Yes, you can drive in Japan as a foreigner, but the requirements are very specific and strictly enforced. If you are a tourist, you must possess a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention in addition to your home country's license. Many people make the mistake of bringing an IDP issued under the 1968 convention, which Japan does not recognize. Residents of certain countries like Germany, France, and Switzerland do not need an IDP but must instead carry an official Japanese translation of their license from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). Once you have the paperwork, driving in Japan is quite manageable: they drive on the left side of the road, and road signs in major areas are bilingual. However, parking is extremely expensive and strictly regulated, and Japan has a zero-tolerance policy for any amount of alcohol in your system while driving. If you plan to explore rural areas like Hokkaido or Okinawa, a car is essential, but for cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, the world-class train system is usually the better choice.