I'm planning a weekend get away. I live in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto and want to go Kanazawa. I'm supposed to attend a concert on the sunday evening in Kanazawa, but then have to be to work Monday morning in Fukuchiyama. Looking at train schedules, makes this nearly impossible (at least according to google's suggested travel times and directions). So I was attempting to look at going by car. But I can't figure out how much the tolls would cost.

I saw in this forum a couple of websites that were suggested, but I'm not really sure about what I'm reading...

Navitime gave me this info:

総距離 255Km 所要時間
05時間39分 CO2排出量 約44112g(概算)
有料道路料金
3,250円 ETC割引料金を確認

It says the total trip is 255km, it will take 5 hrs 39 minutes and cost 3,250Yen ??? But google maps told me driving would only take about 4 hrs? And what is ETC--is that like a travel card for discounts on tolls? or something? 'cause if so, i don't have one and that means it will cost me more?

Here's the links

for navitime: http://www.navitime.co.jp/?orv=491943000.131671000.00001888.%E9%87%91%E6%B2%A2&dnv=486437700.127054700.00008026.%E7%A6%8F%E7%9F%A5%E5%B1%B1&orvAdd=.......&dnvAdd=.......&ctl=0650&tollroad=1&smic=0&vics=0&parkingKeyword=&ldmk1=&ldmkAdd1=


and google maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl


Of course, if there's a better website for directions and cost I'd love to know about it!!! [I only know really basic kanji so reading all the japanese sites is REALLY hard. nearly impossible]

Thank you so much!!!!!

Hello,

You can check this thread about highways in Japan : http://www.secret-japan.com/forum/etc-charges-t940.html

I would suggest to use the calculator given by Alessandro : http://www.driveplaza.com/dp/SearchTop

A quick search for your trip indicates that your journey is about 4h20, 380 km and would cost 7150 yen for the full price, with several discounts available if you use an ETC card.

ETC card is a card that can be placed in a specific card readers - if your car is equipped with it - and let you pass though the gates without stopping. It's very convenient and can lead to large discounts... For example, for your trip, you would pay only 2200-2500 yen if you travel during the WE (depending the time).

Hope this helps!

Thanks!!

the DrivePlaza calculator is pretty clear.

Also for the ETC info. i obviously don't have it, and probably can't get it yet, as I haven't received my gaijin card yet. So I'll have to pay full price. But it might be worth investing in with savings like that!

Again, Thank you.