Driving in Tokyo
Your complete guide to driving and renting scooters in Tokyo, Japan. Learn about IDP requirements, traffic rules, safety tips, and everything you need to know before hitting the road.
International Driving Permit (IDP) in Tokyo
IDP Required
IDP required (1949 Geneva Convention type only). Japanese translation of license also works.
Fine without IDP: ¥6,000-100,000 ($40-670)
Where to Get IDP: Apply in your home country. Must be 1949 Geneva Convention IDP.
Accepted Licenses
Traffic Rules in Tokyo
Local Traffic Rules
- 1Drive on the LEFT
- 2Extremely strict traffic laws
- 3No jaywalking or running red lights ever
- 4Highway tolls are expensive
- 5Many one-way streets with complex routing
Common Tourist Mistakes
- Not having correct IDP type (must be 1949 Geneva)
- Underestimating highway toll costs
- Getting lost (address system is unique)
- Driving when train is easier
- Not understanding parking rules
Horn Culture
Almost never used. Honking is considered very rude.
Traffic Fines & Penalties
Speeding
¥6,000-100,000 ($40-670)
No Helmet
¥5,000 ($33)
No IDP
¥50,000 ($335)
Red Light
¥9,000 ($60)
Drink Driving
¥500,000+ ($3,350+) + jail
Safety Tips
Essential Safety Tips
- Japanese drivers are very polite and law-abiding
- The challenge is navigation, not aggressive drivers
- Use GPS/navigation - address system is unique
- Train is almost always more convenient in Tokyo
- Consider renting a car only for countryside trips
Best Time to Drive
Avoid driving in central Tokyo. If you must, late night.
Rainy Season Warning
June-July (Tsuyu): Heavy rain season. August-October: Typhoon season with possible flooding.
Areas to Avoid (for beginners)
- Central Tokyo (just use trains)
- Shinjuku/Shibuya areas
- Any area during rush hour
Parking
Average Cost
¥300-1,500/hour ($2-10)Scooter Parking
Less common than car parking. Usually share with bicycles.
Parking Tips
- Tokyo parking is expensive and limited
- Coin parking lots (times parking) are common
- Some parking uses car elevators/stackers
- Illegal parking strictly enforced
FAQ: Driving in Tokyo
Do I need to drive in Tokyo?
No. Tokyo has the world's best train system. Driving is slower, more expensive, and unnecessary for tourists.
What type of IDP do I need for Japan?
Japan only accepts 1949 Geneva Convention IDPs. Check with your issuing authority - Vienna Convention IDPs are NOT accepted.
When should I rent a car in Japan?
For countryside trips (Hokkaido, Okinawa, rural areas). In cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, trains are more practical.
Emergency Contacts
Police
110
Ambulance
119
Roadside Assistance
JAF: #8139
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Practice for Your Japan Driving Test
Prepare for the official driving theory test with practice questions, road signs, and study materials.