If you are visiting Japan from Germany and plan to drive, an International Driving Permit will not help you — Germany is not part of the system Japan recognises for IDPs. Instead, German drivers need to carry their valid German driver’s license together with an official Japanese translation.

The Japan National Police Agency recognizes three valid ways to drive in Japan: a Japanese driver’s license, an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or — for designated countries including Germany — a valid foreign driver’s license with an official Japanese translation. (Japan National Police Agency)

German Drivers Use a Japanese Translation, Not an IDP

Japan only recognizes International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. German IDPs are generally issued under a different convention and are not valid for driving in Japan. As a result, a German International Driving Permit is not valid for driving in Japan. German license holders must instead carry their German driver’s license together with an official Japanese translation. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

The Translation Must Come From an Authorised Body

The Japanese translation must be issued by an organization designated under Japanese law — not by a private translator or a sworn translator. For German licenses, authorized issuers include JAF, the German Embassy or Consulates in Japan, the German Automobile Association ADAC, and the Visit Japan Driver’s Support Association, also known as ALADDIN. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

Documents German Travelers Should Carry

・Your valid German driver’s license

・An official Japanese translation of the license issued by an authorized body

・Your passport

You may generally drive for up to one year from your date of entry, within your German licence’s validity. (Japan National Police Agency)

Where to Get Your Japanese Translation

You can obtain the translation from ADAC or your German diplomatic mission before travel, or from JAF or Ziplus in Japan. JAF accepts online applications from within Japan, and once issued, the translation can be printed at a convenience store. However, issuance may take about one to two weeks, so travelers should check the timing in advance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

・Bringing a German IDP and assuming it is valid (it is not accepted in Japan)

・Using a translation prepared by an unauthorized translator

・Carrying only the translation without the original German licence

・Forgetting your passport, which sets the one-year clock

・Overstaying the one-year-from-entry driving window

Best Timing Before Your Trip

Arrange the translation before your trip and check the processing time carefully. If you use ADAC, request the translation with enough lead time before departure. If you plan to apply through JAF after arriving in Japan, remember that applications are generally made from within Japan and issuance may take about one to two weeks.

FAQ: Driving in Japan with a German License

Q1. Is a German IDP valid in Japan?

No. Germany follows the Vienna Convention; Japan only recognises 1949 Geneva IDPs. Use the Japanese-translation route instead.

Q2. What do German drivers need?

A valid German licence, an official Japanese translation, and a passport.

Q3. Who can make the translation?

JAF, the German Embassy/Consulate, ADAC, Ziplus, or ALADDIN.

Q4. How long can you drive?

Up to one year from your date of entry into Japan.

Q5. What should you carry while driving?

Your German licence, the official Japanese translation, and your passport.

Final Takeaway

A German IDP won’t work in Japan. The correct, simple route is an official Japanese translation of your German licence from an authorised body such as ADAC or JAF — carried together with your licence and passport, within one year of entry.