Can I drive in Japan with a Canadian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. The Government of Canada says: “You must carry an international driving permit along with your Canadian licence, or a Japanese driver's licence.” (Government of Canada travel advice for Japan, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Government of Canada travel advice for Japan: “Laws and culture” › “Driving”
You must carry an international driving permit along with your Canadian licence, or a Japanese driver's licence.
Source: travel.gc.ca: Japan, page updated 26 October 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
The Government of Canada says:
Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.
The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.
Your IDP will only allow you to operate a vehicle in the same class as your Canadian driver’s licence.
Source: travel.gc.ca, International Driving Permit, page modified 28 May 2026, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in Japan
IDP needed in Japan: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with a Canadian licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in Japan? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Other licences in Japan
| Licence | In Japan | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Japan
- British passport: Japan entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Japan
- Australian passport: Japan
- Italian citizens: Giappone
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Japan with a Canadian driver's licence?
Yes. The Government of Canada says: “You must carry an international driving permit along with your Canadian licence, or a Japanese driver's licence.” (Government of Canada travel advice for Japan, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Japan with my Canadian licence?
The Government of Canada says: “You must carry an international driving permit along with your Canadian licence, or a Japanese driver's licence.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Japan?
The Government of Canada advice for Japan does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Canada?
The Government of Canada says: “Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.” “The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of the Government of Canada, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a Canadian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.