From 1st November, the Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited expanded the area covered by their Hayatabi Central Nippon Expressway Pass (CEP) to include Kyoto (sections from the Yokaichi IC and Koka-Tsuchiyama IC to the Kyoto-minami IC), one of Japan’s leading travel destinations.
This pass can already be used to access central Japan tourist destinations including Shirakawago, Kanazawa and Mount Fuji. Furthermore, sales of the pass have been extended to October 2016.
CEP offers unlimited use of expressways within the designated area for a period of 2 to 14 days at a flat rate. Tourists using the CEP can pass through the toll gates (ETC) without having to stop and pay, making it extremely convenient for drivers unfamiliar with Japan.
Period of use
1st November, 2015 (Sunday) – 31st October, 2016 (Monday)
(Available for 2-14 consecutive days during this period)
Eligibility
Persons bearing passports of a country other than Japan and Japanese persons who are permanent residents of a foreign country (The person must also have an International Driving Permit).
Valid vehicle types
ETC-equipped vehicles (standard-size automobiles) and ETC credit cards provided by rental car companies
Available area
All expressway sections managed by Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited. Download the route map in PDF.
Available periods and prices
| Type | Price (standard-size automobile) | Available period |
|---|---|---|
| 2 days | 5,000 yen | Max. 2 consecutive days |
| 3 days | 6,000 yen | Max. 3 consecutive days |
| 4 days | 7,000 yen | Max. 4 consecutive days |
| 5 days | 8,000 yen | Max. 5 consecutive days |
| 6 days | 9,000 yen | Max. 6 consecutive days |
| 7 days | 10,000 yen | Max. 7 consecutive days |
| 8 days | 11,000 yen | Max. 8 consecutive days |
| 9 days | 12,000 yen | Max. 9 consecutive days |
| 10 days | 13,000 yen | Max. 10 consecutive days |
| 11 days | 14,000 yen | Max. 11 consecutive days |
| 12 days | 15,000 yen | Max. 12 consecutive days |
| 13 days | 15,500 yen | Max. 13 consecutive days |
| 14 days | 16,000 yen | Max. 14 consecutive days |
Using the CEP
1. Contact the customer service desk or reservation centre of a participating rental car agency and reserve a vehicle and Hayatabi Central Nippon Expressway Pass (CEP). The following business hours are shown in Japan Standard Time.
| TOYOTA Rent-A-Car Reservation Center | Ph: +81-3-5954-8020 | Hours: 8:00 – 20:00 |
| Times Car Rental Global Customer Desk | Ph: +81-3-50-3786-0056 | Hours: 9:00 – 17:30 |
| Nippon Rent-A-Car English Service Desk | Ph: +81-3-6859-6234 | Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (weekdays only) |
| ORIX Rent-A-Car Reservation Center | Ph: +81-3-6740-8755 | Hours: 8:00 – 20:00 (weekdays), 8:00 – 17:00 (weekends and national holidays |
2. Pay for the CEP at the rental car agency office
3. Rent the vehicle and ETC card from the rental car agency office. (In addition to the rental car costs, an additional charge may apply for renting the ETC card.)
4. Enjoy travelling on Japan’s expressways.
5. Return the vehicle and ETC card to the rental car agency and pay for any expressway fees incurred in areas not covered by the CEP.
Further information
Visit the official site: http://global.c-nexco.co.jp/en/cep/