deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Japan

Which side of the road do you drive on in Japan?

Traffic drives on the left and vehicles normally overtake on the right.

What are the speed limits in Japan?

On expressways, the statutory maximum for an ordinary passenger car is generally 100 km/h where no different limit is posted. Some expressway sections have different signed limits. On ordinary roads the statutory maximum is generally 60 km/h, but from 1 September 2026 many narrow local and residential roads without centre lines or vehicle lanes have a 30 km/h statutory maximum. Always follow posted signs.

Are Japanese expressways tolled?

Yes. Most expressways charge tolls. ETC allows automatic electronic payment where the rental car has an ETC unit and compatible card. Non-ETC payment lanes remain available on many routes, although some interchanges are ETC-only.

What is ETC?

ETC is Japan's Electronic Toll Collection system. Many rental companies can supply an ETC card for use with the car's onboard ETC unit. Ask how the card is supplied and how the accumulated toll charges are paid when the vehicle is returned.

Can I drive in Japan with an Irish driving licence?

Not with the Irish licence alone. An Irish visitor should obtain a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit before travelling and carry it together with the valid Irish driving licence and passport.

What emergency numbers should I use in Japan?

Call 110 for the police. Call 119 for an ambulance or the fire service.

Official and reliable driving information for Japan

Speed limits, expressway tolls, winter restrictions and local traffic arrangements can change. The links below were checked when this page was reviewed.

Last reviewed: 28 September 2026.