If you’re planning a trip to Japan with family or friends, renting a 10-passenger van—such as the popular Toyota Hiace—can be a convenient and comfortable way to get around. With just one vehicle, your entire group can travel together, making it ideal for long road trips or exploring the countryside with lots of luggage.
But one common concern is:
“Can I drive a 10-passenger van in Japan with my international license?”
“Do I need a special license to drive such a large vehicle?”
In this article, we’ll explain—clearly and simply—the rules for foreign drivers who want to operate a 10-passenger van in Japan.
Geneva Convention IDP + Category B License = OK!
To start with the key point:
If you hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention and are licensed in your home country to drive vehicles in the Category B class (i.e. standard passenger vehicles), you are legally allowed to drive a 10-passenger van in Japan.
Japan’s License System: 10 or Fewer Passengers = Standard License
In Japan, driver’s licenses are categorized as follows:
- Ordinary License (Category B): Allows you to drive vehicles with up to 10 passengers and a maximum load capacity under 2 tons
- Medium/Heavy Vehicle Licenses: Required for larger or commercial vehicles
This means that vans like the Toyota Hiace (10-seater model) fall within the scope of what can be legally driven with a regular license—as long as it’s for private use.
Renting a 10-Passenger Van for Travel? No Problem!
If you’re renting a Hiace or similar van for sightseeing or road trips during your stay in Japan, no special permit or extra qualifications are required.
However, you’ll need to take note of a few exceptions where additional authorization is required:
- Commercial use (e.g. transporting passengers for a fee)
- Use for cargo delivery or logistics businesses
As long as your trip is for tourism purposes only, your Geneva Convention IDP and Category B license will allow you to drive legally in Japan.
Don’t Forget: Only the Geneva Convention IDP Is Accepted in Japan
Make sure your international driving permit is based on the 1949 Geneva Convention.
Permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention are not valid in Japan.
✔ Tip: You can check the list of countries whose IDPs are recognized in Japan on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the National Police Agency.
- What Is the Geneva Convention? A Simple Guide to International Driving Permits Valid in Japan
- Types of Licenses That Are Not Valid in Japan: What to Avoid
What Is the Geneva Convention? A Simple Guide to International Driving Permits Valid in Japan
If you’re a foreign visitor planning to drive in Japan, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This permit is widely issued by many countries and is recognizable by its gray, booklet-style paper format.
What Is the Geneva Convention?
The Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, signed in 1949, is an international treaty that aims to standardize driving rules and promote mutual recognition of driver’s licenses across member countries.
If your home country is a signatory of the Geneva Convention, and you meet certain conditions, you are legally allowed to drive temporarily in Japan with a valid IDP.
Countries Where the Geneva Convention IDP Is Accepted in Japan (as of 2025)
If your IDP is issued in one of the countries listed below—and complies with the 1949 Geneva Convention—it is valid for driving in Japan:
- United States (USA)
- Canada
- Australia
- United Kingdom (UK)
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Philippines
- Thailand
…and many more
The issuance process and validity period of an IDP may vary by country. Before applying, it’s recommended to check with your local embassy or issuing authority to ensure you receive the correct type of permit for use in Japan.
Types of Licenses That Are Not Valid in Japan: What to Avoid
Before driving in Japan, it’s crucial to understand which types of licenses are not accepted. Using an invalid license can lead to legal trouble or problems with insurance coverage—so be sure to check carefully in advance.
International Driving Permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention
Examples: Poland, Belgium, and others
→ Japan is not a signatory to the Vienna Convention, so IDPs based on this treaty are not valid in Japan.
Card-style “International Driving Permits”
→ The only valid IDP format in Japan is the gray, paper booklet issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
Card-type versions are often unofficial or designed for use in other countries and are not accepted in Japan under any circumstances.
Driver’s licenses from non-Geneva Convention countries, even with translations
→ Even if a license is accompanied by a Japanese or English translation, if it’s from a non-member country, it cannot be used to drive in Japan.
Can You Drive in Japan Without an International Permit?
While many travelers assume that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is always required, Japan does allow certain foreign licenses to be used without an IDP—thanks to the Translation System.
What Is the Translation System?
