What’s ETC? A Quick Guide on the ETC and the JEP

Tokyo Tour Expressway 2019.06.11
In Japan we have expressways, and we use a system called ETC (Electronic Toll Collecting). We will briefly cover this tolling system used in Japan so you don’t get confused when you get here.

ETC, ATS, eToll, E-Z Pass, Liber-T, iPass, Telepass, ERP, VIA-T… whatever you want to call it.

Wherever you go, there's a electronic tolling system when you ride on highways, motorways or expressways.
In Japan we have expressways, and we use a system called ETC (Electronic Toll Collecting).

We will briefly cover this tolling system used in Japan so you don’t get confused when you get here.
  • Toll gates that accept ETC only
    Toll gates that accept ETC only
    If you’re riding along the Shutoko (首都高), or the Shuto Expressway in Japan, generally, you will be charged 1,300 yen. When you pay by cash. Whereas, if you pay be the ETC you will be charged between 300 to 1,300 yen, depending on how far you travel.
    It is obviously cheaper to use the ETC if you want to travel around Japan, driving along the expressways, and that is why we want to take you through this article to get you to know the Japanese roads a little more.
ETC can be used all around Japan
Because ETC is a unified system covering all around Japan, there are no other services used and that keeps things a lot simple for us when travelling.
  • If you’re renting a car, normally the car rental companies will lend you a card to use during your car rental period. (That should normally cost only about 300 yen without tax, 324 including tax. Note that this price may vary depending on the length of the rental period etc.)
    Simply talk to one of the staff at the counter of each rental companies to ask any questions or to listen to any details that you may need to know about.
    Once you have your car and the card you’re ready to go!
    Simply start your car and insert your card into the reader. Now you should be ready for your drive!

There’s also the Japan Expressway Pass (JEP)!

The JEP is a expressway pass that allows you to travel around Japan for a set price during 8 days or 14 days. Note that this pass doesn’t cover all the expressways in Japan.
Please see the official PDF for applicable areas and roads.

Take a look at this official page to know where you can get your JEP.
Planning to drive around?
Make sure to take a look at these articles before you hit the road!
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  • great work. لعبة بادل 2024.02.17 reply
  • I really like your posts. Thanks for this useful information tunnel rush 2023.12.01 reply
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