Yes. US licence holders need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention to drive a street go-kart in Tokyo. Only AAA and AATA can issue it, it must be the physical booklet, and you must also carry your original state licence and your passport.
What Japan actually accepts
Japan recognises only International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention or the 1926 Paris Convention are not valid here, whatever they say on the cover. The permit must be the physical booklet, and your passport and your original driving licence are checked alongside it.
Requirements by country
The rule is not the same everywhere, and this is where most published advice goes wrong. Taiwan in particular cannot use an International Driving Permit in Japan at all.
| Country / region | 1949 Geneva Convention party | What Japan accepts | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes | International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention) | AAA (American Automobile Association), AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance) |
| Australia | Yes | International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention) | NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC, RAA, RACT, AANT |
| Taiwan | No | Home licence + official Japanese translation | Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, JAF, Zipplus Co., Ltd., Japan Inbound Driver Support Association |
| South Korea | Yes | International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention) | Korea Road Traffic Authority, Police stations |
| India | Yes | International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention) | Regional Transport Office (RTO) |
How to get your permit in the United States
- Check that your US state driving licence is valid and will not expire during your trip.
- Apply to AAA or AATA. Only these two organisations are authorised to issue an International Driving Permit in the United States.
- Provide two passport-sized photos and a photocopy of both sides of your state licence.
- Pay the fee and collect the booklet. AAA branches often issue on the spot; postal applications take longer.
- Travel with the IDP booklet, your original state licence and your passport. All three are checked on the day.
Apply before you leave the United States. An International Driving Permit cannot be issued once you are in Japan.
Mistakes that stop people driving on the day
- Websites selling "international driving licences" online are not authorised issuers. Only AAA and AATA can issue a US permit that Japan accepts.
- A digital or photographed permit is not accepted. It must be the physical booklet.
- The permit alone is not enough. You must also carry your original state licence.
Special cases
US military stationed in Japan (SOFA status)
If you are stationed in Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement, you do not need an International Driving Permit — and in practice you cannot get one, because an IDP has to be issued in your home country before you travel. Bring your USFJ Form 4EJ (the U.S. Forces, Japan operator's permit, commonly called the SOFA licence) together with your military ID and your US state licence. This applies to active-duty personnel, DoD civilians and family members with SOFA status. If your SOFA status has ended, the USFJ permit is no longer valid and the standard rules on this page apply instead.
If your documents are wrong on the day, you cannot drive. Document checks happen before the safety briefing. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour.
Official sources
- National Police Agency of Japan — Driving in Japan with a foreign licence
- Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department — Parties to the Geneva Convention
- Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department — Designated countries and Japanese translations
- JAF — Driving in Japan on a foreign licence
These are the authoritative references. Rules are set by Japanese law and can change, so check them if you are travelling far in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive a go-kart in Tokyo?
Yes. US licence holders need an IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, together with their original state licence and passport. Get the IDP from AAA or AATA before you leave the United States — it cannot be issued once you are in Japan.
Can I ride as a passenger instead of driving?
No. The karts are single-seat and every participant drives their own. Anyone joining the tour needs their own valid licence and permit. Friends without a licence cannot ride along.
What happens if it rains?
Tours generally run in light rain and rain gear is provided. If conditions make it unsafe, staff will contact you. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour.
Is a US driving licence alone enough?
No. A US state licence on its own does not permit you to drive in Japan. You need the IDP booklet as well, and both documents are checked before the tour.
I am US military stationed in Japan. Can I join with my SOFA licence?
Yes. Bring your USFJ Form 4EJ (SOFA licence) with your military ID and your US state licence. You do not need an International Driving Permit — an IDP must be issued in your home country before travelling, so it is not an option once you are stationed here. If your SOFA status has ended, the USFJ permit is no longer valid.
Ready to book?
NEO SHIBUYA EDGE runs about 90 minutes from Shibuya Station (Hachiko exit) and starts at JPY 13,000.