Under Japanese law, drivers from specific countries can legally operate a vehicle in Japan by carrying:
- A valid foreign driver’s license, and
- An official Japanese translation of the license
Countries Eligible for the Translation System (as of 2025):
- Switzerland
- Germany
- France
- Monaco
- Taiwan
If you hold a valid license from one of these countries or regions, you are legally allowed to drive in Japan without an international permit, as long as you carry the required Japanese translation.
Understanding these rules helps ensure a smooth and legal driving experience during your stay in Japan. If you’re unsure whether your license qualifies, it’s always best to check with your local embassy or the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) before your trip.
How to Obtain an Official Japanese Translation of Your Driver’s License
To legally drive in Japan using the Translation System, the Japanese translation of your driver’s license must be issued by an officially recognized authority. Translations from unapproved organizations will not be accepted.
Only translations issued by the following organizations are recognized as valid in Japan:
You can apply for a translation through the JAF official website.
Be sure to check processing time and fees in advance, as these may vary depending on your country of license issuance.
Important Notes About the Translation System
When using the Translation System to drive in Japan, you must comply with the following conditions:
By following the proper procedures and securing an official translation from a recognized agency, you can ensure a legal and stress-free driving experience in Japan. Always double-check requirements with the JAF or your local embassy for the most up-to-date details.
【Yes, You Can Drive a 10-Passenger Van!】Explore Japan by Road with a Toyota Hiace
Under Japanese traffic laws, any vehicle with a seating capacity of 10 passengers or fewer can be driven with a standard driver’s license (Category B). That means even the popular Toyota Hiace (10-seater model) can be legally driven by foreign drivers in Japan.
Why the Toyota Hiace Is Perfect for Road Trips in Japan
- Spacious interior with comfortable seating for up to 10 passengers
- Large rear luggage space—easily fits big suitcases and travel gear
- Ideal for family vacations or group travel with friends
As long as you hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention or a qualifying Japanese translation of your license, and you’re authorized to drive Category B vehicles, you can legally drive a Hiace in Japan.
Drive in Japan with Confidence｜Support Services from ASAHI MOTORS
For many first-time visitors to Japan, the idea of driving in a foreign country can feel a little intimidating. That’s why ASAHI MOTORS offers a range of dedicated support services tailored to meet the needs of international travelers.
ASAHI MOTORS’ Services for Foreign Drivers:
- English-friendly reservations and customer support
- Vehicle delivery to airports or hotels for added convenience
- Child seat rentals – ideal for families traveling with kids
- ETC card rentals for easy access to Japan’s expressways
- Beginner-friendly rental guide in English to walk you through the process
With these helpful services, ASAHI MOTORS makes it easy for foreign visitors to enjoy a safe, smooth, and stress-free driving experience in Japan.
Whether you’re planning a scenic road trip or a family vacation, you can rent with confidence and focus on making lasting memories.
Quick Recap: License Requirements for Driving in Japan
- If you hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, and you’re licensed to drive Category B vehicles, you are allowed to drive a 10-passenger van like the Toyota Hiace in Japan.
- IDPs based on the 1968 Vienna Convention and card-style international licenses are not valid for driving in Japan.
- Drivers from select countries—Switzerland, Germany, France, Monaco, and Taiwan—can legally drive in Japan using their domestic driver’s license together with an official Japanese translation issued by JAF or their home country’s licensing authority.
⚠ Important: You must carry the original license at all times. A translation alone is not valid for driving in Japan.
Since some official translations may have an expiration date, be sure to check the issue date and validity period before coming to Japan.
Enjoy a Road Trip in Japan with the Right License and Documents!
- Vehicles like the Toyota Hiace (10-passenger van) can be driven with a standard driver’s license (Category B)
- Be careful about the type of international license—only the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP is valid in Japan
- Travelers from certain countries can drive without an international permit by using the Translation System
- With ASAHI MOTORS, foreign visitors can rent a car in Japan with confidence and ease
With the correct license and required documents, your road trip in Japan can be more comfortable, flexible, and worry-free. For larger groups, a 10-seater van offers the perfect solution for traveling together in one vehicle.
Why not explore Japan’s breathtaking scenery and must-see destinations at your own pace—on your own schedule?
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