In order to rent and drive a car in Japan,you require a Japanese driving license or an international driving permit. In case of France,Germany and Switzerland,an official translation of your home country's driving license is required. International driving permits must be obtained in our home country,usually through the National Autom0—bile Association,before you leave for Japan.They are valid for one year and must be accompanied by your home country's driving license in order to be valid. Japanre cognizes onllb international driving permits,which are based on the Geneva Convention ofl949.Some countries,such as France,Germany and Switzerland,however,issue international driving permits,which are based on different conventions.The permits issued by those countries are not valid in Japan. Instead,people with a French,German or Swiss driver's license can drive in Japan for up to one year with an official Japanese translation of their driving licenses.Contact the respective embassies or consulates in Japan for detail Son how to obtain a recognized translation· The minimum age for driving in Japan is 18 years old.