japan-toll
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Japan Toll Roads 2025: Complete ETC & Expressway Guide
System: Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) + Manual Toll Gates
Operators: NEXCO East/Central/West, Regional Companies
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Coverage: 10,000+ km nationwide expressway network
Technology: ETC card readers, automatic toll collection
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Japan? 2025 Update
Yes, most Japanese expressways (高速道路, kōsokudōro) are toll roads with some of the world's highest rates. Japan's extensive 10,000+ km expressway network connects all four main islands and requires payment for usage.
Toll Payment Required For:
- All NEXCO expressways (national network)
- Metropolitan expressways (Shuto, Hanshin systems)
- Most urban expressways and bypasses
- Major bridges and tunnels
Payment Methods Available:
- ETC cards (Electronic Toll Collection) - recommended with discounts
- Cash at manual toll gates
- Credit cards at designated toll stations
Japan Toll Costs: Current Rates
Japan uses distance-based toll calculation with rates among the world's highest at ¥24.6 per kilometer average.
Current Toll Structure (2025)
| Vehicle Category | Base Rate (per km) | Terminal Charge | Example Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | ¥19.68 | ¥120 | 20% discount from regular |
| Kei Cars | ¥19.68 | ¥120 | 20% discount from regular |
| Regular Cars | ¥24.60 | ¥150 | Tokyo-Nagoya: ¥7,320 |
| Medium Vehicles | ¥29.52 | ¥180 | Vans, small trucks |
| Large Vehicles | ¥40.59 | ¥240 | Trucks, buses |
| Extra Large Vehicles | ¥68.78 | ¥410 | Heavy trucks |
Major Route Examples
| Route | Distance | Regular Car Toll | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo - Osaka | ~500km | ¥11,950 | 6 hours |
| Tokyo - Nagoya | ~300km | ¥7,320 | 4 hours |
| Tokyo - Sendai | ~350km | ¥8,470 | 4.5 hours |
| Osaka - Hiroshima | ~300km | ¥7,180 | 4 hours |
ETC System Benefits & Discounts
The Electronic Toll Collection system provides significant savings and convenience beyond manual payment.
ETC Card Advantages
Operational Benefits:
- No stopping at toll gates - drive through purple ETC lanes
- Automatic payment processing
- Detailed electronic toll receipts
- Access to all discount programs
ETC Discount Programs
| Discount Type | Savings | Conditions | Vehicle Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend & Holiday | 30% off | Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays | Kei cars, regular cars only |
| Late Night | 30% off | 12:00 AM - 4:00 AM | All vehicle types |
| Commuter Peak | 30-50% off | 6:00-9:00 AM, 5:00-8:00 PM | Volume-based after 10 trips |
| ETC Mileage | Up to 50% off | Frequent users program | Point accumulation system |
Expressway Passes for Foreign Visitors
Special unlimited-use passes available for tourists can provide significant savings for extensive travel.
Regional Expressway Passes (2025)
| Pass Name | Coverage Area | Duration Options | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido Expressway Pass | Hokkaido Island | 4-8 days | ¥7,700 - ¥15,400 |
| Tohoku Expressway Pass | Tohoku Region | 4-8 days | ¥8,500 - ¥17,000 |
| Sanin-Setouchi-Shikoku Pass | Western Honshu & Shikoku | 3-10 days | ¥10,700 - ¥17,700 |
Pass Requirements:
- Foreign passport holders only
- Must be obtained with rental car
- Available at designated rental outlets
- Works through provided ETC cards
Recent Changes (2025)
- ETC-only promotion: 35 metropolitan tollbooths converted to ETC-exclusive operation
- Enhanced technology: ETC 2.0 systems with additional route-based discounts
- Toll schedule extended: Free expressway target date moved to 2115
- Regional pass updates: Revised coverage areas and pricing for tourist passes
- Payment modernization: Improved credit card acceptance at manual toll gates
Metropolitan Expressway Systems
Major urban areas operate separate expressway networks with different toll structures.
Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway (Shuto)
System Features:
- Distance-based pricing implemented
- Higher rates than national expressways
- ETC-exclusive gates increasing
- Complex urban route network
Osaka Metropolitan Expressway (Hanshin)
System Features:
- Covers Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area
- Integration with national expressway network
- Distance-based toll calculation
- Multiple operator coordination
How to Use Japanese Toll Roads
For Tourists & Visitors
Rental Car Options:
- Request ETC-equipped vehicle
- Ask for ETC card rental service
- Consider expressway passes for extensive travel
- Download navigation apps with toll information
Manual Payment Process:
- Take ticket at entrance toll gate
- Keep ticket during travel
- Pay cash/card at exit toll gate
- Use green lanes for manual payment
For Residents
ETC Card Application:
- Requires Japanese credit card
- Apply through credit card company
- Install ETC reader in vehicle
- Register for mileage programs
Japan vs. East Asian Neighbors
| Country | System Type | Average Rate | Network Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Distance-based tolls | ¥24.6/km | 10,000+ km | World's most expensive |
| South Korea | Distance-based tolls | ~₩80/km | 4,000+ km | Hi-Pass electronic system |
| Taiwan | Electronic tolling | ~NT$1.2/km | 1,000+ km | ETC system, no toll gates |
| China | Distance-based tolls | Varies by region | 170,000+ km | Extensive network, lower rates |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists get ETC cards in Japan?
Yes, many rental car companies provide ETC card rental services. You can also request ETC-equipped vehicles for convenience and access to discount programs.
Are Japanese expressways worth the high cost?
For long-distance travel, expressways save significant time and provide excellent road conditions. However, compare costs with shinkansen (bullet trains) which may be faster and more economical.
When do ETC discounts apply?
Major discounts include 30% off on weekends/holidays and late night (12:00-4:00 AM) for cars and kei vehicles. Commuter discounts of 30-50% apply during peak hours with volume requirements.
Can I avoid tolls completely in Japan?
Yes, national highways (numbered routes) are free but significantly slower. For long distances, free routes may add several hours to your journey.
What happens if I lose my toll ticket?
You'll be charged the maximum possible toll from the furthest entrance point. Keep your ticket safe and present it at the exit toll gate.
Do expressway passes include all toll roads?
Regional passes cover designated expressways within specific areas but exclude some private roads, bridges, and metropolitan expressways. Check coverage details carefully.
How do I pay for parking on expressways?
Service areas (SA) and parking areas (PA) typically offer free parking for 2-3 hours. Some locations may charge for extended parking or premium facilities.
Cost-Saving Strategies
Timing Your Travel
- Weekend travel: 30% savings with ETC on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays
- Late night driving: 30% discount from midnight to 4:00 AM
- Avoid peak hours: Consider off-peak travel to reduce congestion
Vehicle Selection
- Kei cars: 20% cheaper tolls than regular cars
- Motorcycles: 20% discount from regular car rates
- Rental considerations: Factor toll costs into transportation budget
Alternative Transportation
- Shinkansen comparison: Often faster and comparable cost for long distances
- Local trains: Significantly cheaper but much slower
- Domestic flights: May be competitive for very long distances
Planning Tools & Resources
Official Calculation Tools:
- NEXCO route and toll calculator
- Drive Plaza ETC information
- NaviTime Japan Travel (English support)
- Google Maps with toll information
Navigation Apps:
- Include real-time toll calculations
- Show alternative toll-free routes
- Provide ETC lane guidance
- Display service area information
