Licenses
How to convert a foreign driver's license in Japan (外免切替) after the 2025 changes
To convert a foreign driver's license in Japan you need 3+ months in the issuing country, a 住民票 and, since Oct 2025, a 50-question test with a 90% pass mark.
Driving
Converting a foreign license (外免切替), how long an International Driving Permit lasts, driving schools and live-in license camps (合宿免許) that teach in English, and buying a car as a foreign resident.
5 guides, last updated Oct 20, 2026
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Driving schools
English driving schools in Japan compared: costs, courses and camps (2026)
Driving school in Japan in English: verified courses cost ¥367,280 to ¥572,000 for an AT license in Tokyo and Saitama. Camps from ¥231,000, mostly in Japanese.
Cars
Buying a car in Japan as a foreigner: parking certificate, seal, insurance and loans
Buying a car in Japan as a foreigner: you need a 住民票, a parking space within 2 km and, for a regular car, a seal certificate. Kei cars need less paperwork.
Driving schools
Gasshuku menkyo for foreigners: how a Japanese driving camp works, and how much English you get
Gasshuku menkyo in English is rare: camps take about 14 days for AT and include lodging and meals, but lectures are in Japanese. What foreigners need to know.
Licenses
Driving in Japan on an international driving permit: validity, the 3-month rule and translations
An international driving permit lets you drive in Japan for 1 year from landing. Only 1949 Geneva IDPs count; Germany, France and Taiwan use a translation.