Your international permit won't work
Even if your country issued you an international driving permit, Japan does not accept it. Rental companies must refuse the vehicle without the translation.
For licences from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Monaco, Germany & Taiwan
Your official Japanese licence translation, handled for you.
Japan doesn't accept the international permit issued in these countries. To drive, you need an official Japanese translation of your licence. We apply to JAF on your behalf and hand it to you in Japan.
- JAF fee included
- No Japanese needed
- Delivered to your hotel or with your campervan
Who needs a Japanese translation?
Japan only recognises international permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Drivers from these six countries and regions must instead carry their licence together with an official Japanese translation.
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇧🇪 Belgium
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland
- 🇲🇨 Monaco
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇹🇼 Taiwan
Only official translations count
The translation must come from a body Japan designates, such as JAF. Translations by sworn or private translators at home are not accepted.
Valid for one year
You may drive for up to one year from your arrival in Japan, carrying the translation with your original licence.
Licence from another country? Check what you need →
How it works
- 1
Order online in 5 minutes
Enter your details as printed on your licence, add photos of both sides and send — no account needed. We confirm by email and send the payment instructions (US$120).
- 2
We apply to JAF for you
We file the application in Japanese as your registered agent, check the translation and print the original in Japan.
- 3
Pick it up in Japan
We send it to your hotel, or hand it over with your campervan — including Jexen's Mazda Bongo in Kawasaki.
One price, everything included
US$120
Charged in US dollars. One licence per order.
- JAF translation fee
- Application in Japanese as your agent
- Check of every detail against your licence
- Printing of the original in Japan
- Delivery to your hotel or at your vehicle pick-up
- Support by email in English and French
Please order at least 14 days before you arrive in Japan.
What you'll need
- Your name and date of birth, as printed on your licence
- Licence number, and issue and expiry dates if printed
- JPEG photos of the front and back of your licence
- Where you'll stay in Japan (hotel name and address)
- Your arrival date and a phone number
Where to receive it
- At your hotel in Japan
- With Jexen's Mazda Bongo campervan (Asao-ku, Kawasaki)
- At the pick-up of your campervan from another host
Planning a campervan trip?
The translation is what lets you drive. The van is the trip. Book both with us and they arrive together.
Vans that accept your licence
Campervans from licensed rental companies accept your licence with the Japanese translation. We show you only those.
Handed over with your van
We give you the translation at the van pick-up, so there's nothing to collect at a hotel and nothing to forget.
One team, your language
Questions about the translation or the van go to the same people, in English or French.
Questions
Is the translation official?
Yes. It is issued by JAF (Japan Automobile Federation), which Japan's National Public Safety Commission designates to translate foreign licences. We only handle the application for you.
Can't I just apply to JAF myself?
You can. The application is online, mostly in Japanese, and the original must be printed at a convenience store in Japan within a week of issue. We take care of all of that so it is ready when you land.
I already have an international driving permit. Isn't that enough?
Not for licences from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Monaco, Germany or Taiwan. Japan does not recognise the permit these countries issue; you need the Japanese translation instead.
What do I carry when I drive?
Your original licence, the Japanese translation (original paper) and your passport. Photos and copies are not accepted.
How long does it take?
About two weeks including delivery. Please order at least 14 days before you arrive.
What happens to my licence photos?
They are stored privately, shared only with JAF for this application and deleted after delivery.
Can I use it with any rental company?
Yes. It is valid for driving anywhere in Japan for one year from your arrival. Note that campervans from private owners on SORAVAN require a Japanese licence; those from rental companies accept the translation.
Land in Japan ready to drive.
Order now and we'll have your translation waiting for you.