Driving Guide
Driving in Japan on a Taiwan or Hong Kong Licence
Both Taiwan and Hong Kong licence holders can legally drive in Japan — but through two completely different schemes. Mixing them up means you cannot pick up your car. Here is each route, clearly.
Can I drive in Japan on a Taiwanese licence?
Yes. Taiwan is not a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so a Taiwanese IDP is NOT valid in Japan. Instead, carry your Taiwan licence plus an official Japanese translation — issued by JAF in Japan (around ¥4,000) or by the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association offices in Taipei/Kaohsiung before you fly. Valid for one year from entry.
Can I drive in Japan on a Hong Kong licence?
Yes. Hong Kong is a Geneva-Convention territory, so the route is an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the HK Transport Department, carried together with your HK licence and passport. The IDP is valid for one year from issue.
What must I show on pick-up day?
Taiwan: passport + original licence + Japanese translation. Hong Kong: passport + original licence + IDP. Originals only — photocopies or phone photos are not accepted, and all documents must stay with you while driving.
What are the common mistakes?
Three classics: Taiwanese visitors applying for a Taiwanese IDP (invalid in Japan); Hong Kong visitors assuming licence + translation works (it does not — an IDP is mandatory); bringing copies instead of originals. Any of these means no car on the day, with no on-the-spot fix.
Anything else about driving in Japan?
Japan drives on the left with right-hand-drive cars; no turns on red; expressways are easiest with an ETC card — every DREAMAX vehicle has a built-in ETC unit with a free ETC card, and tolls are settled at return.
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