Japan can be a challenge for drivers coming from
countries with much wider roads and different rules. 
Road signs in a foreign language and numerous one-way
roads in metropolitan cities like Tokyo intensify testing
driver's skills.
 
Tolls on almost all expressways and high fuel prices may
discourage beginners too.  But advantages such as freedom
to choose your own route are attainable. 

With this introduction, we suggest you become very well
informed before driving in Japan. 
The following sources can provide most of the information
necessary to prepare overseas drivers to obtain licensing
and drive legally in Japan.

Rules of the Road
An easy-to-read translation of the
"Rules of the Ways of the Road"
prepared by the National Public Safety Commission. 
Road usage diagrams and traffic signs with English
translations of meanings enable understanding of
basic driving rules. 
Changes in regulations are included in the booklet
and recent revisions are also detailed in an insert. 
Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, police and
precautions, as well as driving tips are covered too.

Available from JAF offices from 1,000 yen per copy.
(including tax but postage is extra for copies by mail)

Obtaining a Driving License in Japan
1. An International License is valid for up to one year.
   Conditions:
   1) Not more than one year from the date of issue
   2) Not more than one year from your date of etry into Japan
       (The above shorter period is for your driving period in Japan)

2. If you want to drive in Japan for more than one year,
    you are required to obtain a Japanese driving license.

Required documents
1) A valid foreign license
   (Applicants must have spent more than 3 months from
     the date their license was issued, in the country in which 
     they obtained their licenses.)
2) A Japanese translation of your foreign license which is issued
     by your embassy or Japan Automobile Federation(JAF).
3) Your alien registration card
4) A photograph (3cm length x 2.4cm width)
     A picture could be taken in the Samezu Driver's License 
     Testing and Issuing Center, if you don't have one.
5) Your passport (one from when the license was acquired and
     showing your date of entry into Japan)
6) Handling fee
    For automobile / about 4,200 yen - , Motorcycle / about 5,100 - , 
    Both licenses about 7,650 yen - .

There are two different country groups, one which requires
written and driving skills tests and the other an eye test only.

Group 1: Transferring process: Eye test only
Countries in which you obtained licenses
     Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Norway,
     Austria, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Luxembourg,
     Switzerland, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, 
     Greece, Ireland, Iceland, South Korea

Group 2: Transferring process: 
               Eye test, Driving test and Paper test
All other coutries, such as the United States