Welcome to our comprehensive series on driving in Gunma, Japan! Navigating the roads in a foreign country can seem daunting at first (especially if you’re used to driving on the other side of the road!), but the rewards are well worth the effort. Getting a car and a Japanese license can help open up new horizons, allowing you to explore Gunma’s hidden gems. If you’re from a few select countries or US states, you might even be exempt from taking the driving test, streamlining the process. Follow our step-by-step guides as we delve into some basic information, the basic rules of driving in Japan, essential tips for buying or renting a vehicle, obtaining your driving license for either a car, a scooter or a motorbike, and how to sell your car when you’re finished. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a newcomer, get ready to embrace the freedom of the road and make the most of your time in Gunma!
Driving in Gunma

Beep beep! So you decided to retire that janky 15-year-old mamachari and buy a car, but then you realized there are suddenly a lot of other things to consider. Oops. Here’s a handy reference guide for what you should expect when driving in Gunma.…

Getting Your Japanese Driver’s License

Some of the information in this article is a few years old. We're working on updating it. [Initial D theme intensifies] Picture this: you’re a new ALT fresh out of your home country and you find out you’ve been placed in Gunma. Gunma sounds lovely! It’s got mountains, lakes, shrines, and the 3rd highest rate of car ownership in all of Japan.…

Photo by Omotayo Tajudeen on Unsplash
Practical Driving Test Guide

So, you want to get your Japanese license… Congratulations! You have just embarked on the most soul-crushing journey of your life. Here’s a very comprehensive and somewhat up-to-date guide (as of 06/2023) on how I passed the Maebashi AUTOMATIC driving test.…

Renewing Your Japanese Driver’s License

If you plan to stay in Japan longer than three years, you will have to renew your license at some point if you would like to continue driving in Japan (without serious consequences, of course).…

Cover photo by Amy Tran on Unsplash
Getting Your Scooter License in Gunma

If you’re new to Japan and have been asking around about how to get a Japanese driver’s license, you’ve probably heard some tales. There are some determined ALTs out there. Shrugging off the expenses and stress, they take the driving skills test over and over again until they finally pass. If you’re looking for another way, a 50cc scooter license might be right up your alley.…