Kanto — Expressways & Toll Roads
Japan's busiest expressway network covering Tokyo, Yokohama, and surrounding prefectures
About Kanto Expressways
Japan's busiest expressway network covering Tokyo, Yokohama, and surrounding prefectures
The Kanto region is the heart of Japan, encompassing Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures. This area has the most complex and heavily-used expressway network in the country, including the famous Shuto Expressway system that weaves through Tokyo's urban landscape. For U.S. military personnel, this region provides critical access to Yokosuka Naval Base, Yokota Air Base, Camp Zama, and Atsugi Naval Air Facility.
51
Expressways
7
Prefectures
32,424
km² Area
43M
Population
U.S. Military Bases & Embassy Access
The Kanto region hosts the headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan and numerous key installations. Below are the nearest expressway interchanges for each base and embassy.
🚢 Yokosuka Naval Base
Home of the U.S. 7th Fleet. Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY).
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Yokohama-Yokosuka Road: Zushi IC (10 min)
- • Miura-Jukan Expressway: Hayashi IC (5 min)
✈️ Yokota Air Base
HQ of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) and 5th Air Force.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Chuo Expressway: Hachioji IC (15 min)
- • Ken-o Expressway: Iruma IC (15 min)
🎖️ Camp Zama
U.S. Army Japan headquarters. Major Army installation in Kanagawa.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Ken-o Expressway: Sagamihara IC (10 min)
- • Tomei Expressway: Atsugi IC (20 min)
✈️ NAF Atsugi
Naval Air Facility Atsugi. Joint JMSDF/USN aviation base.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Tomei Expressway: Atsugi IC (10 min)
- • Ken-o Expressway: Ebina IC (15 min)
🏠 Ikego Housing Area
Family housing for Yokosuka-based personnel.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Yokohama-Yokosuka Road: Zushi IC (5 min)
📡 Camp Fuchinobe
Communication station supporting Army operations.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Ken-o Expressway: Sagamihara IC (10 min)
🏛️ Tokyo Embassies & Consulates
Most embassies are located in central Tokyo (Minato-ku, Shibuya-ku areas) and are best accessed via the Shuto Expressway.
🇺🇸 U.S. Embassy Tokyo
1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Shuto C1: Tameike-Sanno (2 min walk)
- • Shuto #3: Kasumigaseki (5 min)
🏛️ Embassy District (Akasaka/Roppongi)
Home to most foreign embassies in Tokyo
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Shuto #3: Roppongi Exit (5 min)
- • Shuto C1: Akasaka Exit (5 min)
Major Kanto Expressways
Shuto Expressway (首都高速)
Tokyo's urban expressway network with 11 numbered routes, central loop (C1), and outer loop (C2). The most complex toll road system in Japan.
Tomei Expressway (東名高速)
Main artery connecting Tokyo to Nagoya. Essential for travel to Camp Zama, Atsugi, and beyond.
Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line (東京湾アクアライン)
Engineering marvel combining a 4.4km bridge and 9.6km tunnel across Tokyo Bay. Features the Umihotaru rest stop built on an artificial island.
Ken-o Expressway (圏央道)
The outer ring road connecting suburban areas and providing bypass routes around central Tokyo.
Major Cities Connected
Kanto Driving Tips
🚗 Rush Hour
Avoid 7-10 AM and 5-8 PM on weekdays. Shuto Expressway can be extremely congested.
🗻 Mt. Fuji Access
Use Chuo Expressway for Kawaguchiko area or Tomei for Gotemba Premium Outlets.
💰 Toll Costs
Kanto has the highest tolls in Japan. ETC discounts are essential for regular commuters.
📱 ETC 2.0
Many Kanto routes offer additional ETC 2.0 discounts for temporary exits.
Roadway Alerts & Notices
KantoNEXCO East Japan collaborates with Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza for 'Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza Set Plan' discount
Drivers can take advantage of a special discount plan when visiting Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza.
View sourceNotice of fee revision and end of prepaid card sales at Hibiya Parking Lot
The Hibiya Parking Lot has updated its pricing and will no longer sell prepaid cards.
View sourceRenovation work on E1 Tomei Expressway (Oimatsuda IC to Shimizu JCT) scheduled from September 1, 2026, to April 16, 2027
Expect significant traffic delays due to renovation work along this stretch of the expressway.
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 sourceE6 Joban Expressway Exit Ramp to Prefectural Road at Nagareyama IC Closed
Drivers should be aware that the exit ramp connecting Nagareyama IC to the prefectural road is currently closed.
View sourcePopular Areas in This Region
Tokyo & Kanto Toll Roads
Tokyo & Kanto Toll Road Guide for JapanETCcard Drivers
The Kanto region has Japan's busiest expressway network, covering Tokyo, Yokohama, and surrounding prefectures. Many JapanETCcard customers use these roads daily for commuting between military bases, embassy areas, and residential neighborhoods.
Common Routes & Expressways
Shuto Expressway
Tokyo's urban expressway network with multiple numbered routes (C1, C2, 1-11)
Tomei Expressway
Connects Tokyo to Nagoya. Major long-distance route passing Yokohama and Atsugi areas
Yokohama-Yokosuka Road
Direct route between Yokohama and Yokosuka Naval Base area
Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line
Cross-bay bridge and tunnel connecting Kawasaki to Kisarazu (Chiba)
Ken-o Expressway
Outer ring road connecting Yokota, Zama, and outer Tokyo suburbs
Chuo Expressway
Westward from Tokyo toward Mt. Fuji and Nagano
ETC Discounts in Tokyo & Kanto
The Kanto region includes roads operated by NEXCO East Japan, Metropolitan Expressway Co., and other operators. ETC discounts including late-night, commuter, and weekend rates apply on most routes, but exact discount programs vary by operator and road. The Aqua-Line has special ETC pricing.
Driving Notes
Kanto expressways are among the busiest in Japan. Heavy traffic is common during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM) especially on the Shuto Expressway. Consider late-night or weekend driving for better traffic and potential discount savings.
Common Tokyo & Kanto Toll Questions
Which expressway do I take from Yokosuka to Tokyo?
The most common route is the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road to the Shuto Expressway. From Yokosuka, enter at Zushi IC or Hayashi IC and follow signs toward Yokohama/Tokyo.
Why are Shuto Expressway tolls different from regular expressways?
The Shuto Expressway uses distance-based pricing within Tokyo's urban network. Tolls are calculated by entry and exit points and may differ from standard NEXCO expressway pricing.
Are there ETC discounts on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line?
Yes. ETC users receive significant discounts on the Aqua-Line compared to cash payment. Discounts vary by time of day and day of week.
How do I get from Yokota Air Base to central Tokyo?
From Yokota, use the Chuo Expressway or Ken-o Expressway to connect to the Shuto Expressway system toward central Tokyo.
Why does my Kanto toll bill seem higher than other regions?
The Kanto region has multiple toll road operators (NEXCO East, Metropolitan Expressway, etc.), and urban expressways can be more expensive per kilometer. Check your toll receipts for a detailed breakdown.
Can I get toll receipts for Shuto Expressway usage?
Yes. All ETC toll usage including Shuto Expressway is recorded and available through your toll receipt reports. Request reports from your dashboard.
Related Resources
Disclaimer: Toll prices, discounts, and eligibility may vary by road operator, time of day, route, and vehicle classification. The information on this page is provided for reference and may not reflect real-time pricing changes.
Always refer to official road operator announcements for the most current information. ETC discounts are applied automatically at toll gates for eligible ETC card users.