Learn about Japan’s ETC Card—what it is, types, who needs it, and how to get it as a tourist or resident. Includes costs, discounts, and answers to common questions for global travelers.
What Is a Japan ETC Card?
ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) Card is a wireless payment card designed for Japan’s expressway toll system. It works with an in-car ETC unit (a small device installed in vehicles) to automatically calculate and deduct toll fees as you pass through toll gates—no stopping, no cash, and no waiting in lines.
Think of it like a "toll pass" for Japan’s highways: insert the card into the ETC unit, drive through ETC-only or ETC/general lanes at under 20 km/h, and the system handles payment instantly. By 2030, most Japanese toll booths will stop accepting cash, making an ETC Card essential for anyone driving in Japan long-term or short-term.
Types of Japan ETC Card
Japan’s ETC Cards are tailored to different user needs (tourists vs residents). Here are the main types:
Type of ETC Card | Target Users | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
Rental ETC Card | Tourists (renting cars) | No deposit, ¥330 per rental, tolls added to your rental car bill. |
Credit-Linked ETC Card | Foreign residents | Tied to a Japanese credit card (e.g., Aeon, Orico, Mitsui Sumitomo). No deposit, integrated billing. |
ETC Personal Card | Foreign residents | No credit check (government-backed). Requires a ¥40,000 deposit and ¥1,257 annual fee. |
Specialized Service ETC | Foreign residents (no Japanese credit) | Offered by services like JapanETCcard. English support, ¥40,000 deposit, ¥2,750 setup fee. |
Who Needs a Japan ETC Card?
An ETC Card is essential or highly recommended for these groups:
- Tourists renting cars in Japan: Avoid long cash toll lines, access ETC-only lanes, and simplify payments (tolls added to your rental bill).
- Foreign residents owning/using cars in Japan: Mandatory for long-term use as cash tolls phase out by 2030. Saves time and qualifies for automatic discounts.
- Frequent visitors driving in Japan: If you rent cars regularly for trips (e.g., business, family visits), an ETC Card cuts down on toll delays.
It is not needed if:
- You only use public transport (trains, buses, shuttles) in Japan.
- You drive exclusively on local roads (no expressway use).
Where to Get a Japan ETC Card?
The location depends on whether you’re a tourist or a resident:
User Type | Where to Get It |
|---|---|
Tourists | Major rental car companies: Times Car Rental, Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, Orix Rent-a-Car. Request when booking online or at pickup. You can choose to book car rental on Trip.com to campare thses rental companies above. |
Residents | 1. Credit card companies (Aeon, Orico, Mitsui Sumitomo, JCB) – for credit-linked cards. 2. Specialized services (e.g., JapanETCcard) – for no-credit options. 3. ETC Personal Card Center (online, with Google Translate for Japanese) – for government-backed cards. |
How Much Does a Japan ETC Card Cost?
Costs vary drastically for tourists and residents, here’s a breakdown:
Japan ETC Card Cost For Tourists
- Rental fee: ¥330 per rental (one-time, no deposit).
- Tolls: Charged directly to your rental car bill (no upfront payment).
- Extra fees: None (no monthly/annual costs).
Japan ETC Card Cost For Residents
Cost Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
Security deposit | ¥40,000 | Fully refundable after canceling the card (once final tolls are paid). Can split into two ¥20,000 payments. |
Setup fee | ¥2,750 | One-time fee (only for specialized services like JapanETCcard). |
ETC unit cost | ¥5,000 – ¥30,000 | Required for all residents (purchased separately; install at AUTOBACS or Yellow Hat for ~¥3,200). |
Monthly service fee | ¥0 – ¥1,200 | Depends on the provider (some waive fees if you use the card regularly). |
Annual fee | ¥1,257 | Only for ETC Personal Cards (government-backed, no credit check). |
Fees subject to change. Please check the official site, this is just for ref.
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How to Get a Japan ETC Card: Tourists vs Residents
Below is a step-by-step guide for each group, including requirements and options.
A. For Tourists (Rental ETC Card)
Requirements for Tourists
- Valid international driver’s license (or Japanese driver’s license, if you have one).
- Rental car booking confirmation.
Rental ETC Card Application Process
- Book your rental car: Choose a company that offers ETC cards (e.g., Toyota Rent-a-Car, Times). Select the "ETC card included" option during online booking.
