OFW Resource Hub

Kung nagda-drive ka sa Japan or nagpaplanong mag-road trip with friends and family, one thing you need to understand is Japan's :

高速道路（こうそくどうろ / Kōsoku Dōro）

Expressways / Highways

Japan's expressway network makes long-distance travel much faster and easier, pero unlike many ordinary roads, most expressways require toll fees. You also need to know about ETC, interchanges, service areas, speed limits, and what to do during an emergency.

1. What Is an Expressway?

An expressway is a high-speed road designed mainly for longer-distance travel.

You can use expressways when traveling between cities and prefectures—for example :

Tokyo → Nagoya → Osaka

or for road trips to tourist destinations outside your city.

Expressways usually have :

• Multiple lanes

• Limited entrances and exits

• No ordinary traffic lights

• Interchanges

• Toll gates

• Service and parking areas

Because vehicles travel at higher speeds, following road rules is especially important.

2. Expressways Are Usually Toll Roads

Unlike many regular roads, most Japanese expressways charge a :

通行料金（Tsūkō Ryōkin） – Toll fee

The amount can depend on factors such as :

• Distance traveled

• Vehicle category

• Route

• Expressway

• Applicable discounts

So before a long road trip, include toll fees in your budget—not just gasoline.

3. What Is ETC?

You'll often see :

ETC

This stands for Electronic Toll Collection.

An ETC system allows tolls to be processed electronically without making a normal cash payment at every toll booth.

A compatible ETC setup generally involves :

• An ETC onboard unit installed in the vehicle

• A valid ETC card

If you're renting a car, ask the rental company whether the vehicle has an ETC unit and whether you can rent or use an ETC card.

4. ETC Lanes vs. General Lanes

At toll gates, pay attention to the signs.

ETC専用

ETC Sen'yō

ETC only

Use this only when your vehicle has a properly functioning ETC setup.

一般

Ippan

General

This is for applicable non-ETC payment procedures.

Some toll gates may have combined or differently designated lanes.

Never enter an ETC-only lane just because the line looks shorter.

5. Slow Down at Toll Gates

Even when using ETC, don't approach the toll gate at full expressway speed.

Follow the posted signs and lane instructions and maintain enough distance from the vehicle ahead.

ETC equipment is convenient, but you still need to drive carefully through the gate.

6. What Is an IC?

On Japanese expressway signs, you'll frequently see :

IC – Interchange

An interchange is where vehicles enter or leave an expressway.

For example, your navigation system might tell you to exit at a particular IC.

Make sure you know your intended exit before reaching it. Missing an exit can add significant time to your trip.

7. What Is a JCT?

JCT – Junction

A junction is where major expressway routes connect.

This is particularly important around large cities, where several expressways may intersect.

Pay close attention to :

• Route numbers

• Destination signs

• Lane markings

• Navigation instructions

Don't make a sudden lane change because you realized too late that you're taking the wrong route.

8. Service Area vs. Parking Area

During long trips, you'll encounter :

SA – Service Area

サービスエリア（Sābisu Eria）

Larger rest facilities that may have :

• Toilets

• Restaurants

• Convenience stores

• Vending machines

• Gas stations

• Souvenir shops

• Information counters

• PA – Parking Area

パーキングエリア（Pākingu Eria）

Usually smaller rest areas offering basic facilities.

Some modern PAs can still be surprisingly well-equipped.

9. Take Regular Breaks

Long-distance driving can be exhausting.

Don't wait until sobrang antok ka na bago huminto.

Use service or parking areas to :

• Stretch

• Drink water

• Eat

• Use the restroom

• Rest

• Switch drivers if appropriate

If you're sleepy, stop and rest.

Coffee and loud music aren't substitutes for proper rest.

10. Follow the Posted Speed Limit

Do not assume every expressway has the same speed limit.

Always follow :

制限速度（Seigen Sokudo）

Posted speed limit

Limits may change because of :

• Weather

• Construction

• Accidents

• Traffic

• Road conditions

Electronic signs may display temporary restrictions, so pay attention even if you've driven the same route before.

11. Understand the Passing Lane

On roads with multiple lanes, don't stay unnecessarily in the passing lane.

In Japan, vehicles drive on the left side of the road, and overtaking is generally done from the right.

After safely passing, return to the appropriate travel lane when possible.

Avoid unnecessary lane changes or aggressive driving.

12. Keep a Safe Following Distance

Expressway speeds mean you need more distance to stop safely.

Don't :

• Tailgate

• Follow trucks too closely

• Suddenly brake without reason

• Cut closely in front of another vehicle

Increase your following distance during :

• Rain

• Snow

• Fog

• Heavy traffic

• Poor visibility

13. Never Stop on the Expressway Without a Valid Reason

Stopping on an expressway is extremely dangerous.

Don't stop because :

• You missed your exit.

• You want to check your phone.

• Someone needs a quick photo.

• You're unsure of the route.

Use the next appropriate SA, PA, or exit instead.

Emergency stopping is different and requires special precautions.

14. What If You Miss Your Exit?

Don't panic.

And definitely don't reverse.

Never :

• Back up

• Make a U-turn

• Stop suddenly

• Cross dangerous road markings to reach the exit

Continue driving safely and follow your navigation system to the next appropriate route.

A missed exit is inconvenient. A dangerous maneuver is much worse.

15. What If Your Car Breaks Down?

If your vehicle develops a problem :

• Move to a safe location if possible.

• Turn on your hazard lights.

• Get yourself and passengers away from traffic when it is safe to do so.

• Use appropriate warning equipment if available and safe.

