Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP): Coverage, Pricing, and How to Purchase

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Hokkaido Expressway Pass (abbreviated as HEP) is a highway pass introduced in June 2012 by East Nippon Expressway Company Limited (referred to as NEXCO East Japan). It is specifically designed for foreign tourists driving in Japan, allowing unlimited use of Hokkaido expressways for a fixed fee when renting a car in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Expressway Pass

 

Table of Contents

 

 

Coverage of Hokkaido Expressway Pass

 

The Hokkaido Expressway Pass can be used on all expressways in Hokkaido operated by NEXCO East Japan, including the Doo Expressway, Sasson Expressway, Doto Expressway, Fukagawa-Rumoi Expressway, and Hidaka Expressway. During the validity period, users can enjoy unlimited access to these expressways.

Hokkaido Expressway Pass Coverage

 

However, it’s important to note that not all expressways in Hokkaido are toll roads. The purple lines on the map above indicate free expressways, including:

  • Hokkaido Longitudinal Expressway (Hakodate New Road) from Onuma Park IC to Hakodate
  • Kuromatsunai New Road from Kuromatsunai JCT to Kuromatsunai IC
  • Hidaka Expressway west of Numano Nishi IC
  • Obihiro-Hiroo Expressway south of Obihiro JCT
  • Doto Expressway from Honbetsu JCT east to Akan IC
  • Fukagawa-Rumoi Expressway from Fukagawa Nishi IC to Rumoi IC
  • Asahikawa-Mombetsu Expressway east of Pippu JCT
  • Tokachi-Okhotsk Expressway from Rikubetsu Town to Kitami Town

 

Since there are no other toll roads in Hokkaido outside the coverage of the pass, users won’t encounter situations where additional fees are required for using non-covered toll roads, as might happen with other expressway passes.

 

HEP is a flat-rate unlimited pass that requires an ETC card for use. ETC refers to the Electronic Toll Collection system. By inserting the ETC card into the vehicle’s ETC card reader, drivers can pass through ETC gates at expressway toll booths without stopping to collect tickets or pay manually. For ETC usage instructions, refer to this guide by NEXCO East Japan.

Hokkaido Expressway ETC Exit

 

 

Validity and Pricing of HEP

 

On October 1, 2024, NEXCO East Japan made three adjustments to the Hokkaido Expressway Pass: first, it changed the pricing model and increased the prices; second, it allowed vehicles with 660cc or smaller engines (light vehicles) to purchase the pass; and third, it changed the minimum validity period from 2 days to 4 days, while reducing the maximum validity from 14 days to 8 days. However, users can still purchase two passes to cover longer periods, such as 4 days + 5 days for 9 days or 5 days + 5 days for 10 days.

 

Regarding pricing, the new model introduced on October 1, 2024, adopts a fixed daily rate, averaging 1,925 yen per day. This differs from the previous model, where longer durations had lower average daily costs. Under the new pricing, prices have increased by an average of 55%, with longer durations seeing higher increases.

 

Duration Price Before Oct 1, 2024 (Standard Vehicles) Price From Oct 1 (Standard Vehicles) Price From Oct 1 (Light Vehicles)
2 Day 3,700 yen Not available Not available
3 Day 5,200 yen Not available Not available
4 Day 6,300 yen 7,700 yen 6,200 yen
5 Day 6,800 yen 9,600 yen 7,700 yen
6 Day 7,300 yen 11,600 yen 9,300 yen
7 Day 7,800 yen 13,500 yen 10,800 yen
8 Day 8,400 yen 15,400 yen 12,300 yen

 

Additionally, since the Hokkaido Expressway Pass is not a physical ETC card, rental companies will provide an ETC card at the time of purchase, but a rental fee of 330 yen (including tax) is usually charged.

 

ToCoo! Car Rental also offers a pass for Hokkaido expressways—ToCoo! Expressway Pass. Although its prices also increased significantly on October 1, 2024, it remains cheaper than HEP. Therefore, if you need a Hokkaido expressway pass, you may also consider ToCoo!’s TEP Hokkaido version. Below is a price comparison between the two passes.

