Driving abroad
Driving in Japan means driving on the left, with a drink drive limit of 0.03 percent, and the penalties are severe and motorway speeds of 100 to 120 km/h. Everything below is the practical version, the things that actually cost visitors money or time.
You cannot hire a car without the correct international permit. Arrange it at home, it cannot be issued in Japan.
Once the paperwork is sorted, this is what you came for. Norikura Skyline, Irohazaka Winding Road, Hakone Turnpike are among the highest scoring roads we hold in Japan, and all of them are open to any road legal car.
Motorway limit
100 to 120 km/h
Outside towns
60 km/h
Built up areas
40 km/h
Drink drive limit
0.03 percent, and the penalties are severe
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. A planning summary, not legal advice. Check the national road authority before you travel. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 19 March 2026
The detail
Expressways are expensive and tolled throughout. An ETC card or a visitor expressway pass saves a lot.
Winter tyres are essential in Hokkaido and the northern mountains.
Older diesels are restricted in Tokyo.
An international driving permit under the 1949 convention is required alongside your own licence.
Warning triangle
110 for police, 119 for ambulance
Now the good part
Northern Alps
Japan's highest paved road climbs above 2700 metres on the Norikura volcano.
Nikko
Forty eight lettered hairpins climb to Lake Chuzenji, one way in each direction.
Kanagawa
The toll road every Japanese car magazine uses, fast sweepers with Fuji ahead.
Fukushima
A volcanic moonscape crossing with sulphur vents beside the tarmac.
Kumamoto
Along the rim of the world's biggest caldera, grassland and long fast sweepers.
Nagano
A high grassland ridge road with volcano views and long open curves.
Common questions
Motorways 100 to 120 km/h, main roads outside towns 60 km/h, and built up areas 40 km/h. Lower limits are posted and always take priority.
Expressways are expensive and tolled throughout. An ETC card or a visitor expressway pass saves a lot.
0.03 percent, and the penalties are severe. Roadside testing is routine and the safest approach on a driving tour is nothing at all before you drive.
Winter tyres are essential in Hokkaido and the northern mountains.
Warning triangle. Emergency number is 110 for police, 119 for ambulance.
An international driving permit under the 1949 convention is required alongside your own licence.