Japan’s large metropolitan areas around Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya are served by highly efficient public transport systems. As a result, many residents do not own a car or even have a driver’s license. However, outside of major cities, public transportation is generally inconvenient or infrequent, and most people rely on cars to get around.
Expressways in Japan
The four main islands of Japan and Okinawa are covered by a network of expressways (高起道路, kōsokudōro) with a length of more than 10,000 kilometers. Further routes are still under construction. Below is a map showing the main expressways in use.
Foreign visitors may not face problems on Japanese expressways as all important signs are written in Japanese and English. The speed limit for passenger cars is usually 80 or 100 km/h, except on single-lane expressways where the speed limit is 70 km/h.
Below is some vocabulary useful for using Japanese expressways:
- Interchange (IC)
In Japan, an interchange means the entrance and exit of an expressway, such as the Tokyo IC. - Junction (JCT)
As in English, a junction means a place where several expressways meet. - Parking Area (PA)
The parking area includes restrooms and one or more vending machines. Sometimes there is also a restaurant. - Service Area (SA)
Service areas generally have toilets, shops, restaurants and gas stations, which are generally larger than parking areas.
Most expressways incur a toll, which can be paid by cash or credit card at manual toll booths, or by passing through automated ETCs (electronic toll gates). ETC gates require an ETC card and a vehicle equipped with an ETC card reader. ETC cards require a Japanese credit card and offer discounts at certain times of the day and week. Short-term visitors to Japan can temporarily purchase ETC cards at some car rental locations.
The table below shows approximate costs for a typical car between selected major cities. Lower rates apply to passenger cars and motorcycles, while higher rates apply to trucks, buses and trailers.
Prices for toll roads in Japan
Approximate fare (in yen)
| Kagoshima | Fukuoka | Hiroshima | Osaka | Kyoto | Nagoya | Aomori | |
| Tokyo | 30 000 | 25 000 | 18 000 | 13 500 | 11 500 | 8500 | 16 500 |
| Aomori | 40 000 | 34 500 | 29 000 | 25 000 | 23 000 | 21 000 | |
| Nagoya | 21 000 | 16 000 | 10 000 | 5000 | 3000 | ||
| Kyoto | 19 000 | 13 500 | 8000 | 2500 | |||
| Osaka | 18 000 | 13 000 | 7000 | ||||
| Hiroshima | 12 000 | 7000 | |||||
| Fukuoka | 6500 |
Distance between major cities in Japan
Approximate travel distance
| | Kagoshima | Fukuoka | Hiroshima | Osaka | Kyoto | Nagoya | Aomori |
| Tokyo | 1350 km | 1050 km | 800 km | 500 km | 450 km | 300 km | 700 km |
| Aomori | 2050 km | 1800 km | 1500 km | 1200 km | 1150 km | 1050 km | |
| Nagoya | 1000 km | 750 km | 450 km | 150 km | 100 km | ||
| Kyoto | 900 km | 600 km | 350 km | 50 km | |||
| Osaka | 900 km | 600 km | 350 km | ||||
| Hiroshima | 550 km | 300 km | |||||
| Fukuoka | 300 km |
Six companies are responsible for the construction and maintenance of expressways:
- Nippon East Expressway (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto)
- Central Nippon Expressway ( Kanto , Chubu )
- West Nippon Expressway (Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu)
- Metropolitan Expressway (Tokyo Metro)
- Hanshin Expressway (Osaka to Kobe)
- Honshu-Shikoku Bridge (three bridges between Shikoku and Honshu)
Road signs on highways and toll roads
Being able to read road signs quickly and easily is essential to your safety when driving on the highways in Japan. The road signs are very clear and easy to follow, as the names of the places are written in the English alphabet and numbers, as well as Japanese characters. The background color of road signs is green with white lettering and symbols explaining their meaning. Here are some common signs on Japan’s toll roads.
