Chubu — Expressways & Toll Roads
Central Japan's expressway hub connecting Nagoya to the Japan Alps and Sea of Japan
About Chubu Expressways
Central Japan's expressway hub connecting Nagoya to the Japan Alps and Sea of Japan
The Chubu region, located in central Honshu, is dominated by Nagoya - Japan's third-largest metropolitan area and a major manufacturing hub. The region includes the Japanese Alps, historic Takayama, the sacred Ise Shrine, and serves as a crucial transportation corridor connecting Tokyo and Osaka.
26
Expressways
9
Prefectures
66,777
km² Area
21M
Population
Major Chubu Expressways
Tomei Expressway (東名高速)
The original Tokyo-Nagoya expressway, connecting the two major metropolitan areas via Shizuoka.
Shin-Tomei Expressway (新東名高速)
The newer, faster parallel route to Tomei with 120 km/h speed limits on some sections.
Meishin Expressway (名神高速)
Historic expressway connecting Nagoya to Osaka/Kobe - Japan's first intercity expressway (1963).
Nagoya Expressway (名古屋高速)
Urban expressway network with 16 routes serving the Nagoya metropolitan area.
🏛️ Consulates in Chubu Region
Nagoya hosts several foreign consulates serving the Chubu region. Below are the nearest expressway interchanges.
🇺🇸 U.S. Consulate Nagoya
Sakae 2-chome, Naka-ku, Nagoya
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Nagoya Expressway: Nishiki-bashi Exit (5 min)
- • Nagoya Expressway: Higashishinhori Exit (10 min)
🏛️ Other Consulates (Nagoya)
Korean, Chinese, Brazilian, and other consulates in central Nagoya
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Nagoya Expressway: Marunouchi Exit (central area)
- • Meishin Expressway: Nagoya IC (20 min to center)
Note: The Chubu region does not have permanent U.S. military bases. However, the region serves as a transit corridor for personnel traveling between Kanto and Kansai/Kyushu bases.
All Chubu Toll Roads
Key Routes & Highlights
- ✓Nagoya Urban Expressway
- ✓Ise Shrine Access
- ✓Japan Alps Routes
- ✓Toyota City Area
- ✓Access to Takayama and historic Shirakawa-go (UNESCO World Heritage)
- ✓Scenic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route connections
Major Cities Connected
Chubu Driving Tips
🚗 Shin-Tomei vs Tomei
Shin-Tomei is faster (120 km/h limit) but Tomei has more service areas and exits.
⛩️ Ise Shrine
Use Ise Expressway for direct access. Very crowded during New Year and Golden Week.
🏔️ Alpine Routes
Mountain expressways may close in winter. Check conditions before traveling to Takayama.
📱 ETC Benefits
Significant night discounts available on most Chubu expressways.
Roadway Alerts & Notices
ChubuNighttime closure at Toyota Fujioka IC (outbound exit) on C3 Tokai Circular Route
Nighttime closures will occur on August 1 and 2, 2026, with alternative routes recommended.
View sourceOfficial name for the smart IC in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, is decided as 'Okazaki North Smart IC'
The new smart IC in Okazaki has been officially named, enhancing navigation for drivers.
View sourceGifu Prefecture Touring Drive Plan 2026 Starts July 1, 2026
The 'Gifu Prefecture Touring Drive Plan 2026' will start on July 1, 2026, offering unlimited travel on expressways in the area for a fixed fee.
View sourceETC Vehicle Purchase Subsidy Campaign for Koshin, Tokai, and Hokuriku Areas Announced for 2026
A new subsidy campaign for ETC devices will start in July 2026.
View sourceNighttime Closures at Meishin Expressway Ichinomiya IC Exit and Tokai Hokuriku Expressway Ichinomiya Nishi IC
Expect nighttime closures at these locations from July 13 to 16.
View source