Expressways Basically, expressways, or 高速道路（こうそくどうろ）, are tolled highways that fform a network across Japan. In theory, you could drive from Aomori to Kagoshima using expressways, but it's not always the most cost or time effective. In Niigata Prefecture, there are 5 expressways. For details, see the map below. Cost and Tolls For ordinary cars, the cost is 24.6 yen/kilometer. For kei-cars (or K-cars, if you prefer), the cost is 19.68 yen/kilometer. However, now on weekend, you can go as far as you like on the expressway for only 1,000 yen if you have an ETC pass (as long as you don't exit the road). ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) Passes are installed in cars for automatic payment. In the past, ETC cards were only available if you had a Japanese credit card, but there is now a system of payment for those without credit cards. If you are interested, ask your car dealership for more information. If you don't have an ETC Pass, you can pay with cash at toll booths. Interchanges Basic interchanges have lanes for ETC and general (一般) payment, so be sure to get in the correct lane when entering and exiting. If using a general entrace, you must stop and take a ticket. Once you have gotten your ticket, there will be signs telling you which way to go for what cities. For example, a sign on the left with an arrow facing left reading "Niigata" and a sign on the right with an arrow facing right reading "Tokyo." Smart Interchanges Smart Interchanges are for ETC users only. They do not dispense tickets for those entering, and those exiting cannot pay in cash. If you do not have an ETC card, please be careful. Service Areas Along the roads, there are many service areas. They range from simple, bathroom-only service areas to large service areas with restaurants, gift shops, and gas stands. Signs along the way will tell you how far away the next service area is, a coffee cup symbol will tell you if there is food, and a gas pump symbol will tell you if there is a gas stand. The 5 Expressways in Niigata Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway 日本海東北自動車道 The Nihonka-Tohoku Expressway currently runs from the Arakawa area of Murakami City to the Niigata Chuo Junction in Niigata City. Construction is currently underway to connect it up to Asahi, and it is planned to eventually extend up to Yamagata Prefecture. Banetsu Expressway 磐越高自動車道 Sometimes written Ban-etsu to follow the pronunciation of ばんえつ, it runs from the Niigata Chuo Junction to Tugawa, and eventually to Fukushima Prefecture. Hokuriku Expressway 北陸自動車道 The Hokuriku Expressway runs from the Niigata Chuo Junction through the Nagaoka and Joetsu Junctions all the way down to Itoigawa. It continues on to Toyama Prefecture. Kanetsu Expressway 関越自動車道 Sometimes written Kan-etsu to follow the pronunciation of かんえつ, it runs from the Nagaoka Junction down to Yuzawa. It continues on through Gunma and Saitama Prefectures heading straight to Tokyo. Joshinetsu Expressway 上信越自動車道 Sometimes written Joshin-etsu to follow the pronunciation of じょうしんえつ, it runs from the Joetsu Junction down to Myoko, then on to Nagano Prefecture. Map of Expressways in Niigata 
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