Planning to go kart Japan through Shibuya or rent a car to explore Mt. Fuji?
Here’s the most up-to-date, government-backed guide to driving legally in Japan as a foreign visitor.

Why You Can’t Just Show Up with Your License

Japan has one of the strictest systems for accepting foreign driver’s licenses. If you’re a tourist, you cannot legally drive — not even go-karts — unless you meet one of the following two conditions:

・You hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention

・You hold a license from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, along with a Japanese translation certified by JAF or your embassy

Most foreign licenses, including those from EU countries using the 1968 Vienna Convention, are NOT valid in Japan.

This rule applies to all vehicles — cars, scooters, and go-karts.

What Is a 1949 IDP and Why Does Japan Only Accept It?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet-style document that translates your home driver’s license into multiple languages.
But here’s the catch: Japan only accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention format.

Other versions like the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP or digital permits (PDFs, cards, apps) are not recognized, even if they were issued by government agencies.

How to Know If Your IDP Is Valid

According to the official document from Japan’s National Police Agency (July 2025), a valid IDP must:

・Be issued by a Geneva Convention signatory country

・Conform to the 1949 format

・Include essential fields like:

　Name, photo, categories of vehicle

　Convention reference
　Valid issue date and expiry (usually 1 year)

・Be in booklet format (paper, not digital)

 IDPs from IAA (International Automobile Association) and other unofficial sites are not accepted.

How Long Can You Drive in Japan?

You can drive in Japan for up to 1 year from your entry date, regardless of your IDP’s expiration date.
This applies even if your IDP is valid for longer.

Important rules:

・Re-entering Japan does not reset the 1-year clock if you’re considered a resident

・The IDP is only valid while your home license is valid

・After 1 year, you must obtain a Japanese driver’s license

What Documents You Need to Go Kart on Public Roads

If you want to enjoy Japan Kart’s go-kart tour (a street-legal experience in Tokyo), you’ll need:

1.Your original driver’s license

2.A valid 1949-format IDP

3.Your passport (to prove entry date)

If you’re from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, you can present your local license with a JAF-certified Japanese translation.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make (And How to Avoid Them)

・ Bringing the wrong IDP (1968 format)

・ × Using an unofficial IDP from non-government sites

・ × Forgetting to bring the physical passport

・ × Assuming a digital file is enough

・ Always carry all 3 documents together (license, IDP, passport)

Where to Get a Valid IDP in Your Country

Here are examples of where to apply:

・USA: AAA (American Automobile Association)

・UK: Post Office

・Korea: KoROAD

・Spain: DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico)

・Philippines: AAP

・UAE: MOI or Emirates Post
Always confirm that your IDP is the 1949 Geneva format.

Japan Kart’s Policy on IDPs

Japan Kart follows strict legal rules, as enforced by Japanese police. You will be required to present:

・Your valid IDP

・Your passport

・Your original driver’s license

No exceptions will be made. If your IDP is invalid or missing, you will not be allowed to drive — even if you have a booking.

Book your go-kart experience in Japan now

Final Tips Before You Go Kart Japan

・ Apply for your IDP at least 3 weeks before your trip

・ Double-check that it’s a 1949 Geneva-format booklet

・ Carry physical copies of everything — digital photos are not accepted

・ Print this guide and keep it with your travel documents

Bonus: Countries Whose Licenses + JAF Translation Are Accepted

If you’re from these regions, you can drive in Japan without an IDP, but only if you present an official Japanese translation:

・Switzerland

・Germany

・France

・Belgium

・Monaco

・Taiwan

You can get a certified translation from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or your country’s embassy in Japan.