When people hear “Metropolitan Expressway,” many probably think of “high tolls” or “roads for getting around downtown Tokyo.” But in fact, if you use ETC, you can enjoy a drive around the Metropolitan Expressway for as little as 300 yen.
The appeal of this method is that it lets you easily enjoy some of Tokyo’s most iconic driving routes, such as the Rainbow Bridge, the Wangan Line, and the Central Circular Route. I use it myself on weekend nights or after work, and it has become one of my favorite driving routes where I can fully enjoy time with my car, even if only for a short while.
In this article, I’ll explain how the “300-Yen Loop Drive”—a way to enjoy the Metropolitan Expressway at the lowest possible cost—works, along with recommended routes and important points to keep in mind.
Why Can You Drive on the Metropolitan Expressway for Just 300 Yen?
ETC tolls on the Metropolitan Expressway are calculated based on the “shortest route” determined by the combination of entry and exit points, rather than the actual distance traveled.
For example, if you use adjacent on- and off-ramps, the system determines that you have “traveled a short distance,” so the lowest toll rate of 300 yen applies.
What’s interesting here is that you don’t actually have to head straight to the exit.
After entering the Metropolitan Expressway, you can circle the Central Ring Road or the Bayshore Line, cross the Rainbow Bridge, or drive around the city center several times before heading to the exit—as long as the combination of entry and exit points remains the same, the toll will be the same.
Furthermore, the direction of travel from the entry point to the exit does not necessarily have to be the same.
To take an extreme example, even if you drive in the opposite direction of the exit, circle the city, and finally exit at your intended exit, the toll calculation mechanism remains unchanged.
Because this allows you to enjoy driving on the Metropolitan Expressway as long as time and fuel permit, some car enthusiasts refer to it as the “300-Yen Loop Drive.”
However, please note that the Metropolitan Expressway is, after all, a public road. Depending on traffic conditions, you may not be able to drive as planned, and the toll structure is subject to change, so please check the latest information before using it.
Examples of Entrances and Exits Where You Can Actually Drive for 300 Yen
Takaido Entrance → Eifuku Exit
This is the route I use most often.
I enter at the Takaido Entrance on the Shuto Expressway Route 4 Shinjuku Line and exit at the Eifuku Exit.
Since Takaido and Eifuku are adjacent entrances and exits, they are treated as a short-distance trip for toll calculation purposes.
However, in reality,
- Takaido Entrance
- Route 4 Shinjuku Line
- C1 Central Loop Line
- Route 11 Odaiba Line
- Rainbow Bridge
- Wangan Line
- C1 Central Loop Line
- Route 4 Shinjuku Line
- Eifuku Exit
You can take this route to drive all the way around Tokyo before exiting, and there’s no problem with that.
It’s the perfect route for a 1- to 2-hour drive while enjoying the night view.
Hatsudai-Minami Entrance → Tomigaya Exit
This route is also recommended for those who want to start closer to the city center.
Enter the Metropolitan Expressway at the Hatsudai-Minami Entrance and exit at the Tomigaya Exit.
Since this is considered a short-distance section for toll calculations, you can use it at the lowest rate even after driving freely on the Central Circular Route or the Wangan Line.
For example:
- Hatsudai-Minami Entrance
- Route 4 Shinjuku Line
- C1 Central Loop Line
- Hakozaki JCT
- Route 9 Fukagawa Line
- Wangan Line
- Rainbow Bridge
- C1 Central Loop Line
- Route 3 Shibuya Line
- Tomigaya Exit
This is the route.
It offers easy access from the Shibuya and Shinjuku areas and is ideal for a night drive after work.
Enter at Shibuya and Exit at Shibuya
Toll charges on the Metropolitan Expressway are calculated based on the “shortest route between the entry and exit points,” rather than the actual distance traveled. The minimum toll when using ETC is 300 yen.
Therefore, if you enter at the Shibuya Interchange,
- C1 Central Loop Line
- Rainbow Bridge
- Wangan Line
- Hakozaki JCT
- C1 Central Loop
and then exit again at the Shibuya Exit.
“I don’t have a specific destination, but I just want to take my car for a drive.”
This route is perfect for days like that.
- Please note that tolls may vary depending on the combination of entry and exit points. We recommend checking the Metropolitan Expressway toll calculator before your trip. https://search.shutoko.jp/en/index.html (Shuto Expressway official site)
Tips for the 300-Yen Loop Drive
Fill Up Before You Go
There are almost no gas stations on the Metropolitan Expressway.
It’s not uncommon for a “quick drive” to turn into a one- or two-hour trip before you know it, so we recommend checking your fuel level before you set out.
Sports cars and high-displacement vehicles, in particular, consume a lot of fuel, so be sure to leave with plenty of gas.
An ETC Card Is Required
The 300-Yen Loop Drive assumes the use of ETC.
Since the toll structure differs for cash payments, the lowest rate may not apply.
Be Aware of Junction Branches
The Metropolitan Expressway has many branches, and if you’re not familiar with it, you may veer off your intended route.
The areas around Hakozaki JCT and Edobashi JCT are particularly complex, so it’s best to check your route in advance for peace of mind.
Take Your Breaks Before You Start
If you plan to drive for a long time, it’s more comfortable to use the restroom and stock up on drinks beforehand.
While the Shuto Expressway’s rest areas are convenient, many drivers prefer to keep going without stopping during a loop drive.
Drive Safely
The Shuto Expressway is not a racetrack.
Although traffic decreases late at night, you may still encounter vehicles driving at high speeds. Don’t force yourself to keep up with the flow of traffic; instead, enjoy driving safely at your own pace.
Summary
Since ETC tolls on the Metropolitan Expressway are calculated based on the combination of entry and exit points, you can drive through downtown Tokyo and the waterfront area for as little as 300 yen by planning your route carefully.
Since you can drive while enjoying the night views of the Rainbow Bridge and the Inner Metropolitan Expressway, this is a highly cost-effective way to have fun for car enthusiasts.
By using routes such as the Takaido entrance to the Eifuku exit or the Hatsudai-Minami entrance to the Tomigaya exit, you can easily enjoy a drive on the Metropolitan Expressway.
Why not fill up your gas tank, put on your favorite music, and take a drive through the Tokyo night?
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