Geneva 1949 vs Vienna 1968, eligible countries, fees and processing times in major issuing countries.
Japan has signed the Geneva Convention of 19 September 1949 but NOT the Vienna 1968 convention. The IDP you bring must clearly state 'Convention on International Road Traffic of 19 September 1949' on the cover. IDPs issued under Paris 1926, Washington or Vienna 1968 will be refused at the rental counter, no exceptions.
USA: AAA or AATA, $20, same day, good for 1 year. UK: Post Office, £5.50, instant over the counter. Canada: CAA, C$30, same day. Australia: AAA state clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ), A$42, same day. New Zealand: NZ AA, NZ$22, same day. Korea: local driver's license office, KRW 8,500. Singapore: AA Singapore, S$20. Apply before flying — you cannot apply inside Japan.
Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Taiwan, Monaco and Estonia citizens CANNOT use their IDP Geneva (or don't have one). They bring their original home license plus a JAF Japanese translation (about ¥3,000, 1-2 working days at any JAF office in Japan — Narita, Haneda, Kansai airports also). The translation is valid for 1 year from the date of entry to Japan.
These countries signed Vienna 1968 only — their IDPs are not accepted in Japan. Workarounds: 1) obtain a full Japanese driver's license (6-12 months residency required), 2) get an IDP Geneva from a third country (some travellers get one while in Singapore or the Philippines), 3) choose chauffeured options like OlaChill's Japan charter bus or taxi-transfer products — no self-drive required.
Your IDP is valid for 1 year from its issue date. Separately, you are allowed to drive in Japan for at most 1 year from the date you entered Japan — and if you leave Japan and return within 3 months, that clock does NOT reset. Long-term residents must convert to a Japanese license before the 1-year mark.
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