Japan is divided into 9 regions, which are split into 47 prefectures (see image below). Exploring each prefecture will be a unique culinary experience and they all have their own beauty. Driving a rental car will offer you the freedom to explore the prefectures at your own pace (except for Tokyo & Osaka which are better off exploring via metro).
Can you rent a car in Japan with a US-issued driver license?
No. Most car rental places in Japan require you to have a valid International Driver Permit (IDP) before you are able to complete the rental process.
How to get an International Driver Permit in the US?
It is easy to get an IDP from any physical AAA office (review).
Which side of the road do you drive on in Japan?
In Japan, vehicles drive on the left side of the road. This means that the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Even though Japan was never a part of the British Empire, they provided assistance in building the railway network in the mid-to-late 1800s with engineering advice from the British to keep everything on the left.
Conclusion
I highly recommend making sure you have a valid IDP before arriving in Japan hoping to drive away in a rental car. IDP’s are valid for only one year and it is important to keep an eye on the expiration date or get it renewed annually in a recurring pattern (e.g., January 2nd of every year).