To rent and drive with Hakuba Car Rental (or any car rental in Japan) you must bring the correct original documents. Japan does not accept a home licence alone (except specific translation-route countries below). We cannot hand over keys — and cannot refund — if you arrive without valid documents.
Quick checklist
OR — these countries allow a Japanese translation with your home licence (instead of a Geneva IDP): Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan. Still bring your passport.
1949 Geneva IDP (most visitors)
Japan recognises International Driving Permits issued under the Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 19 September 1949. IDPs based on the 1968 Vienna Convention are not valid in Japan.
You must obtain the IDP in your home country before you travel. You cannot get a valid Japan IDP after you arrive.
Carry all three: your original home licence, the physical 1949 IDP booklet, and your passport (entry stamp). The IDP is only a translation — not a standalone licence — and the passport proves your landing date in Japan.
Australia
Apply through the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) or your state motoring club (e.g. NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC, RAA). Bring your Australian licence photocard and passport-style photo. Bring the physical licence card with your IDP — digital licence apps alone are not accepted at pickup.
Singapore
Obtain a 1949 Geneva IDP from the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS) before departure.
Hong Kong
Apply via the Hong Kong Transport Department for a 1949 Geneva-format IDP before you travel.
United States
Use AAA or AATA only (authorised US issuers). Avoid unofficial “instant online IDP” websites.
Thailand
Apply in person at a Department of Land Transport (DLT) office and request the 1-year / 1949 Geneva booklet — not a Vienna / 3-year format that Japan rejects. You can walk into DLT with your Thai licence and supporting documents.
Malaysia
Get a 1949 Geneva IDP from JPJ / authorised channels before flying. Bring home licence + IDP + passport for every driver.
New Zealand
Apply through AA New Zealand for a 1949 Geneva IDP before travel.
Canada
Obtain a 1949 Geneva IDP from CAA before you leave Canada.
United Kingdom
Get an IDP via the official GOV.UK process (often issued at a Post Office PayPoint). Ask for the 1949 Geneva IDP for Japan.
Philippines
Apply through the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) for a 1949 Geneva IDP before departure.
Indonesia
Not valid for Japan. Indonesia’s online SIM Internasional is issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Japan only accepts the 1949 Geneva IDP format — Vienna permits are not recognised.
Do not expect a Korlantas SIM Internasional to be accepted at pickup.
Translation route (no Geneva IDP)
If your licence was issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, Japan’s usual route is your original licence + an official Japanese translation (e.g. via JAF or another authorised body) + passport — not a standard Geneva IDP. Confirm current authorised translation sources before you travel.
Japan residents / Japanese licence
Holders of a valid Japanese driver’s licence can rent with that licence (subject to our age and other rental conditions).
Mainland China
We cannot rent a car on a mainland China licence alone. Mainland China does not issue a 1949 Geneva International Driving Permit that Japan accepts.
Please do not book unless you have another valid option (for example a Japanese licence, or a qualifying licence + documents from a country on the Geneva / translation routes above).
Common mistakes (no refund if refused)
- Vienna 1968 IDP instead of Geneva 1949
- Digital / PDF / photo of IDP only
- Leaving the home licence at home
- Buying an invalid “international licence” online — not issued by the official provider for your country or territory (e.g. International Driver’s Association and similar sites)
- Trying to get an IDP after arriving in Japan
Short FAQ
Do I need an international driving permit for Japan?
Is an international driver’s licence the same as an IDP?
Can Hakuba Car Rental help if I forgot my IDP?
When your documents are sorted, reserve a winter-ready 4WD for Hakuba.