CONTRIBUTED BY DASHA GARIEPY
When we first got to Okinawa, I was leery of using the Expressway simply because I didn't know anything about it. I didn't know where its exits dumped out; I didn't know how much it cost; heck, I didn't even know how to get on the thing! Eventually I got tired of inching along in traffic between lights on Routes 58 and 330, so decided to give the expressway a shot. Here's what I saw as I approached:
Not knowing exactly what to do, I proceeded forward in my lane, which happened to be the wrong thing to do! I'd entered the "ETC" lane, which is reserved for those with toll passes - definitely not me. As I sat in the car wondering "Now what?", a voice said something in Japanese over a loud speaker. Since I don't understand Japanese (and was pretty sure it wasn't saying "I am the GREAT and POWERFUL OZzzzz!") I continued to sit, now embarrassed because cars were piling up behind me. Before long a worker trotted out, explained I was in the wrong lane, and very kindly handed me a ticket, gesturing for me to use the other lane next time.
That was several months ago, and now I'm quite the pro at using the Expressway. It's really very easy. Unlike American Freeways which have separate on-ramps for going different directions, the Okinawa Expressway has one all purpose entry way. Enter through the lanes with glowing green lights, stop just long enough to grab a ticket which is automatically ejected from a machine which chirps "Please take a ticket!" in English, then choose the the direction you want to go, North towards Nago, or South towards Naha. Both choices are clearly marked in English. Tool along until the desired exit comes up. Upcoming exits are clearly marked with signs:
Exit procedure is orderly and much like the entry procedure:
Choose one of the green-light lanes, pull up to the toll booth, hand the friendly worker your ticket, and pay the fee - Yen or Visa only: no American cash.
Taking the expressway can easily cut your driving time in half, especially if you are going all the way to Nago. Below is a listing of the entry/exit numbers for the expressway, and the roads they intersect.
10. Kyoda (Nago), with Route 58
9. Ginoza , with Route 329
8. Kin, with Route 329
x. (not a full exit) Igei Service Area
7. Yaka (Kin), with Prefectural Route 88
6. Ishikawa (Uruma), with Prefectural Route 73
5. Kita, with Route 329
4. Minami, with Prefectural Route 23
3. Kitanakagusuku, with Prefectural Route 29
x. (not a full exit) Nakagusuku Parking Area
2. Nishihara, with Route 330
1-1. Nishihara Junction with Naha Airport Expressway
1. Naha (Haebaru), with Prefectural Route 8
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Now that I'm a frequent-flier on the Expressway, I've been considering the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC). Basically, it's an electronic device that mounts in the car:
Which is used in conjunction with an electronic card:
Both of which are available at The Spot located on Camp Foster:
In a cool little shop:
Owned and operated by this very nice woman who's name I would be able to tell you if I wasn't having the most scatterbrained year of my entire life:
The purpose of the ETC is to save money, and lots of it, if you are a frequent user of the Expressway. You see, the tolls are cut in half for ETC users during peak travel hours. However, there is a fee for the equipment (available for monthly rent or to purchase), so using the ETC isn't for everybody. One must do the math and decide if it will be a savings or not.
Click on the following PDF for an equipment pricing chart and a complete breakdown of toll fees:
Okinawa Index also has a comprehensive article on driving in Okinawa, complete with speeding fines.
For additional information on the ETC contact Fad-Tech Sales & Services 098-936-5842; [email protected]
Are you an ETC user? Tell us all about it!
Thanks for posting this information. I’ve only driven on the expressway twice by myself, the other times have been riding with others. Thanks for posting the routes and where they lead, too. Oh, and the lady’s name is Rose (I had to take her photo for work when they opened the shop…thought I’d help you out!)
Thanks for posting this. We took the expressway twice before my hubby left (well, 1 trip north, 1 trip back south). It wasn’t as difficult as I expected -I’m not used to toll roads anyway…we don’t have them where I’d been driving the last 20 years, but Hubby’s used to them. It was really nice to muddle through it with my spouse though.
