Driving on the Japanese Expressway

Japanese “Expressway” (高速道路) is a toll road which connects major cities in the country, and is famous world-wide for being expensive. A drive from Kanazawa Nishi I.C to Kyoto Higashi I.C costs 5,500 yen in toll fees alone! In recent years, thanks to progress in road construction, it has become possible to travel on comfortable, spacious roads without using the toll road. If you want to take your time, enjoying the natural beauty of the ocean and mountains during your road trip, it is better to stay on these country roads. However, for travellers who are short on time, the toll road is very efficient and worth while.

Make sure you don’t go
into the ETC lane!!
When you approach the toll road, you will see green coloured signs with 一般 (Ippan) and ETC written on them. 一般 is the Japanese term for Public. If you are a traveller from overseas, make sure you go to the 一般 lane, and take a ticket at the entrance.You will need to present this when you exit the toll road,and pay a fee at the toll boothbased on the distance you drove. Make sure you do not enter the ETC lane, because the gate will not open, and you will likely end up with a line of cars backed up behind you and no way to turn around.

What is ETC?
ETC stands for electronic toll collection, and requires ownership of an ETC card, and a car equipped with an ETC card reader. With an ETC card, you can get a discount on toll fees during certain times of the day and week, so it is popular among Japanese travellers. Some car rental companies lend out these card readers and ETC cards to customers, so if you are interested in using one it is best to inquire when you make a reservation.

Service areas
About every 50 kilometers (31 miles) along the toll road, you will find a rest area called a “service area” with a gas station beside it. These facilities are highly convenient for travellers. The washrooms are clean and well maintained, the restaurants offer affordable filling meals, and you can stock up on souvenirs and snacks for the road. In recent years convenience stores and fast food restaurants have opened up at some of these service areas, but its the most fun to try the local specialities distinct to each region which are served at the restaurants.

The speed limit is 100 km/h.

In Japan, the speed limit on the toll road is 100 km/h. If you drive above this you could get a speeding ticket, so be careful! Depending on the weather and road conditions, some places have reduced speed limits of 80 km/h and even 70 km/h. There will always be a sign to let you know so don’t worry!

Stay on the left on the expressway!
When you are driving on the toll road, you should generally be in the left lane. The right lane is for passing only. If you pass someone, make sure to return to the left lane as soon as possible!