With an ETC card in hand, you can enjoy seamless travel on Japan’s highways. However, our Tocoo! Expressway Pass (referred to as TEP below) comes in four options: TEP (Nationwide), TEP Hokkaido, TEP Kyushu, and TEP Okinawa. Each TEP option covers different regions, so how should you choose the right one? Don’t worry! We’ll explain the details of each ETC card available for rent through ToCoo! so that you can quickly become a savvy road trip expert!
What is an ETC card?
It’s a card that can be used with the ETC system. If you use the ETC system, you don’t need to understand Japanese, you don’t need to use cash, and you don’t have to stop at toll gates, so it’s a very convenient system. The ETC card reader device is equipped as standard in all rental cars in Japan, so all you have to do is put the ETC card into the ETC device and you’re good to go! There are many different types of ETC card passes and services available, so keep reading and we’ll go through the main ones.
What is Tocoo! Expressway Pass(TEP) ？
Tocoo! Expressway Pass(TEP) is a special ETC card with the pass preloaded onto it so that you can use the expressways as much as you want. There are various kinds of TEP, including TEP (Nationwide), TEP Hokkaido, TEP Kyushu, and TEP Okinawa. Also, you can’t reserve just a TEP on its own, so make sure to book the rental car with it.
Each ETC option covers a different area! Keep reading to find out more.
| Area | Unlimited | ETC Card Pickup Place | |
| ETC Card | Nationwide | × | convenience store or post office |
| TEP | Nationwide | 〇 | convenience store or post office |
| TEP Hokkaido | Hokkaido | 〇 | convenience store or post office |
| TEP Kyusyu | Kyusyu | 〇 | convenience store or post office |
|
TEP Okinawa |
Okinawa |
〇 | convenience store or post office |
1. ETC Card (nationwide)
You can book a standalone ETC card without any expressway passes. After you return the ETC card at the end of your reservation, your actual used toll fees will be charged to the credit card you register. After the ETC card is returned, we will confirm the toll road usage details with NEXCO, the highway provider in Japan. If you rent a ToCoo! ETC card, you can pick it up from the designated convenience store or post office, but please note that rental car companies don’t offer delivery service for packages, so you can’t get it from the outlet.
You can check information about ToCoo! ETC Card via link below.
https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/guide/2023/07/28/introduction-of-tocoo-etc-card-and-notes-on-renting-tocoo-etc-card/
*NOTE*
Renting a ToCoo ETC card requires a held deposit of 15,000 yen.
We mention this in our booking form. We will charge the toll fees used after the fee is confirmed and then release the deposit back to you.
ETC System Area
2. ToCoo! Expressway Pass(TEP) (Nationwide)
The ToCoo Expressway Pass(TEP), is a special ETC card that is only offered by ToCoo! It’s an unlimited expressway pass for all of Japan. Only customers who purchase TEP option when making a reservation can use it. And the TEP fee is paid at the time of reservation, so it’s super convenient. All you have to do is pick it up from the designated convenience store or post office and basically forget about it until your return date! Total driving freedom. You can pick up the TEP ETC card package from the designated convenience store or post office, but rental car companies don’t offer delivery services for packages, so you can’t get it from the outlet.
Details about TEP: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/options/tep
TEP Coverage Area
3. TEP Hokkaido (Hokkaido)
It’s similar to TEP, this is a special ETC card offered only by ToCoo, which offers unlimited expressway use only in Hokkaido, so we recommend it for anyone who is traveling to Hokkaido! Only customers who purchase TEP Hokkaido option when making a reservation can use it. You can pick up the TEP Hokkaido ETC card package from the designated convenience store or post office, but rental car companies don’t offer delivery services for packages, so you can’t get it from the outlet.
・Eligible roads with TEP Hokkaido All Expressways with the ETC toll gate in the Hokkaido area. *Expressways without the ETC toll gate are NOT eligible.
Details about TEP Hokkaido: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/options/tep
TEP Hokkaido Coverage Area
4. TEP Kyusyu
It’s similar to TEP, this is a special ETC card offered only by ToCoo, which offers unlimited expressway use only in Kyushu area (Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Saga, Oita, Kumamoto, Kagoshima prefecture), so we recommend it for anyone who is traveling to Kyushu area! Only customers who purchase TEP Kyushu option when making a reservation can use it. You can pick up the TEP Kyusyu ETC card package from the designated convenience store or post office, but rental car companies don’t offer delivery services for packages, so you can’t get it from the outlet. One advantage of TEP Kyusyu is that you can drop off the car anywhere with it!
