ヤスカリ ロゴ

Renting a Motorcycle in Japan as a Foreign Visitor

2026-04-30

#お知らせ

Renting a Motorcycle in Japan as a Foreign Visitor

Planning to rent a motorcycle in Japan? Great news — Yasukari is open to international visitors.

But before you hit the road, there's one thing you need to sort out: your license.

Japan has strict rules about foreign driving licenses, and riding without the right documentation is a criminal offense. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — clearly, step by step.

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The Short Version

You can legally ride in Japan as a foreign visitor if you have one of the following:

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by a Geneva Convention country
  • A JAF-certified Japanese translation of your home country license (available for 6 countries only)

If neither applies to you, unfortunately you won't be able to rent. Keep reading to find out which option works for you.

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Option 1: International Driving Permit (IDP)

This is the most common option for international visitors.

If your home country is a Geneva Convention signatory, you can apply for an IDP before you travel to Japan. Most major English-speaking countries (USA, UK, Australia, Canada, etc.) and many European countries qualify.

To use your IDP in Japan, both of these must be true:

  • Your IDP was issued within the last 12 months
  • You entered Japan within the last 12 months

Always carry your IDP together with your original home country license when riding.

Watch out: Vienna Convention IDPs don't work in Japan

This is one of the most common mistakes foreign riders make.

Some countries issue IDPs under the Vienna Convention rather than the Geneva Convention. These are not valid in Japan — even if the document looks identical.

If you're unsure which convention your country follows, check with your local automobile association before traveling.

More details: [Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department](https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/menkyo/menkyo/kokugai/kokusaimenkyo.html)

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Option 2: JAF Japanese Translation (6 Countries Only)

Don't have an IDP? If you're from one of these six countries, there's another way:

Switzerland / Germany / France / Belgium / Monaco / Taiwan

Holders of a driver's license from these countries can obtain an official Japanese translation through JAF (Japan Automobile Federation). With this translation, you can ride legally in Japan without an IDP.

What you need to know:

  • Valid for 1 year from your date of entry into Japan
  • You must carry both your original license and the translation at all times — one without the other is not enough
  • Applications are online only and must be submitted from within Japan

Apply here: [JAF Translation Application](https://translation.jaf.or.jp/honyaku/uketuke/)

Check the JAF website for full instructions and fees.

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Who Can't Rent

We take this seriously. We're unable to rent to anyone who doesn't meet the requirements above. This includes:

  • Riders with a Vienna Convention IDP only
  • Riders from countries not on the JAF list who don't hold a valid IDP
  • Anyone whose IDP or translation has expired

Unlicensed riding is illegal in Japan, and we're committed to keeping things safe for everyone.

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Uploading Your License When You Book

When making your reservation, please upload one of the following:

  • Your International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention, valid within 1 year)
  • Your home country driver's license (if you're planning to get a JAF translation after arriving)

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How to Rent at Yasukari

Adachi Kodai Main Store — Staff Available

Come into the store and one of our staff members will help you get sorted.

Hours: 10:00–19:00 (closed Mondays and Thursdays)

Minowa Store — Unmanned, 24 Hours

The Minowa store is self-service and open around the clock — but there's no staff on-site at any time.

If you're using Minowa, please read through the [Minowa Store Rental Guide](https://yasukari.com/blog_for_custmor/20260427_minowa-24h) before your visit. It covers everything from the entry code to the return process. Take your time with it — things will go much smoother if you're prepared.

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One Last Thing

Yasukari is not responsible for any accidents or incidents that occur during your rental. All rentals are at the rider's own risk.

Japan is an incredible country to explore by motorcycle. Just make sure you're legal, stay safe, and enjoy the ride.