Unlimited use of expressways! Japan Expressway Pass for foreign tourists

photo by hidekio

Japan has been one of the hottest tourist destinations among travelers and its popularity seems to keep growing. The most commonly used transportation method in Japan by foreign tourists is always railways thanks to wide spread networks across the country and variety of tourists passes promoted by railway companies. On the other hand, traveling by car can be convenient when visiting destinations far away from urban area. In fact, the number of foreign tourists who travel by car is steadily increasing in recent years. One downside of touring Japan by car is toll on expressways which is the main reason many travelers are reluctant to use a car as a transportation method in Japan, as expressways are free of charge in many other counties. But check this! In October 2017, Japan Expressway Pass was introduced to allow foreign drivers unlimited use of expressways across Japan for a set period of time for a flat rate.

About Japan Expressway Pass

Japan Expressway Pass is a special flat-rate pass for foreign passport holders which is offered by NEXCO group. There are two types of passes, 7-days and 14-days, which allow unlimited use of expressways across Japan during the validity period. Unlike Japan Railway Pass that is provided in a form of paper ticket, Japan Expressway Pass is programmed in ETC card from a rental car company when you rent a car.

Pricing

7-day pass: 20000yen
14-day pass: 34000yen

Comparison to general one-way toll from Tokyo to other major cities of Japan

Tokyo – Suita, Osaka prefecture (470km): 10700yen (5h 20m)
Tokyo – Kyoto East, Kyoto prefecture (430km): 9900yen (5h)
Tokyo – Nagoya, Aichi prefecture (320km): 7090yen (3h 40m)
Tokyo – Fukuoka, Fukuoka prefecture (1060km): 22400yen (12h)

※When utilize ETC and drive without stopping.

Area

Japan Expressway Pass can be used on toll roads operated by NEXCO group, Expressway Public Corporations of Miyagi, Kyoto and Hyogo prefecture. However, it is not valid for all expressways in Hokkaido and expressways operated by companies other than previously mentioned companies. A ETC card with Japan Expressway Pass can be used as normal at any toll gates outside of the covered area. However, use of expressways that is not covered by JEP will be charged. The followings are examples of expressways that are NOT covered by JEP.

Metropolitan Expressway (Tokyo)
Hanshin Expressway (Kinki region)
Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway
All expressways in Hokkaido

Eligibility and how to purchase

Eligibility

To purchase Japan Expressway Pass, you must:

Hold a non-Japanese passport, or be Japanese citizen with permanent residence permits in a foreign country
Hold a driver’s license that can be used in Japan

Purchase procedures

To purchase Japan Expressway Pass, an application must be made at the same time as a rental car booking. The below is a list of rental car companies that offer Japan Expressway Pass ETC card.

Times Car RENTAL, TOYOTA Rent a Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Budget Rent a Car, Heisei Rent-a-Car, JR Rent-A-Car (WEST), JR East Rental & Lease, ORIX Rent-A-Car, Nissan Rent-A-Car

Check the list of rental car dealers and choose a shop that has Japan Expressway Pass deal.
Book a regular-sized passenger cars and ETC card with Japan Expressway Pass.
On pick up day, fill the form to rent a car and ETC Card with Japan Expressway Pass provided by a shop staff. Rental fees for the rental car and ETC card is to be paid before getting the car.
Pick up the car and ETC card, then head to your destination.
Return the car and ETC card to the shop and pay for fees that are not covered by your initial payment.

Important reminder

Japan Expressway Pass is only to be purchased with renting a car in Japan, and cannot be purchased independently.
Only specific rental car dealer shops offer Japan Expressway Pass. Check the list of dealers’ shops before booking a car.
The Japan Expressway Pass can only be used with regular-sized passenger cars.
There will be NO refund of fees even when the total sum of tolls you used falls below the price of pass.
Availability of a combination of Japan Expressway Pass and one-way service is depending on each shop. Inquire beforehand.

Happy driving!

A prime bottleneck of touring Japan by car is expensive toll of expressways. Thinking about prices of a rental car, petrol in addition to toll roads, not many people would be so enthusiastic about driving in Japan. Average price of car hire for 7days is 46000yen in Japan. It may be very expensive just for one person, however, can be a good deal for a group of a few members. Japan Expressway Pass can be booked after your arrival in Japan. If you are coming to Japan with friends or family, traveling by car may be a great way to tour around.