If you’re a foreign resident living in Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Saitama, or anywhere else in the Kanto region, converting your driver’s license to a Japanese license, known as gaimen kirikae (外免切替) can be convoluted and intimidating. Each city has different procedures, appointment systems, and language support. This guide breaks down what to expect with license conversion in the Kanto area, and how you can prepare in advance.
Whether you’re from the U.S., Philippines, Indonesia, or another country, this article will help you understand the steps, differences by location, and how to increase your chances of success.
Note: From Oct 1, 2025, the rules for license conversion will change and the requirements will become stricter, especially when it comes to the written test. You can read the full, detailed list of changes here.
License Conversion in the Kanto Region: What to Expect
Kanto is home to some of Japan’s busiest license centers, especially in Tokyo and Kanagawa. As a result, appointments can be hard to get, and test slots fill up quickly. Most centers do not offer services in English, and even those that do may require you to bring your own translator.
Regardless of the city, you will need to:
- Undergo a document screening
- Take an eye test
- Possibly take a written test (depending on your country)
- Pass a driving skills test unless you’re from a country exempted
The pass rate for the driving test is below 30%, and below 20% if you remove native Japanese from the equation. With the rule-changes coming into play from October 1st, the overall passing rate for license conversion is expected to drop even further. If you then factor in the potentially several months-long waiting period between exams, it goes without saying that you need to prepare thoroughly.
Tokyo (Samezu, Fuchu, Koto)
Tokyo has three license centers where foreign license conversions are handled: Samezu, Fuchu, and Koto. All three require an appointment for the document screening.
Samezu and Fuchu are the most frequently used for 外免切替. Both have limited English support, but official interpreters are not provided so bringing your own Japanese-speaking companion is highly recommended if you are not confident in your Japanese ability. Koto only offers license conversion services to the 29 countries with a reciprocal agreement with Japan.
Tips for Tokyo:
- Expect long wait times and difficulties in getting an appointment slot.
- For Fuchu and Samezu, refresh the booking page at midnight, as new slots come out
- Be sure your documents are fully in order. Tokyo centers are known to be strict.
- Booking an early morning slot (if available) may help reduce waiting times.
Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture)
The Kanagawa Prefectural Driver’s License Center in Yokohama handles all 外免切替 applications for the prefecture. Recently, appointments have become mandatory even for the initial screening, and you may need to wait several weeks for a slot.
Compared to Tokyo, the Yokohama center tends to be slightly more foreigner-friendly, with a decent number of staff familiar with the process for U.S. and Filipino license holders.
Key points:
- Some signage and forms are available in English.
- The driving test route is known for its narrow turns, so make sure you are confident in your S-curve and crank course driving, proper practice is crucial.
- If you’re in Kawasaki or another nearby city, this center is still the one you’ll use.
Chiba
Foreign license conversions in Chiba take place at the Makuhari Driver’s License Center. While appointments for document screening are not always required, this can change depending on season and demand.
The process is generally less crowded than in Tokyo or Yokohama, but still requires attention to detail. Bring all necessary documents, including an official Japanese translation of your license, and be ready for strict testing standards.
What to keep in mind:
- You may be able to walk in for document checks, but this is not guaranteed.
- The center has limited English assistance, so bring someone fluent in Japanese if you are not confident.
- Chiba is a good option if you live on the east side of Tokyo and want to avoid capital city crowds, just make sure your district falls under the same jurisdiction as the Chiba center.
Saitama
Saitama’s Konosu Driver’s License Center handles 外免切替 for residents of Saitama Prefecture. It’s less busy than its Tokyo and Kanagawa counterparts but due to the recent surge in applicants, you may still face some extensive waiting times. Additionally, the language support available is limited so the same advice applies as with Tokyo and Kanagawa.
Things to note:
- Staff may be more patient, but your documents must be complete and accurate.
- This center is potentially better for those who want a quieter environment for testing.
- Access via public transport may require extra planning.
How to Prepare (No Matter Where You Live)
Wherever you are in Kanto, these tips will help:
- Book early: Appointment slots for screenings and tests fill quickly, especially in Tokyo and Yokohama.
- Bring all documents, including:
- Your foreign license (must be valid)
- Japanese translation (we offer fast, affordable service)
- Passport and residence card
- Proof of driving history in your home country
- Your foreign license (must be valid)
- Practice driving the Japanese way: Many test failures are due to unfamiliarity with Japan’s strict test etiquette.
- Consider lessons or our Fast-Track Package: For high failure-rate centers like Samezu, our partner driving schools can help you prepare for the test with lessons in English, Tagalog, or Bahasa Indonesia.
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered
At Ziplus, we specialize in helping foreigners convert their licenses smoothly. We offer:
- Official Japanese translations delivered in 1–2 days
- A Fast-Track Package that includes driving lessons and practice tests
- Email and chat support in the 11 languages we issue translations for
You can apply or ask any further questions here!
Conclusion
The Kanto region is a great place to live, but getting your Japanese driver’s license can be a challenge, especially in Tokyo and Yokohama. By knowing what to expect and preparing early, you can avoid delays and reduce your chances of failure. Be sure to check if your local center requires appointments, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help preparing.
Want to know how the process works in Kansai? Check out our Kansai License Conversion Guide here.
