Driving in Osaka during holiday

Hello,

I am travelling to Osaka in Jan 2025 and planned to stay there for about a week. I have a UK driving license and I also want to drive in Osaka. Can anyone please tell me what do I need to do if I want to drive in Osaka? Do I just need to apply for the International Driving Permit (1949) in UK?

Many thanks

You’ll need to pay a lot of fees for parking. Plus the rent of the car. So unless there is a very clear reason why you would want to drive IN Osaka it’s not recommended.

Read here for the rest of your question:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2022.html

Hi, thank you for your advice. I am going to drive because I will go with my family including 4 elderly. I think it will be easier for them to travel around with car instead of waiting for public transport.

Alot of parking lots are further away from tourists locations that train stations. And often cost more than subway tickets.

Yes, you will need an international driver's licence. They can normally be purchased from your local automobile organisation.

From personal experience, I avoid driving in major cities in Japan like the plague? Why?

Well, first you have to battle the traffic, find a car park, pay exorbitant fees in the city, walk a long distance from the closest available car park etc.

I'd honestly use a taxi for your elders in the city and a car for outside of city trips. You have been warned but I am also just a rando on the internet who has visited Japan more times than I can remember