The ins and outs of ETC cards for highways in Japan

While Japan is world-renowned for its extensive rail network, renting a car remains an attractive option for foreign residents and tourists who are traveling with small children or looking to explore the country’s less-trodden rural areas. For expressways, having an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card — which is similar to the E-ZPass in the U.S. and the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) — will make the drive both cheaper and more convenient. With a growing number of toll booths no longer accepting cash, the ETC card is becoming an essential component when renting a car and highway operators are strongly encouraging motorists to make sure their rentals are equipped with one.