Finding the JAF

by Jesse, (16 June, 2008) in announcements > resources > transportation

Second-years-to-be: the first step in getting your Japanese driver’s license is to get your existing license translated at JAF (the Japan Auto Federation). It’s basically the counterpart to whichever organization issued your IDP in your own country.

Here are directions to the JAF in Saga City. It’s possible to have you materials mailed there if you can’t get to it, but it seems like more people opt to go there in person.

Also, if your license does NOT say “ISSUED ON: xx/xx/xxxx” then you will need to order a copy of your driving record – or some other proof of when you got your first license. JAF will not translate this. You will have to find a translator, but anyone can do it. Just get your translator to write his/her name, position, contact number, and stamp it with his/her inkan.

Back to JAF’s role: the cost to do the driver’s license translation is about 3000 yen. JAF also sells English copies of “Rules of the Road” which is worth looking through before you take you driving test (and also to bone up on the differences between Japan and your own country so you can drive better). It’s 1000 yen. Check your apt. to see if your predecessor left a copy. Chances are s/he did. While the newest versions will have the newest laws noted, the vast majority of the information doesn’t change from year to year.
Here are the directions, from Saga Station’s North exit. I recommend doing this in a car or possibly a bike. It’s too far to (happily) walk.

Go directly north from the north exit of the station. Pass the Sports Grounds. Instead of turning at the Lawsons for the ken apts, keep going straight. You will pass all kind of stuff. You should pass a car place on your left (I think Suzuki).

Eventually, the road (263) will fork off, with one branch going to Mitsuse, I think. You should stay on the left fork. Then, look for a big, gaudy pachinko parlor (”Tiger”) on the right. I think it’s at a big intersection. If you pass the Mc Donald’s you have gone too far. If you get to Jusco, you have REALLY gone too far.

This all happens very quickly. It’s the next left after the split, I think. I had to go back and try again. But maybe you will be okay. Here is a picture of the JAF from the side street that it’s on:

The JAF building, taken from the side street that it\'s on. The main road is out of view to the right.

And here is a picture of it from the main road:

Here it is as seen from 263. It\'s tucked behind this gas station. Remember to turn on the street just before the station.

Notice the gas station that is in front of it. Turn left into the road JUST before it and you will be okay. It’s pretty nondescript. Finally, here is a Google Maps link to it.  View Larger Map

Good luck, road warrior! You've reached the end of this article.

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