The expressway (“Kosoku-doro” / “高速道路” or “Jidoushado” / “自動車道”, in Japanese) is probably a much quicker option for long distance travel. For the most part, you will have to pay to use them. Charges are either flat-rate or distance-based. For flat-rates, you will have to pay frequently at toll booths along the way, while for distance-based fares you will receive a ticket as you enter, and present this at the toll booth as you leave, alongside the fare. Toll booths are manned or unmanned (ETC), with manned toll booths allowing you to pay by credit card.
To use ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System), first have the ETC system mounted on your car, then use the ETC lanes when entering and exiting the expressways. Applicants for most ETC cards are subject to the same kind of checks as you would expect if you were applying for a credit card, though there are companies which provide them for a deposit and annual fee.
The toll changes depending upon the road and the size of the car. Tolls are displayed on the websites for each individual company, and are searchable. Discounts are also available, for example, for traveling at certain times of the day and for using ETC. For example, Shuto Expressway (“Shuto-ko”): please see their website Shuto-ko. On long-distance expressway, such as Tomei : please see their website NEXCO CENTRAL.
Another distinctive feature of Japan’s expressways are its rest stops, known as parking areas (PA) and service areas (SA), with the latter being generally much larger than the former. In the past these areas had toilets, light meals, kiosks, gas stations and information desks, but recently they have come to include places to bathe and sleep, numerous restaurants, shops, cafes and dog runs. The amount of service areas conscious of architectural, interior decorating and hygiene is on the rise, and service areas themselves are becoming something to see while traveling.
Expressway Passes
Some expressway operators offer flat rate passes that allow for unlimited travel on their roads for specific periods. The passes use the ETC system and are only available through designated rent-a-car providers. These passes are offered only to foreign passport holders, though as you do not need “Temporary Visitor” status, foreign residents can obtain them.
Find details of the availability of each pass on their respective pages.
Expressway and ETC References
Areas Tokyo~Chubu Region, Kansai Region
Areas Tokyo~Kanto Region, Tohoku Region
Areas metropolitan area