・Eligible roads with TEP Kyusyu Pass
All Expressways with the ETC toll gate in the Kyushu area (Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Saga, Oita, Kumamoto, Kagoshima prefecture)
*Expressways without the ETC toll gate are NOT eligible.
Details about TEP Kyusyu: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/options/tep
It’s similar to TEP, this is a special ETC card offered only by ToCoo, which offers unlimited expressway use only in Okinawa prefecture, so we recommend it for anyone who is traveling to Okinawa area! Only customers who purchase TEP Okinawa option when making a reservation can use it. You can pick up the TEP Okinawa ETC card package from the designated convenience store or post office, but rental car companies don’t offer delivery services for packages, so you can’t get it from the outlet. One advantage of TEP Okinawa is that you can drop off the car anywhere with it!
・Eligible roads with TEP Okinawa All Expressways with the ETC toll gate in the Okinawa prefecture. *Expressways without the ETC toll gate are NOT eligible.
Details about TEP Okinawa: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/options/tep
TEP Okinawa Coverage Area
For the KEP ,CEP, HEP etc all of the Expressway packages offered by NEXCO Japan option,
Unfortunately, KEP, CEP, HEP etc. all of the Expressway Pass offered by NEXCO Japan are not for purchase at TOCOO! now.
We only have TEP and ToCoo! Unlimited ETC Pass.
If you need KEP, CEP, HEP etc., please make a reservation without an ETC card.
Then check with your rental car shop to see if they can provide it.
Please see the following URL for more information:
KEP URL: https://global.w-nexco.co.jp/en/kep/
HEP URL: https://en.driveplaza.com/drawari/hokkaido_expass/
SEP URL: https://global.w-nexco.co.jp/en/sep/
CEP URL: https://hayatabi.c-nexco.co.jp/cep/en/
Summary
It might seem a bit complicated, but we hope this has been helpful. Check your travel schedule and choose the best ETC card for you! As always, if you have any further questions, let us know down below or from the inquiry form on our website.
Do I need the TEP if I plan on driving from Matsuyama to Fukuyama across the Shimanami Kaido?
Dear Mr./Ms. Simon Lim,
TEP covers all expressways in mainland Japan with ETC gates. Whether you need TEP or not depends on your exact route, preferences, etc. You can also contact us by email and we can try to answer your questions better within 24 hours (business days).
ToCoo customer support: rc-cs@coo.ne.jp
Hi, if I drive from Fuji mountain -shirakawago-shinbokata ropeway-takayama- ainokura-Nagoya-Kyoto-osaka,do you advise me to get ETC?
Dear Mr./Ms. Aiden,
Whether you need an ETC card or not depends on your exact route, preferences, convenience, etc. You can also contact us by email and we can try to answer your questions better within 24 hours (business days).
ToCoo customer support: rc-cs@coo.ne.jp
Nice Post.. Its Helpfull.. Thank You.. you are Awesome.
what are difference between Tocoo Express Way and ETC unlimited pass? I plan to use 3 days from Tokyo to Takayama , Shirakawa ,Kawaguchi, Tokyo
Hi, Fiat.
Both the ToCoo! Expressway Pass and the ToCoo! Unlimited ETC Pass include ETC cards and cover all ETC expressways in Japan. The difference is that TEP is cheaper because it comes in a plan. The ToCoo! Unlimited ETC Pass is a little more expensive, but it can be added on to almost any existing plan. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at our customer support email address: rc-cs@coo.ne.jp
TEP pass is enough for Nagoya airport to takayama and shiraakawako? Thank you
Hi Ausane. TEP covers all of Japan, so it will certainly be enough from NGO to Takayama and Shirakawago. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for Your reply . If I go to Takayama and Shirakawago TEP or ETC unlimited which one is better or more advantage?Or the same?
Both TEP and the ETC unlimited pass cover all expressways in Japan. The difference is that TEP is cheaper since it comes in a plan.
how to get Tep,
can i do when i pick up car at Narita.
Hi Premmika Vesvijak. There are 2 post offices in Narita Airport that you can choose from to pick up your TEP (ETC card) package when you make your reservation. Please check your arrival terminal before selecting!
