Hokkaido Expressway discount for (half?) Fucked Gaijin

[wagyl]

I was just confirming the changes to the various ETC discounts (basically, after June weekend discounts are 30% off rather than 50% off, commuter discounts are now limited to mileage plan members and also contingent on using the commuter time periods numerous times a month, late night discounts now only 30% off, daytime shorthaul discounts have disappeared. The "before photo.") when I came across a real WTF discount scheme.

Hokkaido Expressway Pass

Reading the original Japanese, the requirements had my heart leaping for joy ー foreign passport holder or Japanese passport holder with permanent residence outside of Japan ー only to be dashed almost immediately with "must also hold an international driving permit for driving in Japan." It is also limited to cars from a list of seven rental firms. You receive the ETC card from the rental company.

The English regulations make no mention of the international drivers permit, so I don't know whether that crept in to the Japanese by someone officious saying "of course these people need a permit to drive in Japan" but it is not a formal requirement, or what. Seeing as it is the car rental companies which handle the paperwork and hand you the card I will guess that they will not refuse you if you have a Japanese drivers licence, but my guess has as much value as yours.

[matsuki]

Fuuuuuuuuuuu

Yet another increase in the cost of travelling by car.

[wagyl]

Fuuuuuuuuuuu

Yet another increase in the cost of travelling by car.

It's Abenomics! The other side promised and failed to implement toll free expressways. Travelling Route 17 over the Mikuni Pass and through the delights of Saitama have only gone up by one thirtyfifth, so that option is still avaialable to you!