We didn’t know what ETC was so we assumed we weren’t allowed there… but figured it was for carpools or something. This is great info – now I know to consider it if I start braving the expressway more myself.
Great info – thanks much!!!!
You can buy the ETC hardware at most any store that has a car section in it, or at the specialty shops like Autobachs.
Oh…and I’m pretty sure Yaka is only an entrance, not an exit…or the other way around, it’s been a while.
Thanks for the info on where to get the ETC.
I love the expressway for the sole purpose. It reminds me of home. Driving on the Parkway in NJ is pretty much the same. We have EZ pass instead of ETC which is also marked in purple. So thankfully I just figured it was the same LOL. It is. Now I know:) Thanks for that info!
So glad you posted this. I have been trying to get info for awhile . I travel from Kinser to Hansen everyday and its about time I get that darn lil ETC machine .I cant imagine going anywhere now with out being on the expressway.Plus I heard they have a new 30% discount from the hours of 7am -5pm with your ETC . I could be saving more .Thanks again for the info.
By the way I got stuck on that ETC entrance as well . Dumb me I thought it was for Americans only. I seriously thought it would stand for English Translator Center.LOL
Her name is Rose.
Paul is right, exit 7 exists only when you’re going northbound on the expressway. When you’re traveling south it skips the Yaka exit and goes from 8 to 6.
After over a year on island, I finally got an ETC card and machine – couldn’t be happier. I commute between exit 4 (Okinawa Minami) and Exit 8 (Kin) everyday. At the times I use it, I save almost 50% each time I zip through the gates. The card and machine paid for themselves in about two months.
Is there anywhere ELSE to setup the ETC instead of Fad-Tech???
Dianne,
according to reader Paul,”You can buy the ETC hardware at most any store that has a car section in it, or at the specialty shops like Autobachs.”
Hope this helps!
Dasha
Does anyone know how to get to airport using the expressway? What exit, and is it hard to get there once you exit off the expressway?
really easy, Theresa – i just did it last night.
expressway south and follow the signs. all the way. just pay attention to the signs; it’s exit A-4, on an extension of the expwy to the airport that isn’t on most maps.
from exit 4 (okinawa-minami off of rte. 23) it cost me 350¥. hope that helps! leave about 45 minutes at the minimum to be safe, depending where you’re coming from.
hi rose it’s me vinda from jacksonville florida.how are u? long time no hear.i just retired last aug. as per my hubby’s request.ijust go with him every other month travelling evrywhere for two weeks.just enjoying life while we can.i miss oki and our good time together in fad tech,your generosity towards me.i wish we cuold go back there,maybe someday.send me a message on my email address ok.love to hear from you.miss you mucho.
i’m in facebook
Update: They don’t sell the ETC hardware at the Spot (Fad-tech)any more, as a matter of fact they are less than helpful there.
According to Japan Update the expressway was suppose to be free starting June 1st, but we took it today and still had to pay. Has anyone else heard anything about this?
i was wondering the same thing, M…i paid today too! what’s up?
The Expressway was supposed to be free starting June 1.
However, the entire new DPJ national program concerning toll roads in Japan was challenged within the past two months.
The Japanese NHK had said that all the changes planned for June 1 were put on hold, some to take effect July 1, other indefinitely.
With the resignation of Prime Minister Hatoyama today, a resolution to this issue may linger for awhile longer.
Can someone please explain the driving directions to Camp Hansen from the Camp Lester/Foster area?? Thank you!
From Camp Foster:
Exit the Legion Gate. Continue straight. Take a right at your first light. You will see green signs pointing you to the #3 on ramp for the express way. Take the expwy towards Nago. Exit and Exit 8. After paying the toll, continue down the hill and take a left at the light. Continue straight and you will come to a very obvious gate for Camp Hansen on your left after about 5 minutes.
