Driving in Japan: Expressways and ETC

Planning a road trip in Japan? Learn how expressway tolls, ETC cards, speed limits, service areas and driving permits work so your drive goes smoothly.

Published October 16, 2026 at 10:50 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Most Japanese expressways charge distance-based tolls, which you can pay by cash or card at green-sign gates or automatically with an ETC card at purple-sign gates. Many rental companies rent ETC cards to visitors, and the standard limit is 100 km/h.

Why a Road Trip in Japan Is Worth Planning

More and more visitors are looking beyond the big train lines and renting a car to reach coastlines, mountain towns and small villages at their own pace. Japan's expressway network makes long distances manageable, and its rest stops are a pleasure to explore. The system works a little differently from highways in many other countries, though, especially when it comes to tolls and the electronic toll collection card known as ETC. This guide explains the essentials: documents you need, how tolls are collected, what ETC does, the speed limits, and how to enjoy service areas along the way.

Rules, passes and rental company offerings can change, so treat this as a friendly overview and double-check the latest details with the official sources listed below before you travel.

Before You Get Behind the Wheel

Traffic in Japan drives on the left. Visitors who want to drive generally need an International Driving Permit that is issued by their home country's authority, under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, it is valid for up to one year, and only the paper booklet version is accepted, not card or smartphone formats. Drivers with licenses from a small group of countries, including Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan, must carry their original license together with an official Japanese translation instead. Arrange these documents before you leave home, and confirm the current requirements for your country.

It is also smart to pick up some basic habits early. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt, using a phone while driving is illegal, and drinking and driving is prohibited. In snowy regions, winter tires or chains are required. When you collect a rental car, walk around it with the staff to note any scratches, request an English-language navigation setup if you need one, and plan to refuel before returning it.

How Expressway Tolls Work

Most national expressways charge tolls based mainly on distance. On many routes you take a ticket at the entrance, then pay at a gate when you exit, and the fee combines a fixed terminal charge with a per-kilometer rate that depends on the type of vehicle. The Meishin Expressway between Nagoya and Kobe was the country's first, with its initial section opening in 1963, and today the network is run by regional companies, East Nippon, Central Nippon and West Nippon Expressway Company, commonly known as NEXCO East, Central and West since the 2005 privatization.

At a toll gate, you will see lane signs of different colors. Gates marked in purple are for ETC users, while gates marked in green accept cash or credit cards. Choose carefully when approaching, because you cannot easily reverse if you drift into a wrong lane. If you are unsure, slow down and follow the signs for staffed lanes, where an attendant can help.

ETC Cards Explained

ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection. A small card goes into a reader installed in the vehicle, and as you pass through an ETC lane the toll is recorded automatically, without stopping to pay by hand. Many rental companies rent ETC cards to visitors, and the toll charges are generally settled when you return the car. Not every company offers this, and the arrangement can differ, so ask when you book and check that the car you receive has a working ETC reader.

The benefits are convenience and, on some roads, special discounts at certain times of day. Using ETC also saves you from fumbling for cash at the gate. Expressway passes aimed at visitors have existed in several regions, bundling unlimited use of designated roads for a set number of days. The tourism organization notes that the nationwide Japan Expressway Pass is no longer sold, and offerings for specific regions have changed over time, so ask your rental company which passes, if any, are currently available for the area you are visiting. Compare the pass price with your planned route before deciding, since passes do not always save money.

Speed Limits, Etiquette and Rest Stops

On national divided expressways the standard limit is 100 kilometers per hour, and certain sections of a few expressways carry a limit of 120 kilometers per hour. Two-lane expressways and undivided stretches are usually limited to 70 or 80 kilometers per hour, and many city expressways have a 60 kilometer per hour limit. Large trucks, vehicles towing trailers and some other categories have lower limits. Most expressways outside cities also use variable speed limit signs that reduce the limit during heavy traffic, construction or bad weather, so keep an eye on the overhead displays.

Good manners go a long way. Keep to the left lane except to pass, signal clearly, and leave generous space between cars. Smooth, predictable driving is the best way to fit in. Expressways are for motorized traffic, so do not expect to stop on the shoulder except in an emergency.

One of the delights of an expressway journey is the stops. Parking areas, called PAs, usually provide restrooms, vending machines and perhaps a small shop. Service areas, called SAs, are larger and typically have restaurants, shops with regional specialties and fuel stations. They make a convenient place to rest, stretch and sample local snacks, and many travelers enjoy browsing for regional souvenirs. Plan a break roughly every couple of hours to keep yourself fresh, and use the stops to check your route and the weather ahead.

Fuel stations come in full-service and self-service versions, so look for signage that explains which type you are at. In big cities, parking can be limited and parking outside designated spaces may lead to penalties, so booking a hotel with parking or using a coin parking lot is wise. For urban sightseeing, many visitors find that trains and a rental car for countryside days make an ideal combination.

Quick Takeaways

Driving in Japan is straightforward once you know the basics. Bring a valid International Driving Permit or the required translation, expect distance-based tolls, rent an ETC card if your rental company offers one, and watch the signs for purple ETC lanes and green cash or credit lanes. Stay in the left lane, obey the posted speed limits, and enjoy the service areas.

As of autumn 2026, rules, passes and fees can still change, so check with the official tourism and expressway sources and with your rental company before you travel. With a little preparation, a Japanese road trip can be a relaxed and rewarding way to see the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an ETC card to drive on Japanese expressways?

No, cash and credit cards are accepted at staffed gates. An ETC card is more convenient because tolls are recorded automatically as you pass through ETC lanes. Many rental companies rent ETC cards to visitors, but not all do, so ask when you book.

What license do visitors need to drive in Japan?

Visitors generally need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, valid for up to one year, and only the paper booklet is accepted. Drivers from a few countries, including Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan, need a Japanese translation of their license.

What are the speed limits on Japanese expressways?

The standard limit on divided national expressways is 100 km/h, with 120 km/h on certain sections. Two-lane or undivided stretches are usually 70 or 80 km/h, and many urban expressways are limited to 60 km/h. Variable signs may lower limits in heavy traffic or bad weather.

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