Exclusive for foreign self-drive travelers: Japan launches the "All-Japan Expressway Pass"

▲ Self-drive tourism among foreign visitors in Japan is becoming increasingly popular. Image is for illustration only (Photo provided by netizen YaFi, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Self-drive tourism has become a new trend in travel to Japan in recent years. In addition to Okinawa, many travelers visiting various parts of Japan have also started to opt for the more independent option of driving themselves. To boost tourism, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced the launch of the "All-Japan Expressway Pass" for foreign visitors starting from the 13th. This pass allows unlimited use of toll roads across most regions of Japan for a specified number of days.

▲ Japan launches the "All-Japan Expressway Pass" (Japan Expressway Pass). (Image via NEXCO official website)

According to data from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, over the past six years, the number of foreign visitors who chose to drive in Japan has increased more than fourfold. To make travel more convenient for foreign visitors, the ministry will launch the "Japan Expressway Pass" starting October 13.

The Japan Expressway Pass is available in two options: a 7-day pass and a 14-day pass, priced at 20,000 yen (approximately NT$5,440) and 34,000 yen (approximately NT$9,250) respectively. Foreign visitors can purchase the pass with their passport when renting a car in Japan, allowing them unlimited access to most toll roads. However, there are still some areas where the pass cannot be used, including the Metropolitan Expressway, Hanshin Expressway, Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway, Kanmon Tunnel, highways within Hokkaido, and the Second Shinmei Road.