Your Comment I’m fogot to add express plan for my booking. What i should do now
Hi Yongyut Siawsolit. Please contact us via the Inquiry Form on our website or at rc-cs@coo.ne.jp for support help. Thanks!
Hi, I plan to visit Kyushu (Fukuoka,Oita,Kumamoto,Nagasaki) for about 5 days in June.
1. May I know which is the pass should I get? Is it KEP pass?
2. How do I get the pass? can I booked via the website or need to call the car rental company?
Thanks in advance.
Hi, James. The Kyushu Expressway Pass (KEP) is suitable for Kyushu travel, but please do not that there are some expressways not covered by KEP! For reserving the pass, you can book it through ToCoo’s KEP Plan by clicking the link below the KEP section of the post above.
If I going to drive around mount. Fuji. Do I need tep plan?
Hi, Niko. TEP covers all ETC gate expressways in Japan, so it can definitely be used around the Mount Fuji area. Whether or not you would like to use the TEP plan is up to you, but we do recommend it since it’s easy to use and unlimited, so you don’t have to worry about that during your trip. Please contact us via the Inquiry Form on our website or at rc-cs@coo.ne.jp for additional support help. Thanks!
Can I use the same ETC card on Okinawa and Japan Mainland ? Picking up ETC Card at hotel in Okinawa and returning card in Tokyo.
Thanks.
Hi Philip Low. Yes, the ToCoo! ETC card can be used with any ETC gates in Japan, including Okinawa. Hope this helps!
Hi, I plan to Hokkaido this Summer, place to visit are Asahikawa, Furano, Biei, Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, Hakodate . I plan to pick up the car at Chitose Airport and return at Sapporo Susukino. May I know which kind of Pass should I get? Do I need TEP Or ETC ? Hope to receive your reply
Hi Chua Siew Bee. TEP Hokkaido and HEP are expressway passes you can use in Hokkaido, and both already include an ETC card to use for the pass. The standalone ToCoo! ETC card can’t be used for any expressway passes, but it could be good option if you will only be using expressways sparingly. The standalone ETC card means that you will have to pay all of your actual used toll fees after you return the ETC card to ToCoo. Hope this helps!
I plan to Hokkaido this Autumn. Places to visit are Obihiro, Kushiro, Rausu, Shiretoko, Mashu, Kussharo, Tsubetsu, Abashiri. I paln to pick up the car at Chitose Airport and return at Memanbetsu Airport. Shall i apply for HEP for up to Kushiro and the rest i use ETC as there is no more expressway fro Rausu to Abashiri? Thanks.
Hi, Kylie. HEP covers all the tolled expressways in Hokkaido. Other expressways in Hokkaido are not covered by HEP because they are not tolled (you don’t actually need an ETC card either). You can see more information below:
https://guide.toocooljapan.com/2018/11/29/expressway-pass/
Hi, I have reserved a car with TEP plan already. Do I need to rent a ETC card separately?
Hi, Tang. Since we can’t confirm your reservation details here, please contact us at rc-cs@coo.ne.jp Thanks!
Hi,I have reserved a car with ToCoo!unlimited ETC Pass and my trip is only in Hokkaido ,is it the good choice for this kind of ETC pass? If not, do I have a chance to correct it?
Thanks.
Hi Teekhayu Chaiyasothi. The ToCoo! Unlimited ETC Pass covers all of Japan, so it covers Hokkaido, too. If you need support help, please contact us at rc-cs@coo.ne.jp
Hi, there is a ETC card which i can collect at car outlet under the HEP plan, can i use the same ETC card in other areas or do I need to apply another card separately?
Hi, Max. HEP (Hokkaido Expressway Pass) can only be used in Hokkaido. The ETC card for HEP will be provided by the rental car outlet. If you use any tollways that are not covered by HEP (i.e., outside of Hokkaido), they would be charged separately, on top of the HEP fee. If you need support help, please contact us at rc-cs@coo.ne.jp
Hi, how can I reserve a car with KEP ? We can pick up a car together with KEP at the same time at car rental outlet ? Please advice.
If you would like to use KEP, please book the KEP Plan. You will receive the ETC card (KEP) at the outlet if you book the KEP Plan. Please see the link in the article above for the KEP Plan. If you need further support help, please contact us at rc-cs@coo.ne.jp
Hi there, how do I return the ToCoo! Unlimited ETC Pass after my trip? Thanks for your help.
