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
ChubuTraffic Conditions on Expressways During the Obon Period (Report) [Hokuriku Region] August 7, 2026 - August 16, 2026: 10 Days
Heavy traffic is anticipated in the Hokuriku region during the Obon holiday.
View sourceThird Phase of 'Smooth Travel Yamanashi Version' App Promotion Campaign Starting August 17, 2026
A new campaign to promote travel planning through the app will begin.
View sourceLaunch of 'Fast Travel Aichi/Nagoya Fun Tour Drive Plan' with Aichi/Nagoya Sightseeing Passport Starting July 29, 2026
A new travel plan promoting sightseeing in Nagoya is now available.
View sourceNighttime Closures on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway (E41) from Hida Kiyomi IC to Oyabe Tonami JCT
Nighttime closures will be in effect for this section.
View sourceNighttime Closures on the Hokuriku Expressway (E8) from Tsuruga IC to Kinomoto IC
Drivers are advised to use alternate routes during nighttime closures.
View source