• Contact the appropriate road/emergency assistance.

Expressway shoulders are dangerous places.

Don't casually stand beside your vehicle while high-speed traffic passes.

16. Emergency Number: 110

For a traffic accident or emergency requiring police assistance :

110 – Police

If someone is injured and needs an ambulance :

119 – Ambulance / Fire

When reporting an incident, try to identify your location using :

• Expressway name

• Direction of travel

• Nearby IC

• JCT

• Kilometer marker

• SA or PA

17. What If You Run Out of Gas?

Running out of fuel on an expressway can create a dangerous situation.

Before a long drive :

• Check your fuel level.

• Identify available gas stations.

• Don't assume every SA or PA has fuel.

• Be especially careful late at night.

In rural areas, the distance between fuel stations can be longer than you expect.

18. Check the Weather Before Driving

Weather can dramatically affect Japanese expressways.

Be especially careful during :

Heavy Rain

Visibility and tire grip can decrease.

Snow

Winter tires or chains may be required depending on conditions.

Typhoons

Sections of expressway may be restricted or closed.

Strong Winds

High-profile vehicles can be particularly affected.

Check road and weather information before a long trip.

19. Winter Driving Needs Extra Preparation

If you're traveling to snowy areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Nagano, Niigata, or mountainous regions, don't assume ordinary tires are enough.

Depending on conditions, you may need :

スタッドレスタイヤ（Studless Tires）

or tire chains where required.

If renting a car during winter, tell the rental company where you're planning to drive.

20. Traffic Jams During Holidays

Japan's expressways can become extremely busy during :

• Golden Week

• Obon

• New Year

• Long weekends

Traffic congestion is :

渋滞（Jūtai）

A trip that normally takes three hours can take much longer during peak periods.

Before leaving :

• Check traffic forecasts.

• Leave earlier.

• Fill the tank.

• Bring water.

• Allow extra travel time.

21. Don't Use Your Phone While Driving

Need to change Google Maps? Reply to a message? Search for the next restaurant?

Don't do it while driving.

Have a passenger handle navigation or stop somewhere safe and legal.

Distracted driving at expressway speeds can become dangerous very quickly.

22. Seat Belts Are Important

Everyone in the vehicle should wear a seat belt, including passengers in the rear seats.

Before entering the expressway, make sure :

• Driver is buckled

• Front passenger is buckled

• Rear passengers are buckled

• Children are properly secured as required

Don't start the trip until everyone is safely seated.

23. Renting a Car for an Expressway Trip

If you're renting a car, ask about :

• ETC equipment/card arrangements

• Toll payment

• Insurance

• Roadside assistance

• Navigation system

• Winter tires when necessary

• Fuel policy

Also inspect the vehicle before leaving and make sure you understand the rental company's accident procedure.

24. Budget for the Whole Trip

A road trip doesn't only cost gasoline.

Your budget may include :

Car rental + Toll fees + Gasoline + Parking + Food + Accommodation

Before deciding whether to drive, compare the total cost with :

• Shinkansen

• Train

• Highway bus

• Domestic flight

If several people are traveling together, driving may make sense—but calculate first.

Useful Japanese Words

高速道路（Kōsoku Dōro） – Expressway

料金所（Ryōkinjo） – Toll gate

通行料金（Tsūkō Ryōkin） – Toll fee

ETC専用（ETC Sen'yō） – ETC only

一般（Ippan） – General lane

インターチェンジ（IC） – Interchange

ジャンクション（JCT） – Junction

サービスエリア（SA） – Service Area

パーキングエリア（PA） – Parking Area

渋滞（Jūtai） – Traffic jam

制限速度（Seigen Sokudo） – Speed limit

通行止め（Tsūkōdome） – Road closed

事故（Jiko） – Accident

Expressway Checklist for OFWs

Before your road trip :

•  Check your route and destination IC.

•  Check estimated toll fees.

•  Confirm your ETC setup if using ETC.

•  Fill up your fuel tank.

•  Check tire condition.

•  Check weather and road conditions.

•  Check traffic forecasts.

•  Plan rest stops.

•  Bring water and essentials.

•  Make sure everyone wears a seat belt.

•  Prepare for snow when driving in winter areas.

•  Know 110 for police and 119 for ambulance/fire emergencies.

Tips for Filipinos in Japan

• Don't enter an ETC-only lane unless your vehicle is properly equipped for ETC.

• Don't assume toll fees are cheap—include them in your travel budget.

• Take breaks before you become sleepy.

• Never reverse if you miss your exit.

• Avoid unnecessary use of the passing lane.

• Check holiday traffic before Golden Week, Obon, and New Year trips.

• If renting a car in winter, ask specifically about winter tires.

• Keep your phone away while driving and let a passenger handle navigation whenever possible.

Japan's expressways（高速道路） make it convenient to travel between cities and explore places that may be difficult to reach by train.

For OFWs who drive in Japan, the important things to remember are simple: understand the toll system, know how ETC works, follow speed and lane rules, plan your rest stops, and always prioritize safety.

And before a long holiday road trip, remember to check traffic, weather, fuel, toll costs, and your route. A little preparation can make the difference between a relaxing road trip and several hours of “Bakit hindi tayo nag-Shinkansen?”

Sa PhilMoney, nais naming suportahan ang mga OFW sa Japan hindi lamang sa remittance, kundi pati na rin sa pagbibigay ng practical guides at useful information para mas maging informed, prepared, at confident sa everyday life in Japan.

Note : This article is intended for general information only. Regulations and procedures in Japan and the Philippines may change. Please verify the latest information with the appropriate government agency or official institution before taking action.