If you are visiting Japan from Taiwan and want to drive during your stay, your Taiwanese driver’s license alone is not enough — and in most cases, an International Driving Permit is not the document you need. For Taiwanese licenses, Japan uses a different system: your valid Taiwanese driver’s license must be accompanied by an official Japanese translation.

According to the Japan National Police Agency, foreign visitors may drive in Japan with a Japanese licence, a valid International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or — for a limited group of designated countries and regions — their home licence accompanied by an official Japanese translation. Taiwan is one of those designated jurisdictions. (Japan National Police Agency)

Taiwanese Drivers Use a Japanese Translation, Not an IDP

Taiwan is not treated as a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP jurisdiction in Japan. Instead, Japanese law specifically designates Taiwan among the places whose drivers may drive on their valid home licence + an official Japanese translation. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

This means Taiwanese travelers should not rely on a generic “international driving permit” when planning to drive in Japan. In practice this means you should not rely on any “international permit” for Taiwan. Rental companies and police in Japan will expect to see your original Taiwanese driver’s license together with an official Japanese translation issued by an authorized body.

The Translation Must Be Issued by an Authorized Body

A translation prepared by an ordinary translator, even a sworn translator, is not accepted for driving in Japan. The translation must be prepared by an organisation designated under Japanese law. For Taiwanese licences, these include the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association (in Taiwan), and, in Japan, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, JAF (Japan Automobile Federation), and Ziplus Inc. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

What Taiwanese Travelers Should Prepare

If you plan to drive in Japan with a Taiwanese licence, prepare these original documents:

・A valid Taiwanese driving licence

・An official Japanese translation of that licence (from an authorised body)

・Your passport

Your passport matters because Japan calculates the permitted driving period from your date of entry. In general, you may drive for up to one year from your date of entry into Japan, or until your Taiwanese license expires, whichever comes first. Special rules may apply to foreign residents in Japan who leave and re-enter Japan within three months. (Japan National Police Agency)

Where to Get Your Japanese Translation

For most short-term travelers, the safest option is to prepare the translation before departure through the relevant authority in Taiwan. If you apply after arriving in Japan, JAF and other authorized services may be available, but processing time should be checked in advance. JAF accepts online applications for Japanese translations, and once issued, the translation can be printed at a convenience store in Japan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

・Assuming a Taiwanese licence alone is enough

・Buying an “international driving permit” and expecting it to work in Japan (Taiwan uses the translation route)

・Using a translation made by an unauthorised translator

・Forgetting to carry the original licence alongside the translation and passport

・Letting the one-year-from-entry period lapse

Best Timing Before Your Trip

Because your driving period is tied to your entry date and your home licence validity, arrange the translation close to your trip. If you obtain it in Taiwan, allow processing time; if you prefer to get it in Japan, you can apply through JAF online shortly after arrival.

FAQ: Driving in Japan with a Taiwanese License

Q1. Can you drive in Japan with a Taiwanese licence alone?

No. You need your Taiwanese licence plus an official Japanese translation, carried with your passport.

Q2. Do Taiwanese drivers need an International Driving Permit for Japan?

No. Taiwan uses the Japanese-translation route, not the IDP route.

Q3. Who can make the translation?

Only authorised bodies — e.g. the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, JAF, or Ziplus.

Q4. How long can you drive?

Up to one year from your date of entry into Japan, within your home licence’s validity.

Q5. What should you carry while driving?

Your original Taiwanese licence, the official Japanese translation, and your passport.

Final Takeaway

Driving in Japan on a Taiwanese licence is straightforward once you know the system: skip the IDP, and instead obtain an official Japanese translation from an authorised body. Carry your licence, the translation, and your passport, and stay within the one-year-from-entry window.