I have VA driver's license and I'm about to get my intl one - and travelling to Japan mid-october for 3 week vacation, where I will be renting a car for about 2 days. Is IDL the only license I wil need to drive there, or do I have to pass some sort of japanese road test etc.? I heard so many conflicting rumours about this, totally confused now...
2nd part - Im visiting in and around Kofu - would I really need a car in countryside ...?
thank you much in advance
2006-09-19 18:51:01 · 5 answers · asked by Lena D14d 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
a local AAA office will be able to answer all of your questions about what is needed. I needed the IDL and my State Lic to drive in Chile and Germany, but each country is different. Good Luck and have Fun
2006-09-19 18:59:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are only there for 3 weeks you do NOT need a Japanese license. This is what an American IDL is for--Americans on vacation. Take your IDL, your American license, and your passport (or at least a copy of pertinent pages) w you in the car at all times. You will need to produce all three in case of an accident, or just in case you get stopped at a roadblock (it could happen).
I am not familiar w the area you mentioned. You can probably take a bus or train to get there. Depending on the size of the area, you might be able to walk around (if you're in a small town). Or if you are visiting a friend you could have them chauffeur you around, or borrow their bicycle, etc. It depends on what you want to do.
2006-09-20 09:22:16 · answer #2 · answered by tiger lou 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A car will definitely be handy in Kofu, and the IDP+passport is fine. Motor-touring Kofu in mid-October will be very nice, it's wine country and and the winery tours should be at their best then. The leaves should be just starting to change colour, and all agriculture busy.
2006-09-20 23:59:43 · answer #3 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IDL and passport is sufficient. If you stay in Japan over one year, IDL is no longer okay. 3 weeks is not a problem.
BTW, you can speed your butt off and run as many red lights as you like, Japanese police will be VERY reluctant to issue you a (meaningless) ticket on an IDL. "You slower, please" will be the extent of your punishment. Don't kill urself though taking advantage of this.
2006-09-20 12:33:40 · answer #4 · answered by Steeny 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bring both Intl and US driving license.
In Kofu, if you wanna drive around, yes you need a car.
2006-09-20 10:00:29 · answer #5 · answered by Joriental 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