
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Honchō, Chiba, Japan
1. Tokyo Expressway (Metropolitan Expressway)
A network of highways surrounding Tokyo, offering a fast and efficient way to travel between cities.
- Variable Tolls: Toll fees vary depending on the time of day and traffic congestion.
- Express Bus Stops: Bus stops are located at various points along the expressway, allowing seamless travel by bus.
- Ramp Metering System: To manage traffic flow, ramps leading onto the expressway have a traffic light system that controls when vehicles can enter.
2. Joshin-etsu Expressway
Connects Tokyo to Nagano and Niigata prefectures, passing through the scenic Joshinetsu Kogen National Park.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of mountains and lakes along its route.
- Mountain Tunnels: Includes several long tunnels through the mountain ranges.
- Rest Areas: Features rest areas with food and restroom facilities.
3. Hokuriku Expressway
Links Tokyo to Kanazawa, connecting the Kanto and Hokuriku regions.
- Kanazawa Attraction Access: Provides easy access to Kanazawa's famous Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle.
- Rest Stops: Features rest stops offering local foods, restrooms, and souvenir shops.
- Winder Toll Gates: Toll gates are automatic and do not require manual payment. Drivers pay via an electronic system.
4. San-cross Road (Sanyo, Tomei, Meishin Expressways)
Connects Tokyo to Osaka and Hiroshima, forming a major transportation artery in Japan.
- Toll Plaza Frequency: Frequent toll plazas along the route require adequate preparation for toll payments.
- Express Bus Stops: Offers express bus stops, allowing for seamless travel between cities.
- High-Speed Rail Alternative: Alternatively, the high-speed Shinkansen train can be used as an efficient means of transportation along this route.
5. Koshu Expressway
Connects Tokyo to Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures, passing through the scenic Mount Fuji area.
- Mount Fuji Views: Offers stunning views of Mount Fuji from certain sections.
- Rest Stops: Features rest stops offering food, restrooms, and souvenir shops.
- Mountain Tunnels: Includes several long tunnels through the mountain ranges.
6. Chugoku Expressway
Connects Osaka and Hiroshima, providing a crucial link between western Japan's major cities.
- Rest Stops: Features rest stops offering food, restrooms, and souvenir shops.
- Hiroshima Attraction Access: Provides easy access to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
- Variable Tolls: Toll fees vary depending on the time of day and traffic congestion.
7. Sanyo-dou Expressway
Links Hiroshima to Kagawa, connecting western Japan's major cities.
- Rest Stops: Features rest stops offering food, restrooms, and souvenir shops.
- Toll Plaza Frequency: Frequent toll plazas along the route require adequate preparation for toll payments.
- Express Bus Stops: Offers express bus stops, allowing for seamless travel between cities.
8. Meihan Expressway
Connects Osaka and Kobe, serving as a crucial link between these major cities.
- Toll Plaza Frequency: Frequent toll plazas along the route require adequate preparation for toll payments.
- Rest Stops: Features rest stops offering food, restrooms, and souvenir shops.
- Kobe Port Access: Provides easy access to Kobe Port and its attractions.
9. Hakuchumei Expressway
Connects Kyoto and Wakayama, offering a route through the scenic Kii Peninsula.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Kii Peninsula's mountains and coastline.
- Rest Stops: Features rest stops offering food, restrooms, and souvenir shops.
- Express Bus Stops: Offers express bus stops, allowing for seamless travel between cities.
10. Seto-Ohashi Bridge
Connects Honshu and Shikoku islands via a series of bridges and causeways.
- Longest Bridge in Japan: The longest bridge in Japan, with a total length of approximately 13.9 km.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands.
- Toll Plaza Frequency: Frequent toll plazas along the route require adequate preparation for toll payments.
11. Akashi Kaikyō Bridge
Connects Awaji Island and Kobe on Honshu island via a massive suspension bridge.
- Longest Suspension Bridge in the World (at the time of construction): The longest suspension bridge in the world when it was built, with a main span of approximately 1990 meters.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Akashi Strait and surrounding islands.
- Toll Plaza Frequency: Frequent toll plazas along the route require adequate preparation for toll payments.
12. Ginowan Bypass
A major highway on Okinawa island that provides a fast and efficient route to Naha.
- Express Bus Stops: Offers express bus stops, allowing for seamless travel between cities.
- Toll Plaza Frequency: Frequent toll plazas along the route require adequate preparation for toll payments.
- Fast Travel to Naha: Provides a fast and efficient route to Naha, Okinawa's capital city.
13. Kagoshima Expressway
Connects Kagoshima City with other cities in Kyushu, passing through scenic areas.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Kagoshima Bay and Sakurajima volcano.
- Rest Stops: Features rest stops offering food, restrooms, and souvenir shops.
- Variable Tolls: Toll fees vary depending on the time of day and traffic congestion.
14. Kitakyushu Expressway
Connects Fukuoka City with Kitakyushu City, offering a fast and efficient route.
- Express Bus Stops: Offers express bus stops, allowing for seamless travel between cities.
- Toll Plaza Frequency: Frequent toll plazas along the route require adequate preparation for toll payments.
- Fast Travel between Cities: Provides a fast and efficient route between Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu City.
15. Oita Expressway
Connects Oita City with other cities in Kyushu, passing through scenic areas.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Beppu Bay and surrounding mountains.
- Rest Stops: Features rest stops offering food, restrooms, and souvenir shops.
- Variable Tolls: Toll fees vary depending on the time of day and traffic congestion.