How to Ride in Japan with an EU License (Complete Guide for European Riders)

Riding a motorcycle in Japan is one of the most unique experiences for any European rider — from narrow mountain passes and deep forest roads to coastal highways and remote villages.
But before you twist the throttle, there’s one important topic you need to be clear about:

Can you legally ride a motorcycle in Japan with an EU license?

This guide explains everything you need to know: IDP requirements, country-specific rules, essential documents, insurance, traffic differences, and practical tips for planning your ride.

 

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🔹 1. Can You Ride a Motorcycle in Japan with an EU License?

Yes — but your EU license alone is not enough.

To ride in Japan, you need one of the following:

✔ Option A: International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention

(accepted for most EU countries)

✔ Option B: Your national license + an official Japanese translation

(required for Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Monaco)

Japan does not accept the newer 1968 Vienna Convention IDP used in many EU countries.
This is the most common point of confusion for European riders.

🔹 2. EU Countries Whose Riders Can Use an IDP in Japan

These countries issue an IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, which Japan recognizes:

• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Portugal
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Ireland
• Luxembourg
• Sweden

If you hold a valid license from one of these countries, you simply need to bring:

• Your EU driving license
• Your 1949 IDP
• Your passport

…and you’re ready to ride.

🔹 3. Countries That MUST Use the “Translation System” (No IDP Accepted)

Riders from these countries cannot use an IDP in Japan:

• Germany 🇩🇪
• Switzerland 🇨🇭
• Austria 🇦🇹
• Monaco 🇲🇨

Instead, you must prepare:

✔ Your original national license
✔ An official Japanese translation

Issued by either:

• JAF (Japan Automobile Federation)
• Your embassy/consulate in Japan

This translation states the validity and license categories in a form Japan recognizes.
Most German-speaking riders are unaware of this rule — so it’s worth emphasizing.

🔹 4. What Motorcycles Can You Ride with Your License?

Your riding category depends on your IDP classification:

IDP Category A

• Permitted to ride all motorcycle classes, including large displacement (400cc+).
• Equivalent to “A / A2 / A unrestricted” in many EU countries.

IDP Category B

• Permitted to ride up to 125cc scooters/motorcycles.
• Not valid for touring motorcycles.

National License Translation System (DE/CH/AT)

• Motorcycle permission follows your original license.
• If your home license allows big bikes, the Japanese translation will also allow them.

🔹 5. Required Documents to Carry While Riding

Japan has strict rules about documentation.
Always carry the following:

• Your valid EU driving license
• Your IDP (or official translation)
• Passport
• Rental contract / tour documents
• Insurance documents (rental + travel)

Failure to present documents at a police check may lead to fines or the ride being stopped.

🔹 6. How to Get an IDP in Europe

For 1949 Geneva Convention countries:

• Apply at your local driving authority / road transport office
• Cost: typically €10–€25
• Processing time: same day to 1 week
• Validity: usually 1 year

Make sure your IDP is valid for the duration of your stay in Japan.

7. Special Notes for German-Speaking Riders (DE / CH / AT)

Because this is the most common source of misunderstandings, let’s recap clearly:

✔ No IDP is accepted from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland
✔ You must ride with:

• Your original national license
• An official Japanese translation (JAF or embassy)

✔ JAF translation

• Cost: around ¥3,000
• Processing: same day
• Locations: major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo

However, JAF does not accept translation applications from overseas, which means riders must apply for the translation after arriving in Japan.
To make this process easier, Mototourist can help arrange and support the JAF translation on behalf of riders, ensuring everything is ready before your tour begins.

If you plan ahead, embassies can also issue translations before arriving.

🔹 8. Riding Rules in Japan That EU Riders Should Know

Japan is safe, but traffic culture differs from Europe.
Understanding these differences makes your ride smoother and safer.

Left-side driving

All traffic keeps left (UK style).

Highways are almost all toll roads

IC cards (ETC) are highly recommended.

No “right turn on red” (EU: left on red)

Red signal = full stop. No exceptions.

Speed limits are low

• 50–60 km/h on main roads
• 80–100 km/h on expressways

Parking is extremely limited in cities

Motorcycle parking rules are strict — avoid illegal parking.

Wildlife in mountains

Deer, monkeys, and wild boars are common on forest roads.

Fuel stations can be far apart in rural areas

Refuel before entering mountain regions.

🔹 9. Insurance Requirements

Japan requires all motorcycles to have:

✔ Compulsory insurance (Jibaiseki)

Covers basic third-party liability.

You may also need:

✔ Voluntary insurance (Ninihoken)

Rental bikes usually offer this — check:

• Collision damage waiver
• Third-party property damage
• Deductibles
• Roadside assistance

✔ Travel insurance with motorcycle coverage

Mototourist can also arrange affordable additional insurance for overseas riders, covering:

• Medical treatment
• Injury / illness
• Emergency assistance during your tour

This extra coverage is strongly recommended, especially for off-road and mountain touring where medical facilities may be distant.

🔹 10. Steps to Prepare Before Renting a Motorcycle in Japan

1. Confirm your license requirements

IDP or translation + national license.

2. Reserve your motorcycle in advance

At the moment, there are two major rental services in Japan that are available for overseas visitors:

• Rental819 – Japan’s largest rental network with wide nationwide coverage
• Moto-Auc Rental  – A growing network offering various models and accessible locations

These are currently the main rental companies that foreign riders can use with an EU license + IDP, or national license + translation.
Other rental providers (such as Honda Dream Rental ) typically require a Japanese domestic license, so they are not an option for most international visitors.

Because availability can be limited — especially during the popular riding seasons (spring and autumn) — booking your motorcycle well in advance is strongly recommended.

3. Plan your regions

For EU riders, these tend to be favorites:

• Hokkaido – big landscapes
• Tohoku & Shikoku – forest and mountain roads
• Kyushu – volcanoes and coastlines
• Japanese Alps – twisty passes

4. Book accommodation early

Especially during:

• Golden Week (late April–early May)
• Obon holidays (mid-August)
• Autumn foliage season (October–November)

5. Check seasonal conditions

Japan’s mountains can be closed by snow well into late April/May.

6. Rent an ETC Card (Optional but Highly Recommended)

When renting through Mototourist, all bikes are provided by Rental819, and riders can also rent an ETC card for seamless toll payments on Japanese highways.
ETC significantly reduces travel time and avoids confusion at toll booths — especially useful for first-time riders in Japan.

🔹 11. Quick Summary for EU Riders

• Most EU riders can use a 1949 IDP + EU license
• Germany / Switzerland / Austria / Monaco use a translation + national license system
• IDP Category A = big bikes OK
• Carry IDP/translation + EU license + passport at all times
• Japan’s traffic rules differ from EU
• Insurance (rental + travel) is essential
• Japan is one of the safest and most rewarding places to ride

🔹 12. Need Help Planning Your Ride?

If you’re an EU rider planning a motorcycle tour in Japan — whether paved mountain passes or true off-road forest routes — feel free to reach out.

• We offer:
  ✔ Route planning
  ✔ Off-road tours (forest roads / mountain tracks)
  ✔ Guided and self-guided options
  ✔ Local support for foreign riders