Hi Felix Ng, it depends on your other options but please follow the written instructions that were included in your package. If you need further support help, please contact us at rc-cs@coo.ne.jp
Your Comment
Hi, I’m planning to rent a car for 4 days in Okinawa. Which pass should I get for driving around Okinawa?
Dear Sandra Lee,
If you want to use it in Okinawa, I would recommend you ToCoo! Expressway Pass Plan.
TEP can be used in all of the expressways in Japan which have ETC gates.
Please see the TEP plan page below.
https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/campaign/index?campaign_id=963
Hi, I plan to rent a car for 6 days from Oct 13 at Sapporo Station North Exit & returning the car on Oct 18 at the CTS & would like to take the WiFi & ETC plan. Please advise if I can have the ETC card on Oct 8-9 at the hotel that I’ll stay as I won’t be staying in a hotel from Oct 10-13. Thanks.
Hi Alvin Li, we usually only ship packages out about 4 days in advance, and we can’t guarantee it will arrive until your reserved rental car date. We do have some other pickup options available for cases like yours, so please use the Inquiry Form on our website for further support. Inquiry Form: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/contents/inquiry
Hello there, we’re planning a 2D1N trip from New Chitose Aiport to Furano area and back to Sapporo to return the car. I’m not sure which card is more suitable given the short period of time we’re driving, or do we need to get an ETC in the first place?
Hi Jean, whether or not you want to use an expressway pass, standalone ETC card, or just pay the tolls in cash depends on your preferences, but many people do prefer to use an expressway pass just to make things easier. You can also contact us via the Inquiry Form on our website for further support. Inquiry Form: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/contents/inquiry
Hi, I plan to use 3 days from Tokyo to Kawaguchi, Shirakawa and Nagoya. May i know ETC Car Rental or ToCoo Unlimited ETC Pass is more suitable for us? thank you
Hi Low, both the standalone ETC card rental and the ToCoo! Unlimited ETC Pass can be used for your trip, so it depends on whether you would like to pay the exact toll fees you use, or prepay for unlimited access to all ETC expressways in Japan. The ToCoo! Expressway Pass Plan would also be an option for you, and it’s a bit cheaper than the ToCoo! Unlimited ETC Pass because TEP comes in a plan. If you have any further questions, please contact our support team via the Inquiry Form here: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/inquiry
how ETC card to use for TEP Kyushu?
Hi Wahdan Arum Inawati, please see the TEP Kyushu page or your confirmation email (after booking) for details on the ETC card. You can also contact us for more information at the Inquiry Form on our website: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/inquiry
Thanks!
Hi i am planning self drive in Shikoku (TAKAMATSU), will be spending 3 night at Takamatsu which included 1 day trip to shido island ( with the rental car) . After will be spending 1 night at iya valley ( ie to and back from Takamatsu to iya valley) so which ETC is recommended?
Hi Mario, I think the ToCoo Expressway Pass would cover all of your route, but which one you choose is up to you. If you have any further questions, please contact us via the Inquiry Form on our website: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/inquiry
Where do I collect my ETC card? My flight arrival time is 4.05pm but the post office closed at 5.00pm.
Hi Lam Siew Fern, for questions about a current reservation, please contact us via the Inquiry Form on our website: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/inquiry
I have about 2 years left in Okinawa. I want to use ETC to get back and forward between Naha and Nago instead of buying yens almost every 2 weeks. Any suggestions on what I only need? Also, is it going to save me money compare to using yens or debit card at the toll?
Hi Austin, we’re sorry but we currently don’t offer yearly ETC card rental. Our ETC cards can only be rented together with a rental car. If you have any further questions, please contact us via the Inquiry Form on our website: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/inquiry
we already reservation a car pick up in Osaka airport but no ETC included, I want to rent a “tocoo unlimited ETC pass” with you but then I don’t have card reader in my vehicle so do you provide the said card reader ?
Hi Carman Lau, the ETC card reader device will already be installed in the rental car, so please be assured. If you have any further questions, please contact us via the Inquiry Form on our website: https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/inquiry
What is an ETC card for?
Hi Rani, please see the article above or contact us via the Inquiry Form on our website. Thanks!