Sep 26 (Japan Times) - Passes allowing foreign tourists unlimited travel on major expressway networks across the country will go on sale in mid-October, in hopes of luring more visitors to regional areas, the transport ministry said Tuesday.
Holders of foreign passports will be able to buy a Japan Express Pass valid for seven consecutive days for ¥20,000 (about $180), and a 14-day pass for ¥34,000, at 275 rental car shops across the country from Oct. 13, according to the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry.
The new passes are not valid for use by foreign nationals residing in Japan.
The pass will allow travel on 10,000 kilometers of expressway networks, covering most parts of the country.
But expressways in Hokkaido, as well as those in metropolitan areas around Tokyo and Osaka, are excluded, the ministry said.
Hokkaido already has an expressway discount system, while making heavily-used expressways in Tokyo and Osaka free for foreign tourists could stir controversy.
Under the new plan, only drivers of standard-sized cars equipped with an electronic toll collection (ETC) device will be able to use the passes.
The ministry said it will coordinate steps with tourism-related entities nationwide to promote the campaign overseas.
Existing regional passes that allow foreign visitors unlimited expressway travel for up to 14 days in areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku and Kyushu will continue to be available with prices ranging from ¥1,500 to ¥16,000, according to the ministry.
