So I’m deaf and considering visiting Japan next summer, assuming all goes well with the virus. I plan on visiting Tsushima Island, hooked by Ghost of Tsushima! But the website recommends that I rent a car.
But I remember hearing that Japan doesn’t allow deaf people to drive. Is this still true?
On another note, can I even rent a car in the first place? I have a US license, but will this enable me to rent a car, assuming Japan now allows deaf people to drive?
Edit: I really didn’t expect this to attract so much attention. I thank all of you for the wonderful help! I’m getting more and more excited for my trip to Japan!
And for future Redditors who happen across this post, yes deaf people can drive in Japan. We’ll need to get an IDP, an International Driving Permit, and buy an aurally-impaired sticker in Japan, a magnet with a green circle and a yellow butterfly inside, and put it on the back of whichever vehicle we’re driving.
20 comments
You can rent a car with your us license and credit card.
They do not look into anything else than the validity of the license.
You need to get [an IDP](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html). Which is a super simple process.
The U.S. Embassy website states “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.”
So, deaf or not, I wouldn’t suggest it with a U.S. licence. Look in to an international licence first.
You’ll need an International Drivers Permit. Should be able to get it from AAA.
I’ve never rented a car (nor am I deaf), but I have my license here and there is a magnet for the back of your car if you are deaf. Not sure if the rental counter will have the magnet, but JAF can likely help you out. They are the Japanese equivalent of AAA.
Apparently yes, since 2008 ([https://axleaddict.com/safety/Deaf-People-Drive](https://axleaddict.com/safety/Deaf-People-Drive)) and you would need a butterfly sticker (it might be a magnet thing) to put on the car.
To drive in Japan you need an international driving permit, only your US license is not enough, read the first line here [https://jp.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/driving-in-japan/](https://jp.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/driving-in-japan/).
Ignorance is never an excuse to break the law, do not listen to people who tell you to feign ignorance if something happen.
You might actually have more luck asking a larger group centered around deaf culture. Maybe someone there traveled to Japan.
I’m legally half-deaf and had no issues driving there after I asked around. (though you do need a permission to drive in there generally speaking) Difference between me and my abled friend when we got the permissions were that I was given a driver’s guide to read through before hitting roads while she didn’t get one at all.
Don’t forget they also drive on the wrong side of the road.
That’s more scary I think…
Driving with a hearing impairment is legal, but the car should have a badge (which is like a yellow butterfly on a green background – see [https://www.tsunagujapan.com/a-beginner-s-guide-to-driving-in-japan/](https://www.tsunagujapan.com/a-beginner-s-guide-to-driving-in-japan/)) . According to the Japanese Federation of the Deaf, a wide mirror is also required. What that means, I’m sorry but I’m not exactly sure. The largest rent a car company has an email address for English language questions and I suggest you contact them, [ntlres@nipponrentacar.co.jp](mailto:intlres@nipponrentacar.co.jp)
That sounds cool. You should come back and post about your trip after your done. That game was great.
Yes, deaf are allowed to drive, but recommended to inquire with local police. Magnet is required and only permitted to drive an average size car or smaller. It looks like a circle with green butterfly inside.
https://images.app.goo.gl/JtMKoWhg56LaLuTu9
“But I remember hearing”…..wait a second… 😅
As someone who lives in Tsushima, I just want to emphasize how important it is to use a car while you’re here if you want any sort of freedom to explore! We don’t have great public transportation aside from buses. Taxis are also incredibly expensive here. However, if driving becomes an issue, there are other ways to get around as a last resort.
Feel free to message me at any time if you have questions about Tsushima in general!
I don’t really have any advice specific to your question, but you should be aware that Tsushima is really far off the beaten path, and therefore will require a significant time investment both to get to and to get around. For the same reason, I would expect very little English assistance, signage, or information to be available there.
You should also be aware that basically nothing in the game is based on the actual island of Tsushima except for the rough outline of the landmass, and that the world in the game doesn’t really resemble the real Japan at all (which was one of the main reasons I found the game so disappointing).
I don’t know the law but I have had experiences that Japanese drivers are not aggressive and very calm. They think much of other drivers and let others go first.
I am deaf and live in Japan as an expatriate. I have driven rental car in Okinawa (I reside in Tokyo). They don’t even ask or check if you are deaf as just having a license is sufficient plus the IDP (International Drivers Permit).
Don’t bother worrying about the magnet.
Have hired on two occasions. First time, the car rental gave me the butterfly. Met some local deaf at the end of that trip – they said “Bah, we don’t bother with these”. Also, I don’t believe there is a legal requirement to have them in any event.
Second car rental place didn’t even mention anything. In fact they didn’t even bother to check my IDP that I’d paid for… Oh hum.
My advice – if the car rental place has them, take it but don’t stress if not…
Yes but not blind people.
What …
Just don’t tell them you’re deaf