 

Duration TEP Hokkaido HEP*
1 Day 6,030 yen Not available
2 Day 6,030 yen Not available
3 Day 6,030 yen Not available
4 Day 6,830 yen 8,030 yen
5 Day 8,630 yen 9,930 yen
6 Day 10,430 yen 11,930 yen
7 Day 12,230 yen 13,830 yen
8 Day 14,030 yen 15,730 yen

(*Note): The rental fee for the ETC card (330 yen) is not included in the HEP price, whereas TEP’s price already includes the ETC card rental fee. For fair comparison, the HEP prices above include the additional 330 yen.

 

 

Is HEP Worth It?

 

HEP differs from a standard ETC card, which charges normal toll fees for each segment traveled, with discounts available on holidays. HEP is essentially a day pass, similar to JR or subway day passes, allowing unlimited use during its validity period (must be consecutive days). This means the more you use it, the more you save, but it may not be cost-effective for light usage.

 

Therefore, if you plan to travel long distances on expressways during the validity period—such as between Sapporo and Asahikawa or to Hakodate—HEP can be cost-effective. However, if your expressway travel is minimal (e.g., only from Sapporo to Otaru), or if your itinerary involves extended stays in one location or areas without toll expressways, the pass may not be worthwhile.

 

The average toll fee for Hokkaido expressways is approximately 25 yen per kilometer, plus 10% consumption tax, totaling around 28 yen. To estimate whether the pass is cost-effective, multiply the total distance you plan to travel on toll expressways (excluding free expressways) by 28 yen, then compare this with the price of the pass for your intended duration.

 

Under the new pricing, the pass is cost-effective only if you travel more than 80 km per day on toll expressways. For example, the distance from Sapporo to Hakodate on toll expressways is about 280 km, so a round trip would be 560 km. In this case, purchasing a 6-day or shorter pass would be cost-effective, but a 7-day or longer pass would not.

 

For more precise toll calculations, you can use NEXCO East Japan’s toll inquiry system:

 

Below are examples of simple Hokkaido self-driving itineraries to illustrate whether purchasing HEP is cost-effective. (Note: Prices and tolls are as of October 2024.)

 

Case 1: 4-day self-drive. Day 1: Sapporo to Sounkyo via Asahikawa; Day 2: Sounkyo to Biei; Day 3: Biei and Furano; Day 4: Furano to Sapporo via Takikawa.

Analysis: On Day 1, the toll from Sapporo to Asahikawa is 3,800 yen; Days 2 and 3 involve no expressway travel; Day 4’s toll from Takikawa to Sapporo is 2,350 yen. Total tolls: 6,150 yen. The 4-day HEP costs 8,030 yen (including ETC rental), making it unprofitable.

 

Case 2: 4-day self-drive. Day 1: New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu Onsen; Day 2: Noboribetsu Onsen to Hakodate; Day 3: Hakodate to Lake Toya; Day 4: Lake Toya to Sapporo.

Analysis: Day 1’s toll is 1,890 yen; Day 2’s toll is 4,360 yen; Day 3’s toll is 3,390 yen; Day 4’s toll is 4,080 yen. Total tolls: 13,720 yen. The 4-day HEP costs 8,030 yen (including ETC rental), saving 5,690 yen. Alternatively, skipping expressways on Day 4 (using national roads with similar travel time) reduces tolls to 9,640 yen, but the pass remains cost-effective.

 

 

How to Purchase HEP?

 

HEP is not sold directly by NEXCO East Japan but through rental car companies. Tourists must rent a car from a participating company in Hokkaido to purchase the pass.

 

Where Can You Buy HEP?

 

Hokkaido Expressway Pass Sales LocationsThe Hokkaido Expressway Pass is only available at designated branches of rental car companies in Hokkaido that partner with NEXCO East Japan. Importantly, it can only be purchased at the time of vehicle pickup. This means you must pick up your car at a participating branch; you cannot pick up the car elsewhere and then visit a participating branch to buy the pass. Reservations can be made through rental company websites or agencies like ToCoo!, Rakuten Travel, or local travel agencies.

 

As of August 2025, 32 rental car companies offer HEP, including major national chains and smaller local Hokkaido providers. These companies have a total of 187 participating branches. For a detailed list, refer to the official website.

 

Below is information about HEP sales locations for 12 major rental car companies:

 

1. Toyota Rent a Car

 

Toyota Rent a Car operates through regional subsidiaries, so HEP-selling branches are divided into Toyota Rent a Car Sapporo, Toyota Rent a Car Shin-Sapporo, Toyota Rent a Car Hakodate, Toyota Rent a Car Asahikawa, Toyota Rent a Car Kitami, Toyota Rent a Car Obihiro, and Toyota Rent a Car Kushiro, totaling 48 branches.

