If you plan to drive on Japan’s highways, getting an ETC card is a smart move. It lets you pay tolls automatically without stopping, which saves time and makes your trip smoother.
To buy an ETC card in Japan, you need to apply through banks or specialized providers, show identification, and sometimes provide vehicle information.
You don’t need to own a car to get an ETC card, but your vehicle must have an ETC-compatible device installed. Many providers, including ones friendly to foreigners, offer quick card issuance and support for various communities living in Japan.
The process involves some simple paperwork and can be done both online and in person.
How to Buy ETC Card in Japan
Understanding ETC Card and Japan’s Toll System
The ETC card is a key part of Japan’s toll road system. It works with special equipment in the car to pay tolls without stopping.
This system saves time and often offers discounts.
What Is an ETC Card
An ETC card is a smart card used to pay tolls automatically on Japan’s expressways. It fits into an ETC reader installed in your car.
The card stores pre-paid money or links to a credit card, which pays tolls as you drive. The card itself is separate from the reader.
Some cars come with a reader built in, but you usually have to get the card yourself. Foreigners can’t apply for personal ETC cards, but many car rental companies offer rental cars equipped with ETC cards and readers.
楽天カードと楽天ETCカードがポスト投函されてたんだけど、郵便局に問い合わせたら簡易書留とかの表示が無ければ普通にポスト投函になりますとのこと、危なくない？
— 薩摩おごじょ (@runmaru68) September 30, 2025
先日の新カード送りますメールって普通郵便で届けるってことだったのかな？削除しちゃったよ💦#楽天カード https://t.co/NSSCCYHION pic.twitter.com/RYIRlG6GOI
How ETC Works at Toll Gates
When you approach a toll gate with an ETC lane, the reader in your car communicates wirelessly with the gate’s antenna. The system detects your ETC card and automatically deducts the toll fee.
You don’t have to stop or pay cash; the gate opens for you to pass through quickly. The system logs your toll use, so if your card is linked to a credit or prepaid account, payments are processed automatically.
If you don’t have an ETC card, you must use the regular lanes, where you stop and pay cash or credit card.
Benefits of Using ETC on Japanese Expressways
Using an ETC card speeds up your travel because you can pass through toll gates without stopping or queuing. This can save you a lot of time during long trips or busy periods.
Many expressways also offer toll discounts for ETC users. Discounts can vary by region, time of day, or vehicle type.
Paying electronically helps you avoid fumbling for cash and makes tracking toll expenses easier. Some toll gates only accept ETC payment.
So having an ETC card ensures full access to all expressway routes, including major arteries in cities like Tokyo.
Types of ETC Cards Available in Japan
ETCカード届いた。使い道は無いが… pic.twitter.com/1Xrvufdczu
— Luna Tsukinashi (@LunaTsukinashi) September 24, 2025
There are three main types of ETC cards for use on Japan’s expressways. Each type suits different needs depending on your residency, usage, and whether you drive your own car or rent one.
Credit-Based ETC Cards
These cards link directly to a credit card for automatic toll payments. If you have a Japanese credit card, you can often apply for an ETC card through the same provider.
This option lets you pay tolls on credit and then settle the balance monthly. Credit-based ETC cards do not require a deposit, and you can use them without worrying about running out of prepaid funds.
However, these cards can be harder to get if you’re a foreigner with a short residency or limited credit history in Japan. Approval depends on your creditworthiness.
Personal ETC Cards
Personal ETC cards work like prepaid cards. You need to deposit a certain amount upfront, which is then used to pay tolls.
The deposit usually must be at least four times the monthly expected toll cost, since you can only use up to 25% of the deposit each month. Applying for a personal ETC card involves filling out an application, submitting identification, and mailing the forms.
You then make the deposit at a convenience store or bank. The card is issued after the deposit clears, and there is a small annual fee.
This option does not require a credit check.
Rental ETC Cards for Tourists
Tourists cannot get their own ETC cards because they need a Japanese driver’s license and residency status. Instead, many car rental companies offer ETC cards pre-installed in rental cars as an optional service.
You just book the ETC option with your rental car. The rental company handles all the card setup and billing.
Some popular rental agencies that provide ETC cards include Toyota Rent a Car, Nissan Rent a Car, and Tocoo. Using rental ETC cards lets foreigners take advantage of expressway toll discounts without extra paperwork.
