Japan's Toll Expressway System
Japan's expressways are impeccably maintained, incredibly fast, and very expensive. The toll system is primarily designed around the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system, but you can absolutely pay with cash or credit cards if you don't have one.
Entering the Toll Gate (Without ETC)
When approaching a toll gate to enter the highway, you will see lanes marked in different colors.
- Purple Lanes (ETC 専用): These are strictly for cars with an active ETC card inserted. Do NOT enter this lane if you don't have a card; the barrier will not open.
- Green Lanes (一般 - General): This is the cash/credit card lane. Drive into the green lane. Stop at the machine and take the paper ticket that pops out. Keep this ticket safe!
Exiting the Toll Gate (Without ETC)
When you reach your destination exit, follow the signs for the Green "一般" (General) lane again. Hand your paper ticket to the toll booth attendant (or insert it into the automated machine). The screen will display your toll amount. You can pay using Japanese Yen cash or a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard).
Why You Should Rent an ETC Card
While paying with cash is possible, we highly recommend renting an ETC card from your rental car company. It usually costs a flat fee of 330 JPY for the rental period. With an ETC card, you can glide through the purple lanes without stopping, and you often receive weekend and nighttime discounts on toll fares. You simply settle the final toll bill with the rental company when you return the car.