From Camp Lester:
Take a right out of the Camp Lester Main Gate on to 58. At Rte 23 turn right. Follow 23 until you come to the Expwy Gate 4 entrance which will be on your left. It is very well marked. Enter the expressway and follow it towards Nago. Exit and Exit 8. Come down the hill after paying the toll and take a left at the light. Continue straight on this road and you will come to a very obvious gate for Camp Hansen on your left after about 5 minutes.
1) The expressway is said to be free as of June 28th. Subject to change but that is what the local news passed.
2) Driving to Hansen from Foster. Exit Legion gate, go straight across 330. Turn right at the next light. Left through Exit 3 of the expressway and head North towards Nago. Get off on Exit 8, continue North on 329 for about 2km, Hansen will be on the Left.
The ETC is no longer available at The Spot…I just called. The lady told me to go to Autobacs.
As of July the expressway will go back to a charge system. However it will be 1/2 the normal fares during the week and free on the weekends.
I’m researching the ETC since my husband drives from Courtney to Futenma and back each day. It seems I need to contact/visit Autobacs to get the details, but to do that, could someone tell me where to find Autobacs? Thanks!
There are several locations on island, but the one that would probably be the easiest for you to find is on 58 across from Lester. It basically shares a parking lot with the Blue Seal/Big Dip ice cream shop that is right across the street from Lester’s main gate. It is a two story building with a black and orange sign. Hope you find it!
Thanks, LaLa!
I’m also hearing that you can get the box there, but NOT the card. And something about having to have a Japanese bank account to get the card?? Anybody know anything about this? Thanks!!
Joy, From Courtney: Go out the main gate and turn left onto 75. Just before you reach Hwy 85(this is where the Main City SanA is located- it will be on the right) you will see the AutoBachs on your right. Also I think they sell the ETC at the Tabata Home Store in Ishikawa, just North of the pedestrian circle next to the San A
Thank you, Paul! Do you happen to know any details regarding the card?
Not sure Joy, but I did go to Tabata today and noticed they have one unit for about Y9,000 and another one for Y13,000.
Bad News…just called FADTECH and was told they don’t sell ETC’s anymore, and not even the cards if you already have an ETC installed on your newly bought used car…she mentioned something about having a japanese credit card, or local bank account….talk about making it difficult for Americans on island.
Does anybody know any roundabout on this one?
I just called Typhoon Motors on Foster and they said that you can still get them but at Make Man and an auto shop. But you have to get an Japanese Bank account since it’s paid through a credit card. On that note, the Expressway is still free at least until Dec of this year, and the guy at Typhoon mentioned that they may even be extending that again. So he recommended holding off on purchasing anything.
Are there any updates if the express way will ever be free again? Can used ETC machines be purchased on Okinawa yard sales from service members rotating?
I just started using the expressway too and was wondering about the ETC…anyone have any info?
Can someone explain the directions to Courtney exiting at Exit 6 coming northbond? Thanks.
I think I just read somewhere that Exit 6 is wrong your supposed to exit at #5. That would be why I was lost.
Gavin, if you get off at Exit 6, stay left after the toll booth then right at the pedestrian circle. You will now be heading South on Hwy 329 proper. Continue South through Ishikawa until you see the sign for Hwy 75, turn left at this light. Continue on 75 for about 5 min and you will see Courtney. The Commissary, PX, bank, gas station and hobby shop are on the right side of 75 while housing, and pretty much the rest of Courtney is a little farther up on the left. From 329 it will be the 3rd and 4th traffic lights you come to on 75. There are shorter routes, and you can learn them later but this will get you there.
Also you can get off on exit 5. Turn left on 329 and head North. About 2-3 km down Hwy 329 will split with the bypass continuing straight and 329 proper going right. You should go right. Continue on this road until you see Hwy75 then turn right and follow the directions as posted above from Hwy 75. Again there are other routes, but you can learn them later.