| A sign | Abbreviation | description |
| Fast road | EXPWY | This sign takes you to the expressway. |
| Exchange | IC | This sign shows entry and exit points on toll roads and often includes toll booths. |
| Combination | JCT | This sign indicates an intersection of expressways. |
| parking | PA | This sign directs you to the parking lot, restrooms, and vending machines. It usually includes additional symbols to indicate what is available in the parking lot — such as a “P” for parking. |
| Service area | on | This sign directs you to parking areas, restrooms, restaurants, and gas stations. Similar to the parking zone sign, the available amenities in the service area are displayed with corresponding symbols. |
How to pay for travel in Japan
On Japanese toll roads, the average car trip costs ¥25 per kilometer plus a ¥150 toll with an additional 10 percent consumption tax. The total is then rounded up to the nearest 50 yen. As with many toll road systems around the world, there are two payment methods: cash or credit card and Electronic Toll Collection (ETC).
Cash or credit card
If you’re using cash or a credit card (which is ideal if you’re making short, infrequent trips), you’ll need to go through a manual gate and get a ticket. When exiting the toll road, simply head back to the manually operated gate and either enter your ticket into the machine or hand it to an employee and pay.
Electronic Toll Collection (ETC)
The ETC system is fast, automatic and ideal for those who frequently travel on Japan’s toll roads. Vehicles equipped with an ETC device and a registered ETC card can head to the purple ETC signs and pass quickly and easily. Drivers should be aware that they will need to slow down to at least 20 km/h for the barrier to respond and open. Also, on the rare occasion that a driver encounters a broken ETC gate, all they have to do is walk up to the manual barrier and hand their card to an attendant to get through the exit gate.
How to save on tolls
If you are driving long distances in Japan, tolls on expressways may increase. Travelers outside of Japan can use expressway passes , which allow drivers to pay a one-time fee for unlimited freeway travel in a specific region. This is a boon for those who want to use a vehicle to see many different places. Some car rental companies are official distributors of these passes, making it easy to access Japan’s highways without being too expensive.
Travel tickets for expressways in Japan
Several passes are available to foreigners that allow unlimited use of designated expressways within a specific coverage area for a specific number of days. Passes are purchased together with rental cars at designated car rental locations within the pass’s coverage area. The passes work through ETC cards issued to drivers, allowing for easy travel on the expressway network.
Expressway passes can be beneficial for those who plan to travel long distances by car within a certain area within a relatively short period of time. They are rarely good value for someone who is just commuting from one city to another. Below are the available expressway passes:
- Japan Expressway Pass ticket price
: 20,400 yen (7 days) or 34,600 yen (14 days)
Coverage area: all of Japan except Hokkaido, metropolitan Tokyo, metropolitan Osaka / Kobe , and bridges between Honshu and Shikoku. - Hokkaido Expressway Pass ticket price
: from 3,700 yen (2 days) to 11,500 yen (14 days)
Coverage area: Hokkaido - Tohoku Expressway Pass ticket price
: 4,100 yen (2 days) to 12,200 yen (14 days)
Coverage area: Tohoku region - Central Nippon Expressway Pass Ticket Price: ¥
5,100 (2 days) to ¥16,300 (14 days)
Coverage Area: Central Japan between Tokyo and Kyoto, including Ise, Shirakawago, Toyama, and Kanazawa, except for some expressways around central Nagoya - Sanin-Setouti-Shikoku Expressway ticket price
: 6,100 yen (3 days) to 13,200 yen (10 days)
Coverage area: West Honshu and Shikoku, excluding bridges between Honshu and Shikoku - Kyushu Expressway ticket price
: from 3,600 yen (2 days) to 11,700 yen (10 days)
Coverage area: Kyushu
Entering and exiting the highway
To exit the motorway, drivers must follow the signs that lead you to junctions. These are entrances and exits on the highway, as well as established collection points.
Highways in Japan are usually two lanes, but can sometimes expand to three lanes near major cities. Drivers should pay attention to the speed limit, which ranges from 50 to 100 km/h.
Service areas on highways in Japan
Service zones can usually be found every 50-80 kilometers along the highways and differ in the number of facilities that are represented in them. The parking and service facilities available in each zone can be estimated by checking road signs before leaving.
The service area facilities are very clean and well equipped, offering travelers a variety of options from restrooms to restaurants. They often include tourist information, regional souvenir shops, and a variety of dining options.
