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Driving to Japan's Ski Resorts: Licence, Winter Tyres and Car Rental (2026-27)
Updated 2026-11-01 · Sources checked on official sites
What you need to rent a car for a ski trip in Hokkaido or Nagano: the International Driving Permit rules, winter tyres and 4WD, ski carriers, insurance costs and road safety.
The short answer
To drive in Japan you need a paper International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or an official Japanese translation if your licence is from Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Monaco, Slovenia, Switzerland or Taiwan. Mainland China licences cannot be used. In Hokkaido, most big rental companies fit winter tyres and 4WD as standard in winter; ski carriers are not standard, so ask when you book.
Licence rules
- Only the paper IDP booklet is accepted. Card and smartphone IDPs are not valid in Japan.
- An IDP is valid for one year from issue, and you can drive on it for up to one year after you arrive.
- IDPs under the 1968 Vienna, 1926 Paris or 1943 Washington conventions, and IDPs from private sellers, are not accepted.
- Rental companies' own lists may still show only six translation countries. Drivers from Estonia or Slovenia should confirm with the shop before booking.
Winter tyres, 4WD and ski carriers
| Company | Winter set-up | Ski carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Rent a Car | Hokkaido: studless tyres and 4WD on every car, Nov–Apr | Not stated |
| Nippon Rent-A-Car | Hokkaido winter fee ¥660/day (max 10 days), winter tyres and 4WD standard | Not available |
| Nissan Rent a Car | Studless tyres ¥1,650/day in Hokkaido, ¥2,200/day in Nagano | Not stated |
| Toyota Rent a Car | 4WD option ¥1,650/day | Yes, reserve in advance; price set by each shop |
| Hakuba local rental firms | 4WD standard | Racks on every car |
In Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka, winter tyres are not standard: request them if you will drive to the mountains.
Insurance costs
Most major companies charge about ¥1,100 a day for the collision damage waiver (CDW); Nissan charges ¥1,650. If you damage the car you also pay a non-operation charge (NOC), usually ¥20,000 if the car can be driven back and ¥50,000 if not. Some companies sell an extra waiver that covers the NOC, for example Nippon Rent-A-Car at ¥440 a day.
On the road
- Roads can close in heavy snow; check road information before you set off.
- For breakdowns on expressways and national roads, call #9910 (free, 24 hours).
- In an emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (ambulance). The Japan Visitor Hotline, 050-3816-2787, helps in English, Chinese and Korean.
More on our safety and insurance page.
Quick answers
Can I drive in Japan with a Chinese driving licence?
No. Mainland China is not on the 1949 Geneva Convention list or the Japanese translation list, so a mainland Chinese licence or IDP cannot be used to drive in Japan. Licences from Taiwan can be used with an official Japanese translation.
Do rental cars in Hokkaido have winter tyres?
Yes, at the major companies in winter. Budget fits studless tyres and 4WD on every Hokkaido car from November to April, and Nippon Rent-A-Car charges a ¥660 daily winter fee that includes winter tyres and 4WD.
Can I get a ski rack on a rental car in Japan?
Sometimes. Toyota Rent a Car offers ski carriers if you reserve in advance; Nippon Rent-A-Car does not. Local rental firms in Hakuba put racks on every car.
Sources
- JNTO: driving in Japan
- Tokyo Metropolitan Police: driving licence FAQ
- OTS: licence guide
- Budget Rent a Car: winter driving
- Nippon Rent-A-Car: winter fees
- Nippon Rent-A-Car: options
- Nissan Rent a Car: studless tyres
- Toyota Rent a Car: reservations
- Car rental in Hakuba (SamuraiSnow)
- NEXCO: #9910 road emergencies
- JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline
More guides: Japan Lift Ticket Prices 2026-27 · Renting Ski & Snowboard Gear in Japan · When Is the Best Time to Ski in Japan? A Month-by-Month Guide · Niseko for First-Timers · Hakuba Valley Guide