How to Buy or Acquire an ETC Card
ETCカード更新〜😌 pic.twitter.com/zulipjWcoE
— ShinまっちゃこSV🇯🇵令和元年に頭スイッチ (@irnQd8NhXSKorbt) September 29, 2025
To get an ETC card in Japan, you usually need a Japanese driver’s license and a valid address. There are different ways to apply depending on your situation, whether you want a card linked to a credit account, a personal card, or a short-term option as a tourist.
Each method has specific steps and requirements.
Applying for a Credit-Based ETC Card
If you want convenience and easy payment, applying for a credit-based ETC card is common. You first need to have a credit card issued by a Japanese company such as Orico, JCB, or Rakuten.
Banks like Japan Post Bank or Shinsei Bank often help foreigners get these cards with less hassle. The application requires identity documents and proof of address.
Sometimes, you must show a certificate of employment if requested by the bank. Once approved, the ETC card will be linked to your credit card, allowing toll fees to be charged automatically later.
This method may take some weeks due to the paperwork involved.
Obtaining a Personal ETC Card
A personal ETC card is different because it is not linked to a credit card. You need to apply either online, by phone, or in person at highway service areas.
The process requires basic Japanese skills. You must provide a copy of your residence card and pay a refundable deposit, usually around 40,000 yen.
This card works by loading the deposit as a prepayment for tolls. If your usage exceeds certain limits, the card may be locked until you add more funds.
Personal cards often need you to be the registered driver of the vehicle. The application hours are generally 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at service areas or during weekday office hours by phone.
Getting an ETC Card as a Tourist
Tourists driving in Japan often cannot apply for a long-term ETC card because they lack a Japanese driver’s license. However, some rental companies offer ETC cards with their vehicles.
This usually costs extra but saves time. Another option is to use a specialized service like Japan ETC Card, which helps foreigners get a card quickly online.
This service might require a security deposit and vehicle registration details. It is the fastest way if you plan to stay and drive for some months, with customer support offered in English.
Using Rental ETC Cards and Expressway Pass Options
職場のアクアに付いててETCカード入れるとこないってやってた https://t.co/TTj1DMcC5w
— jun (@jtrkr1) September 25, 2025
When renting a car in Japan, adding an ETC card to your booking makes highway toll payments faster and easier. You can also choose special passes like the ToCoo! Expressway Pass (TEP) to save money on tolls for specific regions.
How to Reserve an ETC Card with Car Rentals
To get an ETC card with your rental car, you must request it during the booking process. Most rental companies offer an option labeled “ETC card needed” or similar, so check that box or tell the staff when you pick up the car.
There is usually a small rental fee around 330 yen, which is added to your total rental cost. The toll fees you pay with the ETC card will also be billed at the end, combined with the rental payment.
Make sure to confirm that the rental car has an ETC device installed. Not all vehicles come with one, so it’s important to check before you arrive.
The ETC card will be inserted into the device for you.
Using ToCoo! Expressway Pass (TEP)
The ToCoo! Expressway Pass (TEP) is a region-specific pass that offers unlimited travel on designated expressways in the Tohoku area. It requires renting an ETC card along with your vehicle.
This pass lets you drive on certain expressways at a fixed price for a set number of days, which can save money if you plan to travel long distances within the region. When you choose TEP, you still use the ETC card to pass through toll gates without stopping.
The toll costs are covered by your pass, making travel smoother and more affordable during your trip.
Regional Expressway Passes and Their Benefits
Regional expressway passes offer travelers specific ways to save money and avoid the hassle of paying tolls individually. These passes cover different areas of Japan and provide discounts or unlimited travel within set regions.
Knowing which pass fits your travel plans can make driving easier and more affordable.
「Japan Expressway Pass」
— チャロくん (@haino_san9) September 22, 2025
外国人、高速道路乗り放題
地域別もあるけれど、日本全国版は7日2万円、14日3万4千円と激安なり😂
国内旅行好きだし外国人になりたいなりー💰#高速道路乗り放題 #Japan Expressway Pass https://t.co/uXmonCJO5Q pic.twitter.com/BeZA5R2YIV
Japan Expressway Pass (JEP)
The Japan Expressway Pass (JEP) covers many expressways across a wide area in Japan. It is mainly designed for foreign tourists who hold a valid passport and use a rented car with an ETC device.