Roads and rules in Japan
Cars drive on the left side of the road, and the driver’s seat and steering wheel are on the right side. The legal minimum driving age is 18. It is forbidden to drive a car while intoxicated. Road signs and rules follow international standards, and most signs on major roads are in Japanese and English. Vehicles must come to a complete stop before crossing any railroad track.
Typical speed limits are 80 to 100 km/h on expressways, 40 km/h in cities, 30 km/h on side streets and 50-60 km/h elsewhere; however, drivers tend to slightly exceed posted speed limits.
Most roads in Japan are free, with the exception of expressways, some scenic routes, and a small number of toll tunnels. Road conditions are generally good, although side streets in cities can be quite narrow or even impassable for large vehicles. Traffic congestion is a common problem in and around urban centers.
Drivers are generally well-mannered and considerate, but some common hazards on Japanese roads include speeding through intersections even after the traffic light has turned red, people stopping their cars on the edge of the road in such a way as to block traffic, and careless cyclists , especially those driving on the wrong side of the road.
Drunk driving is strictly prohibited!
Drunk driving is severely punished.
Cars drive on the left.
When driving on a two-way road, cars drive to the left.
Follow the road signs on a one-way road.
Traffic lights
Green arrow on the traffic light
Cars can move in the direction of the green arrow even if the light is yellow or red (many intersections have a right turn signal)
The traffic light is flashing
Flashing red light: stop briefly, then proceed with caution
Flashing yellow light: proceed with caution
Other important points
- Car drivers must wear seat belts.
- Children under the age of six must use a car seat.
- It is forbidden to use a mobile phone or look at the car navigation screen while driving.
- Always stop at stop signs and check left and right before proceeding.
Basic information about expressways
Outline
A highway on which there are no traffic lights, except in special situations. The speed limit is higher than on normal roads and a toll is required (free in some areas).
About IC and JCT
IC (interchange) is a place where expressways and general roads meet.
You can enter and exit expressways only on the IC and exits.
A JCT (Junction) is a place where more than one expressway joins.
Expressway indicator
Indicative signs
On the expressway, all signs with information about entrances, exits and road maintenance facilities are green. Warning signs are yellow, just like on normal roads. Entrances and exits: signposts that show the way
The arrow shows the direction of the road, and the names of places and other important information are displayed in Japanese and English (names of places are written by letters of the alphabet). Signs indicating future entrances and exits also indicate the distance. Entrance sign Name and direction of the road
Exit sign The connecting road and main destinations (direction) are indicated.
Kiloposts
Kiloposts are signs that indicate the distance from the starting point of the road (units are km). They are installed every kilometer and are useful for locating. Use your cell phone number as a guide to your location when calling for help in an emergency.
Distance between cars Markers
Keep enough distance between vehicles and drive them safely. Vehicle distance markers can help confirm the distance between your own vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
Speedway driving tricks
ACheck the signs and decide where you want to go before you arrive at the JCT/IC (interchange). cars when changing lanes.EKeep money and payment cards in an accessible place.FWatch traffic information displays.
The meaning of the use of the hazard on the highway
The last car in the traffic jam should flash the hazard light about 10 times. If someone allows you to merge, flash the hazard light 2-3 times to say thank you.
Three types of lanes (Normal Lane, ETC/Normal Lane, ETC Only Lane)
*For ETC information see in the Application section.
Pay the toll by cash or credit card. Take the ticket from the machine at the entrance, and hand it to the cashier at the exit (some ICs have a machine for calculating the fee).
Accepts all forms of payment: cash or credit card or use ETC.
Only cars equipped with an ETC card (IC card) can use this. The toll is paid automatically when passing through the gate.
Emergency situations on the expressway
Saving lives and ensuring safety comes first. Call an ambulance if someone is sick or injured in an accident. Call the police or the rental car agency after the victim has been treated. If you don’t speak Japanese, ask a Japanese person nearby to call for help. Emergency telephones are installed on the roadsides at intervals of one kilometer on the expressway.
Use your cell phone number as a guide to your location when calling for help in an emergency.
