Taiwanese Tourists Denied Car Rentals in Japan Over Minor Address Discrepancy on Translated Licenses

Taiwanese travelers hoping to enjoy the freedom of self-driving in Japan might face unexpected hurdles at car rental counters. A specific detail on the Japanese translation of their driver's license is proving to be a critical point of refusal for some tourists.

The problem centers on the address listed on the driver's license translation. According to reports, rental car staff in Okinawa rejected a tourist's request because the Japanese translation of their address included three extra characters: "XX Village" (XX 里). This discrepancy, however minor it may seem, caused the rental company to deny service.

Taiwan and Japan have an agreement allowing citizens of each country to drive in the other using their official driver's license and its translation for up to one year. This reciprocal arrangement, in place since September 21, 2006, requires travelers to carry both their original license and its official translation. The Directorate General of Highways in Taiwan emphasizes that the information on the translated document, including the address, must precisely match the details on the physical license.

To avoid such complications, Taiwanese individuals planning to drive in Japan are advised to meticulously check their Japanese driver's license translation before their trip. Any inconsistencies, particularly with the address, should be rectified by updating the license details at a highway supervision unit before traveling. Travelers must also carry their original Taiwanese driver's license, passport, and the accurate Japanese translation to ensure a smooth rental process.