Japan has a great public transportation system in its built-up city areas, but having a car will give you greater freedom when it comes to travelling around – especially when it comes to exploring some of the outdoor scenery beyond the urban landscapes. Car ownership is popular among both nationals and expats in Japan. Here’s what you should know if you’re thinking about buying your own mode of transport in the country.

Cars in Japan

Considering its position as one of the most technologically advanced nations, it’s perhaps no surprise that cars are a big thing in Japan. The Japanese are both big consumers and producers of four-wheeled vehicles. In fact, Japan is one of the world’s foremost car manufacturers, with Nissan, Honda, Toyota, and Lexus among the most popular Japanese brands.

The good news for expats is that it’s fairly straightforward to buy a car if you’re a resident with a valid driving license. You can convert your existing license if you have one from many countries including the US, UK, Canada, and most of the EU. If you have a license from a country outside those listed for a simple conversion, you may have to retake your driving test. You can check the details here or follow our own outlined process here.

Where to Buy a New Car in Japan

You can buy a new car in Japan from:

  • Car dealerships – e.g., Toyota or Lexus
  • Car brokers – there are many English-speaking brokers selling multiple brands across Japan, including MickLay and Euro Japan

You will usually need to provide the following documents:

  • Valid driving license
  • Japanese residence permit
  • Registered Japanese ID (name stamp and certificate of seal registration)
  • Car parking certificate for where you will park your car
  • Bank details to pay for the car

Where to Buy a Used Car in Japan

If you don’t want to shell out on a new Japanese car, you can look at the sizable second-hand market in Japan. This can be a great way of saving money and picking up a relatively new model in good condition. Options include:

  • Used car dealerships – many brands including Nissan advertise used models, and there are also popular dealerships such as Big Motor
  • Online portals – popular sites include Car Sensor, goo.net, and Nextage
  • Buying directly from a private owner – you can find these by looking at listings in newspapers, magazines, or on social media platforms like Facebook
  • Or you can go with Lease Japan where you can find an extensive car buying guide and get assistance directly purchasing from the Japanese auction system. All services can be provided in English and roadside assistance can be negotiated during the process.

An Alternative to Buying – Car Leases

Services like Lease Japan can also provide extensive multi-year lease options for those who plan to be in Japan long enough for rental to be expensive but may not want to look into a multi-year loan. Leasing can help reduce headaches with handling maintenance, the Japanese car inspection system (shaken), or even provide options like a support line that can be called in the event of an emergency.

After the Purchase – What Do You Need to Do?

Whether your purchase is new or used, you will need to register your car in Japan. Some dealerships will take care of this for you. You will generally need to provide the following:

  • Bill of sale with the seller’s name stamp
  • Carparking certificate
  • Proof of vehicle tax payment
  • Your personal ID and driving license
  • Vehicle inspection certificate

If you buy a used car that was registered in a different prefecture, you may also need to buy new number plates.

Bear in mind that you will need to keep the following equipment in your Japanese car at all times:

  • Driving license
  • Safety flare (to use in emergencies)
  • Vehicle inspection certificate
  • Warning triangle (to place visibly on the road in the event of a breakdown)

Useful Links:

Japanese Automobile Federation

Shigeru-a24, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons