How do I get a drivers license in Okinawa?

To drive in Okinawa and obtain your SOFA Driver’s permit/license, you must have an original, valid, stateside driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Personnel who have never been licensed to drive must complete a certified driver’s education course offered at the Schilling Community Center.

Can you drive in Okinawa with US license?

In order for a U.S. Marine, civilian or dependent to drive on Okinawa or mainland Japan, you must obtain a valid USFJ-4 EJ, US Forces Japan Operator’s Permit. You must have a valid Stateside or U.S. territory driver’s license or approved country’s driver’s license as per USFJI 31-205.

What is the penalty for driving without a valid driver’s license in Okinawa?

Driving without a driver’s license in Japan is punishable by imprisonment with work for no more than 3 years or a fine of no more than 500,000 yen.

Where can I get an international driver’s license in Okinawa?

Please visit one of the following without an appointment: Okinawa Prefectural Police Driver’s License Center(Tomigusuku city) Okinawa Prefectural Police Driving School (Okinawa city) Okinawa Prefectural Police Driving School (Nago city)

Do I need a car in Okinawa?

Travelling to Okinawa without a car definitely requires you to plan your trip in advance due to its irregular bus schedules and to fully maximise the public transport passes that will make your trip a lot more budget-friendly.

Can I ship my car to Okinawa?

Because of strict Japanese laws, no vehicles manufactured after March 31, 1976 can be shipped to Okinawa unless they obtain a special waiver from the Commander US Forces Japan or component commanders. Keep in mind that the majority of requests to ship vehicles are denied.

Why are tolls so expensive in Japan?

The fees were originally imposed to pay for building the highways but now are used to pay down the nation’s massive debt from wasteful public-works projects — $358 billion. Japan began building its national highways in 1956, with money borrowed from the World Bank, and it imposed tolls to pay off the loans.

What is the penalty for driving without a license in Japan?

Penalties for Driving Without a License The maximum penalty for driving without a Japanese driver’s license is 300,000 yen. If you do not obtain a license in accordance with the above procedures, you will be deemed as not having a license. You cannot drive a motor (moped) bicycle without a driver’s license in Japan.

Is Japanese driving license international?

International Driving Permits Foreigners can drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for a maximum of one year, even if the IDP is valid for a longer period. Japan only recognizes international driving permits based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, which are issued by a large number of countries.

Can I use my US driver’s license in Japan?

Americans cannot drive in Japan with only a U.S. drivers license. Persons found driving in Japan without a legal license are subject to fines, arrest and possible deportation. You cannot obtain an International Driving Permit at the Embassy. You cannot renew your U.S. license at the Embassy.

How do you travel around Okinawa?

With no rail or underground service available, cars, buses, taxis and vehicle charter services are the primary ways of getting around Okinawa. Yui Rail, a monorail system running across Naha City, is a convenient means of transportation when you are traveling within Naha’s downtown area.

Where can I go without a car in Okinawa?

My 5D4N Okinawa Itinerary For Nature Lovers Without A Car

Day 1: Makishi Public Market and Tsuboya Pottery Street.
Day 2: Shuri Castle and American Village.
Day 3: Soba + Sefa-utaki and Kokusaidori.
Day 4: Daisekirinzan + Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Day 5: Naha Airport.
Total expenditure for 5D4N Okinawa Itinerary.

Are there any US military installations in Okinawa?

Having its very own rich history and culture, Okinawa is truly a place that you would want to explore. Okinawa is home to roughly half the American military force in Japan.There are seven Marine Corps installations on Okinawa. Courtney, Foster, Kinser, and Lester are for Marines and families to live.

How did getting stationed in Okinawa Change Your Life?

Inside: Getting stationed in Okinawa? These are three things that transformed our time there for the better. Plus, a life lesson that came full circle at the end of our three years in Japan. I never expected leaving the US for Okinawa to feel as hard as it did.

Who are the US Marines stationed in Japan?

Okinawa is home to roughly half the American military force in Japan.There are seven Marine Corps installations on Okinawa. Courtney, Foster, Kinser, and Lester are for Marines and families to live. Futenma, Hansen, and Schwab are for Single or Geo-Bachelor Marines.

How to get a POV license in Okinawa?

The Okinawa Driving Section on the Base Installation Safety Office (ISO) contains information on obtaining the Status of Forces Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) driver’s license to include licensing section hours of operation, requirements on licensing, renewal and learner permits.

Do you need a license to drive on Okinawa?

Is there a vehicle registration office in Okinawa?

Joint Services Vehicle Registration Office Camp Foster Marine Base serves all Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) personnel assigned to bases and units in Okinawa, Japan. This includes all military, Department of Defense (DoD) Civilians, DoD Contractors, and their authorized dependents.