Rules for overlanding in Japan

Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 1 April 2026.

Which licence you need

All vehicles — Non-residents need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva convention, valid for one year from the first day they enter the country. Residents and other holders of long-stay visas have to convert their Italian licence into a Japanese one. Check what applies to the licence you hold.

An International Driving Permit states the categories it covers: check yours covers what you will actually drive. A car licence does not cover a motorcycle, and a heavy camper or a truck can need a higher category.

At the wheel

Foreign insurance not accepted — No foreign policy is valid in Japan. On arrival you must take out short-term cover, "Jibaiseki Hoken", and it is also prudent to add the optional "Nin'i Hoken" for claims above the statutory ceilings.
Carnet de passages — FIA carnets de passages en douane are recognised in Japan. JAF, the Japanese automobile federation, guarantees them with customs.
Left-hand traffic — Japan drives on the left. Hitchhiking is not permitted.
Alcohol — The limit is 0.3 g per litre of blood, or 0.15 mg per litre of breath. Drink-driving is a criminal offence: a driver who tests positive faces a heavy fine and, in most cases, a prison sentence.
Belts and child seats — Seatbelts are compulsory in the front seats. Child seats and restraint systems are compulsory up to the age of six.
Helmets — Helmets are compulsory for the rider and the passenger.
Warning triangle — A triangle is compulsory for a breakdown on a motorway, but not on other roads, and Japanese rules specify a red retroreflective triangle with sides of 50 cm. At night you must also run the hazard lights, and dipped headlights are compulsory after dark.

What catches travellers out

Zero tolerance on drugs — No drug use is tolerated, cannabis included, and penalties are very severe even for the smallest amount for personal use. Exemplary sentences for possessing or using tiny quantities are common.
Banned imports — Firearms and ammunition, cured and fresh meat and easily perishable food such as fresh fruit are all banned, and no Italian pork or pork product can currently be imported. Syringes are strictly prohibited, as are medicines containing substances the Japanese health authorities do not allow, so ask them in advance if you carry any. Taking plants out of the country is also prohibited.
Strict border questioning — Immigration checks are severe at airports and sea ports alike, and officers can ask for precise details of where you are going, your accommodation bookings and your flight out. If entry is refused you have to reimburse every cost the Japanese administration incurs while you are held at the border, plus buying or rebooking your ticket, so have the supporting details with you. Italians travel visa-free for a maximum of 90 days in any 180, and breaching immigration law brings fines, expulsion with a re-entry ban and, in serious cases, arrest.
Cash and cards — There is no limit on bringing currency in or out, but anything above one million yen must be declared to customs. The main credit cards are accepted while some debit and prepaid cards are not, a number of places still take cash only and not everywhere handles contactless, so carry physical cards and a decent amount of cash.

Before you rely on this

This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 1 April 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Japan before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.

Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 1 April 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.