The JEP allows unlimited travel on designated expressways within the covered regions for a fixed price. This pass saves you from paying tolls at each gate.
It is activated for a set period, usually a few days or weeks, which gives you a clear budget for highways. You must register ahead of time, and the pass cannot be used with personal vehicles.
Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP)
The Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP) is focused on Hokkaido Island. It is available exclusively to non-Japanese residents or foreign tourists.
The HEP allows unlimited use of expressways across the island during the rental period. This pass helps when you plan to explore Hokkaido extensively by car.
It reduces the cost of tolls which can add up due to the large distances. Renting cars fitted with ETC devices and using the HEP saves both time and money compared to cash toll payments.
You must present the proper documents to qualify for this pass.
Tohoku Expressway Pass (TEP)
The Tohoku Expressway Pass (TEP) is suited for travel through the Tohoku region in northern Japan. It offers unlimited travel on selected expressways within this area.
Like other regional passes, it targets tourists and foreign residents driving rented vehicles. TEP simplifies toll payments when visiting multiple cities in Tohoku.
It can be used for several days during your stay. There are also benefits like toll discounts and special exception rules on certain holidays or times.
You often need to apply in advance or purchase the pass through rental agencies or online.
Kyushu and Okinawa Expressway Passes
Kyushu and Okinawa each have separate expressway passes. The Kyushu Expressway Pass covers expressways in Kyushu Island, while Okinawa offers passes for its limited expressway network.
Both serve visitors who want easy access and predictable toll costs. These passes support travelers exploring these regions by car.
They often include similar deals: unlimited expressway use within the region, no stop toll payments, and cost savings on multiple trips. Passes can be obtained through rental car companies and require the use of an ETC card and device.
| Region | Coverage Area | Eligibility | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEP | Multiple regions nationwide | Foreign tourists with rental cars | Unlimited use, fixed price |
| HEP | Hokkaido | Foreign tourists and residents abroad | Unlimited island-wide access |
| TEP | Tohoku region | Foreign tourists with rental cars | Flexible travel, toll discounts |
| Kyushu & Okinawa | Kyushu and Okinawa islands | Foreign tourists with rental cars | Cost-effective regional travel |
Important Considerations When Buying an ETC Card
When buying an ETC card in Japan, it’s important to keep several details in mind. These include the costs involved, who can apply, where you receive the card, and whether your vehicle’s ETC reader will work with it.
Fees and Deposits
Getting an ETC card usually means paying an annual fee and a deposit. The annual membership fee is about ¥1,250.
The deposit acts like a prepaid balance you use for tolls. You must decide how much to deposit when applying.
You can only use up to 25% of your deposit per month. So, if you plan to spend ¥2,500 monthly, you need to deposit at least ¥10,000.
This deposit system means you pay tolls from your prepaid amount before topping it up. It’s important to budget carefully to avoid running out of prepaid funds while driving.
少々気が早い気がするけどETCカードを申し込んだ pic.twitter.com/SbEv11GCj8
— めぐたま🗾 (@tamamegutoyo) September 22, 2025
Eligibility for Foreigners and Residents
Foreign tourists cannot apply for their own ETC cards. Instead, they can rent cars that include ETC cards and readers.
Companies like Toyota and Nissan offer this service when you book rental cars. Residents and foreigners with a Japanese address can apply for a personal ETC card.
This process requires submitting paperwork and approval may include a phone call to confirm your details. Credit ETC cards require a Japanese credit card, which is often harder for new foreigners to get approved for due to credit checks and residency requirements.
Delivery and Pickup Locations
After applying and paying your deposit, the card is usually mailed to your home address. Delivery takes about one week but you must either sign for the card or pick it up at your local post office.
You need to bring photo ID for pickup. If you miss the delivery, your card will wait at the post office for a limited time, so don’t delay pickup.
Make sure your address on the application is accurate to avoid delivery problems or delays.
Card Reader Compatibility in Vehicles
The ETC card only works with a compatible ETC reader installed in your car. Many Japanese cars come with these readers pre-installed.
If not, you can buy and install one through a certified dealer or specialized shop. To register the reader, you must bring it, your driver's license, and vehicle documents to an official shop.
Registration costs about ¥3,200. If your car does not have a reader or one registered, the ETC card won’t work.
Always confirm your reader is installed and registered before relying on the ETC system.