- Pick up the car: At the rental counter, present your driver’s license and booking confirmation. The staff will provide the ETC card and explain how to insert it into the car’s ETC unit.
- Use the card: Insert the ETC card into the unit before driving. Tolls are automatically charged to your rental bill.
- Return the card: Give the ETC card back when you return the rental car (no extra steps needed).
B. For Residents (Personal ETC Card)
Requirements for Residents
- Vehicle registered in your name (with a Shaken certificate – Japan’s vehicle inspection document).
- Installed ETC unit (with installation paperwork).
- Valid ID: Residence Card or passport.
- Proof of Japanese address (e.g., utility bill, rental contract).
Personal ETC Card Options & Application Process
There are 3 main options for residents—choose based on whether you have a Japanese credit card:
Option | Best For | Steps |
|---|---|---|
1. Credit-Linked ETC Card | Residents with a Japanese credit card | 1. Contact your credit card provider (Aeon, Orico, etc.). 2. Request to add an ETC card to your account. 3. Submit docs (Shaken, ETC unit papers, ID). 4. Receive the card in 3–5 business days. 5. Insert into your ETC unit and use. |
2. Specialized Service (e.g., JapanETCcard) | Residents without Japanese credit | 1. Visit the JapanETCcard website (English support available). 2. Fill out the online application. 3. Submit docs (Shaken, ETC unit papers, ID, address proof). 4. Pay the ¥40,000 deposit and ¥2,750 setup fee. 5. Receive the card in 5–7 business days. |
3. ETC Personal Card | Residents without credit (government-backed) | 1. Go to the ETC Personal Card Center website (use Google Translate). 2. Complete the Japanese application form. 3. Mail docs (Shaken, ETC unit papers, ID) to the center. 4. Pay the ¥40,000 deposit and ¥1,257 annual fee. 5. Get the card in 7 business days. |
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FAQs about Japan ETC
What is ETC in Japan?
ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) is Japan’s cashless system for paying expressway tolls. It uses an ETC Card and in-car unit to automatically deduct fees at toll gates—no stopping required.What is the Japanese version of ETC?
Japan’s ETC system is a domestic electronic toll network, but it’s compatible with all ETC Cards issued by Japanese providers (credit-linked, Personal, or rental). There’s no "international version"—foreigners use the same physical cards as residents, tailored to their status (tourist/resident).Can I drive without an ETC card in Japan?
Yes, but only temporarily. You can use general toll lanes (blue signs) and pay with cash or credit cards. However, most toll booths will stop accepting cash by 2030, and ETC-only lanes (purple signs) are faster and more common—driving without an ETC Card will become inconvenient long-term.Can foreigners buy ETC cards in Japan?
Yes! Tourists can rent ETC cards through rental car companies, and foreign residents can apply for personal ETC cards (credit-linked, specialized service, or ETC Personal Card) if they meet the requirements (vehicle registration, ETC unit, ID).Can I use one ETC Card for multiple cars?
Yes—one ETC Card works for multiple vehicles, as long as each car has its own installed ETC unit. Just move the card between the units when switching cars.Do ETC Cards offer discounts?
Yes, automatically! You get ~30% off tolls during off-peak hours (midnight–4 AM), weekends, and national holidays. Long-distance trips also qualify for extra savings.Are there regional ETC passes for tourists?
Nationwide passes (JEP, CEP) were discontinued in 2023, but regional passes are still available:
Hokkaido (HEP): ~¥7,700 for 4 days
Tohoku (TEP): ~¥8,500 for 4 days
San’in-Setouchi-Shikoku (SEP): ~¥10,700 for 3 days
Kyushu (KEP): ~¥6,200 for 2 days
These offer unlimited expressway use in their regions and require renting an ETC card from designated providers.What if I lose my ETC Card?
Contact your provider immediately (rental company for tourists, credit card/service for residents). Replacement costs ~¥3,000, and you’ll need to verify your identity to get a new card.Is the ETC unit mandatory for residents?
Yes—residents need an ETC unit installed in their vehicle to use any personal ETC Card. You can buy units for ¥5,000–¥30,000 and get them installed at shops like AUTOBACS (¥3,200 installation fee).