International driving license in Japan
Foreigners can drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for a maximum of one year, even if the IDP is valid for a longer period. After the one-year period, you will not be able to use your international driver’s license again unless you leave Japan for at least three consecutive months in between.
International driving licenses are not issued in Japan and should be obtained in your home country in advance. These are usually issued by your country’s national automobile association for a small fee. Japan only recognizes international driving licenses based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, which are issued by a large number of countries.
Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland and Taiwan do not issue permits based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, but instead have a separate agreement that allows drivers from these countries to drive in Japan for one year with an official Japanese translation of their driver’s license. Translations can be obtained from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), through Driving-Japan, or from the respective countries’ embassies or consulates in Japan.
People from other countries whose international driver’s licenses are not recognized by Japan and people who stay in Japan for more than one year must obtain a Japanese driver’s license.
Buying and owning a car in Japan
Japanese cars are divided into regular and light (keijidosha), which are subject to different taxes and regulations. Keijidosha cars (yellow license plates) are smaller vehicles that must meet strict restrictions on size, weight and power. Instead, they enjoy several tax breaks and incentives, as well as relaxed ownership rules, making them cheaper and easier to own than regular cars (white number plates).
Owning and operating a car comes with many costs, including mandatory MOTs every two to three years, annual car taxes, compulsory and optional insurance, high parking fees, toll roads and the cost of petrol.
Shaken is a mandatory safety inspection that cars in Japan must undergo every two years, with the exception of new cars, which only have their first inspection three years after purchase. Shaken usually costs between ¥100,000 and ¥200,000 and, in addition to the actual inspection fee, includes weight tax (usually ¥8,000 to ¥50,000) and mandatory insurance (around ¥30,000).
Since mandatory insurance does not provide full coverage, it is recommended to purchase additional, secondary car insurance. In addition, the annual car tax, which depends on the size of the engine, usually costs between 10,000 and 50,000 yen. Purchase tax must also be paid when buying a new car.
Buying a car requires numerous documents, including forms for car registration and proof of ownership of a parking space. Used cars additionally require transfer of ownership. Keijidosha cars enjoy more relaxed transfer processes. Fortunately, if you buy a car through a car dealer, most of the paperwork will be done for you, and your main task will be to sign the forms with your officially registered personal seal (Incan).
Gas station in Japan
There are gas stations all over Japan. Traditionally, they provide full service, although self-service stations have increased significantly in recent years. Many gas stations close at night, while others are open 24 hours a day. A liter of regular gasoline costs about 160 yen (as of January 2022). High octane gas and diesel are also widely available. Payment is possible by credit card or cash.
Getting gas at a full-service station (フル) requires a little basic Japanese . When you pull into the station, a security guard can direct you to a kiosk. Park, open the window and turn off the car. Tell the attendant what type of gas (e.g. “regular”), how much (e.g. “mantan” for a full tank) and how you will pay (e.g. “credit card”). He may give you a wet towel to clean the dashboard or ask you to take out the trash. Once done, it may ask which direction you want to go and then direct you into traffic.
Self-service stations (セルフ) only offer menus in Japanese. If there are any problems, the attendant should be present and able to help you. Note that when paying in cash, the exchange machine is often located separately or in the gas station building.
Rules for parking cars in Japan
Parking in the center of big cities is very expensive, costing several hundred yen per hour. The fee decreases with the size of the city and the distance to the center. Parking is often free in small towns and rural areas. Parking lots in national parks or near tourist attractions sometimes charge a fixed fee (usually 200-500 yen per use). Hotels in the city usually provide their guests with parking for a fixed fee (usually ¥1,000 per night), while hotels outside of major cities usually offer free parking.
In addition to standard parking lots, you can find several unique types of parking lots in Japan. The first are elevator parking lots in which cars are stored in towers. Drivers are encouraged to park their car on the lift, which will automatically place the car in the tower. When returning, the elevator will pick up the car and return it to you.
A second unique type of parking uses low barriers under the cars that rise to physically block each individual car. Once you have paid your parking fee (at the central payment machine or at the parking lot), the barrier is lowered and you can drive safely. This type of parking is usually found around small urban areas.