Japan Insider Information

Can I apply for a JAF translation before arriving in Japan?
JAF Driving License Translation for Japan Short answer: Yes – and in most cases, you should. If you want to drive in Japan with a driving license from Germany, Switzerland,... Read more...
Driving in Japan Knowledge Hub (Update June 2026)
Last updated: June 19, 2026 Frequently Asked Questions about JAF Driver's License Translation in Japan Can I drive in Japan with a German driver's license? Yes. You may drive in Japan with a German driver's license if you also have an official Japanese translation. You must always carry your original driver's license and the translation while driving. Can I drive in Japan with a Swiss driver's license? Yes. A Swiss driver's license is valid in Japan if you also have an official Japanese translation. Can I drive in Japan with... Read more...
German Driving License in Japan: Translation, JAF, and What You Really Need
If you travel to Japan with a German driver's license, an international driver's license is usually not sufficient. Travelers from Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and Monaco need an official Japanese... Read more...
Car rental in Japan: Why a driver's license translation is mandatory
Car rental Japan driver's license translation: How to drive legally with a JAF translation, avoid rejection at the counter. Read more...
Hotel Recommendations Japan - personally tested by the DriveDocs Japan Team
As the DriveDocs Japan team, we not only want to offer you optimal service for your Japanese driver's license translations, but also share our knowledge of Japan with you. This... Read more...
Car Rental in Japan: What you really need for booking, pick-up, and driving
Benefit from the best prices with our partner Check24*  A rental car in Japan is often the best solution once you travel outside the major cities. While you can easily... Read more...
Mobile Data in Japan: Why Internet Abroad is Essential
Benefit from our partner Saily* - 10% discount with the code "DRIVEDOCS10"   Without mobile internet, travel can quickly become unnecessarily complicated. You need it for navigation, translations, restaurant searches,... Read more...
Top 10 Driving License Translation Services for Japan
Are you planning a trip to Japan and want to drive a rental car with your driver's license? Then you absolutely need an official Japanese translation from the Japan Automobile... Read more...
Motorcycling in Japan: Driver's license translation
Motorcycle driving license Japan translation: How to meet the JAF requirements, avoid rejection by landlords and print it on site. Read more...
JAF Driving License Translation in Japan: Full Guide
What do I need to drive in Japan? This checklist covers driver's license, JAF translation, IDP pitfalls, rental car rules, and convenience store printing. Read more...
Driving in Japan as a tourist: here's how to do it
How to drive in Japan as a tourist: documents, JAF translation, tolls, parking and driving on the left - plus tips for rental cars Read more...
Japanese Driver's License Translation: How to Legally Drive in Japan with Your Swiss Driver's License
Swiss driving licence translation to Japan: How to get the JAF translation, print it at 7-Eleven and drive off without stress. Read more...
JAF Translation: What Does It Really Cost?
JAF Translation: What does it cost? Why is it advisable not to translate the driver's license yourself at JAF? DriveDocs Japan helps. Read more...
How long does a JAF translation take? (2026 Guide)
How long does JAF translation take? Realistic timelines, typical delays, and how to get your JAF translation in time for Japan. Read more...
JAF Driving License Translation in Japan: Full Guide
How the JAF driver's license translation works in Japan: who needs it, which countries are affected, process, duration, and printing via Konbini Netprint. Read more...
Japanese driver's license translation online: how it works
Japanese Driver's License Translation Online: How to get your JAF-approved translation quickly, correctly and without paperwork - including Konbini print. Read more...
Driving in Japan? Here’s Why Smart Travelers Are Switching to Digital License Translation
Is There a "Best" Way to Get Your Japanese License Translation? Yes. If you are planning a road trip through Japan, you surely already know the hurdle: Your German driver's... Read more...
Grey or Pink Paper License in Japan? Why the JAF system often says "No" and how you can succeed anyway.
Grey or pink paper driving license in Japan? Why the JAF system often says "no" and how you can still make it work Short answer: Your old paper driving license... Read more...
Why your international driving permit is useless in Japan (Guide)
Why your International Driving Permit is worthless in Japan - Attention travelers from Germany, Switzerland, France, and Belgium: Japan does not accept your International Driving Permit! Find out here why... Read more...
Panic about the "pink slip": Will the JAF reject your old driver's license?
Is the old pink license valid in Japan? Yes. You do not need the new credit-card style license to drive in Japan. However, JAF's online system frequently rejects scans of... Read more...