PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Is driving in Japan worth it?
I’ve finally found time to organize a trip to Japan to watch my favorite sport of all, sumo wrestling. I’ve got tickets for matches across the country, but I’ll have time to see the sights too. I’m not sure how to get around though, so I was wondering—is driving in Japan worth it?
Jason Tushinski · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
That sounds like an amazing trip! In terms of whether driving in Japan is worth it, it depends—in bigger cities, mass transit is the best option. It’s efficient, the service is superb, and the extensive networks link Japan’s big cities together. However, if you’re looking to go off the beaten path and see less touristy sites, renting a car might be a good idea.
Driving in big cities can be difficult, as Japan’s metro centers are very busy and are teeming with pedestrians—especially if you’re driving in Tokyo. If you don’t speak or read Japanese, you’ll have a wee bit of trouble reading the signs while driving your car, which can be very dangerous if you get distracted.
In Japan, they drive on the left side of the road, opposite of what we’re used to in the U.S. As an American, you’ll need an International Driving Permit to drive in Japan—your U.S. license won’t cut it. You’ll need to apply for your IDP in the US through AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance—you will not be able to get an IDP once you land in Japan.
If you’re caught driving in Japan without an International Driving Permit, you can be fined, arrested, and even deported. Who knows how many sumo matches you’d miss!
Once you’ve returned from your sumo extravaganza tour, make sure your car is protected stateside with a robust
car insurance
policy by using Jerry
! Sign-up takes just 45 seconds, and then Jerry gets to work comparing rates from over 50 insurance companies to make sure you get the best policy at an even better price!View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies