Tohoku — Expressways & Toll Roads
Northern Honshu's expressway network connecting six prefectures from Sendai to Aomori
About Tohoku Expressways
Northern Honshu's expressway network connecting six prefectures from Sendai to Aomori
The Tohoku region encompasses six prefectures in northern Honshu: Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata, and Fukushima. This region is known for its samurai heritage, stunning autumn foliage, natural hot springs, and the resilient spirit of its people following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
17
Expressways
6
Prefectures
66,950
km² Area
8.9M
Population
U.S. Military Base Access
The Tohoku region hosts Misawa Air Base, a key installation for U.S. forces in northern Japan.
✈️ Misawa Air Base
Joint U.S. Air Force / Japan Air Self-Defense Force base. Home to the 35th Fighter Wing and various intelligence units.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Daini-Michinoku Expressway: Misawa IC (15 min to Main Gate)
- • Tohoku Expressway: Shichinohe IC (30 min)
🏠 Misawa Family Housing
Family housing areas for Misawa-based personnel, both on-base and in surrounding communities.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Daini-Michinoku Expressway: Misawa IC
- • Daini-Michinoku Expressway: Hachinohe-Kita IC
🎖️ Camp Sendai (JGSDF)
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force camp with U.S. military liaison offices and joint training facilities.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Tohoku Expressway: Sendai-Miyagi IC (15 min)
- • Sendai-Nanbu Road: Nagamachi IC (10 min)
🏛️ Sendai Consulates
Several countries maintain honorary consulates in Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku.
📍 Nearest Toll Exits:
- • Sendai Metropolitan Expressway: Sendai Station Exit
- • Tohoku Expressway: Sendai-Miyagi IC (20 min to downtown)
Tohoku Expressways & Toll Roads
Key Routes & Highlights
- ✓Tohoku Expressway (Main Artery)
- ✓Sendai Area Network
- ✓Pacific Coast Routes
- ✓Access to Matsushima Bay - one of Japan's three most scenic views
- ✓Connection to Misawa Air Base and Camp Sendai
Major Cities Connected
Tohoku Driving Tips
🍂 Best Season
Autumn (October-November) offers spectacular foliage along mountain expressways.
🌨️ Winter Conditions
Heavy snowfall is common. Check road conditions and carry chains or use winter tires.
♨️ Hot Springs
Many famous onsen towns are accessible via expressway: Ginzan, Nyuto, and Naruko.
📱 ETC Discounts
Tohoku recovery discounts may apply for certain routes and times.
Roadway Alerts & Notices
TohokuE4 Tohoku Expressway Sano SA (Upbound) Restaurant 'SANO SKY DINER' Opens Outdoor Terrace for Dining with Pets
Drivers can now enjoy dining with their pets at the newly opened outdoor terrace at SANO SKY DINER.
View sourceE48 Yamagata Expressway Nighttime Closure Notice from Yudonoyama IC to Shonai Asahi IC
Drivers should be aware that the Yamagata Expressway will be closed at night between Yudonoyama IC and Shonai Asahi IC.
View sourceE4 Tohoku Expressway Downbound Nighttime Traffic Closure Notice from Matsuo Hachiman IC to Yasuda JCT
Expect nighttime closures on the downbound section of the Tohoku Expressway between specified interchanges.
View source