ETC auto-toll is 25–30% cheaper than cash. Tourist ETC Pass: ¥7,500/3 days, ¥10,000/5, ¥14,000/7.
Most expressways (高速道路, kōsoku-dōro) are toll-operated by NEXCO East, Central, West and regional operators. Rates average ~¥25 per km for standard passenger cars. Tokyo-Osaka one-way is about ¥13,000 cash. Toll booths accept cash or ETC (electronic toll collection) — but cash is slow and charges 10-30% more than ETC.
At rental time, select 'ETC card' (¥330/day) as an add-on. The operator issues a credit-linked ETC card that works with the in-car ETC reader. At each toll gate, drive slowly through the purple ETC lane — gate lifts automatically, toll is added to your rental invoice. No need to stop, slow to 20 km/h.
Unlimited tolls for foreign visitors. Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP): ¥3,500/2-days, ¥5,000/3, ¥7,500/4, ¥9,000/5. Central Nippon Expressway Pass (CEP): ¥8,000/3-days, ¥13,200/7. Kyushu Expressway Pass (KEP): ¥7,500/3-days, ¥10,000/5, ¥14,000/7. Rule of thumb: plan >¥10,000 of tolls? Buy the pass.
Same-day short trips under ¥2,000 of tolls — the ¥330/day ETC add-on isn't worth it. Note: cash lanes are marked 一般 (ippan, 'general') in green. Have ¥10,000 notes ready, attendants always have change. Have IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) also accepted on some urban expressways.
Every 30-50 km on major expressways. Service Area (SA) = toilets, convenience store, restaurant, petrol, often onsen and local produce. Parking Area (PA) = toilets + vending. Famous SAs: Ebina (Tōmei), Adatara (Tōhoku), Kariya Highway Oasis. Free Wi-Fi at all of them.
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