 

2. Times Car Rental

 

Times Car Rental has 21 branches in Hokkaido where HEP is available.

 

3. Nippon Rent a Car

 

Nippon Rent a Car offers HEP at 26 branches in Hokkaido.

 

4. Orix Rent a Car

 

Orix Rent a Car has 18 branches in Hokkaido where HEP is available.

 

5. Nissan Rent a Car

 

Nissan Rent a Car offers HEP at 19 branches in Hokkaido.

 

6. OTS Rent a Car

 

OTS Rent a Car has 1 branch in Hokkaido where HEP is available.

 

7. Budget Car Rental

 

Budget Car Rental offers HEP at 7 branches in Hokkaido.

 

8. Honda Rent a Car

 

Honda Rent a Car has 3 branches in Hokkaido where HEP is available.

 

9. Honda Rent a Lease Hokkaido

 

Honda Rent a Lease Hokkaido offers HEP at 2 branches in Hokkaido.

 

10. Sky Rent a Car

 

Sky Rent a Car has 1 branch in Hokkaido where HEP is available.

 

11. JR Hokkaido Rent a Car

 

JR Hokkaido Rent a Car offers HEP at 5 branches in Hokkaido.

 

12. J-Net Rent a Car

 

J-Net Rent a Car has 5 branches in Hokkaido where HEP is available.

 

 

13. Other Small Rental Companies

 

Below is information about the remaining 20 small local rental companies that offer HEP:

 

(1) Car Rental Hokkaido – 2 branches:

  • New Chitose Airport Branch
  • Asahikawa Airport Branch

 

(2) World Net Rent a Car – 4 branches:

  • New Chitose Airport Office
  • Sapporo Office
  • Asahikawa Airport Office
  • Hakodate Airport Office

 

(3) Niconico Rent a Car – 1 branch:

  • New Chitose Airport Branch

 

(4) Hokkaido Travel Rent a Car – 1 branch:

  • New Chitose Airport Office

 

(5) Samurai Rental Car – 1 branch:

  • New Chitose Airport Branch

 

(6) Hokkaido Nomad Car Rental – 1 branch:

  • Sapporo Store

 

(7) Ones Rental Car – 1 branch:

  • New Chitose Airport Branch

 

(8) HDC Rent a Car – 2 branches:

  • Hakodate St. Office
  • Hakodate Airport Office

 

(9) Rentacan Hokkaido – 1 branch:

  • Rentacan Hokkaido

 

(10) Camper Service – 1 branch:

  • Camper Service

 

(11) Japan Campingcar Rental Center – 2 branches:

  • New Chitose Airport Camper Rental Center
  • Hokkaido Asahikawa Camper Rental Center

 

(12) Kegani Camp – 1 branch:

  • KEGANI CAMP

 

(13) MID RENT-A-CAR – 4 branches:

  • New Chitose Airport Office
  • Chitose Station Office
  • Sapporo Office
  • Okadama Airport Office

 

(14) ureska campingcar rental – 1 branch:

  • Head office

 

(15) El Monte RV Japan – 1 branch:

  • RV Rental Store

 

(16) Peak Niseko Car Rental – 1 branch:

  • Niseko Office

 

(17) HIPs Rent a Car – 3 branches:

  • New Chitose Airport Branch
  • Sapporo Kiyota Branch
  • Hakodate Airport Branch

 

(18) KGS CAR RENTAL – 1 branch:

  • KGS CARRENTAL

 

(19) SMILE CAMPER SAPPORO – 1 branch:

  • SMILE CAMPER Sapporo

 

(20) Family Rentacar – 1 branch:

  • New Chitose Airport Shop

 

 

Must HEP Duration Match Rental Duration?

 

In principle, NEXCO East Japan does not require the pass duration to match the rental duration. However, rental companies typically require the pass duration to match the rental duration, such as purchasing a 5-day pass for a 5-day rental. If you genuinely don’t need a pass for the entire rental period, you can try negotiating with the rental company. Note that HEP must be used consecutively, so you must specify the usage period when purchasing.

 

Vehicle Class Restrictions

 

Previously, HEP was only available for standard vehicles (普通車). Light vehicles with 660cc or smaller engines (classified as P0 Class in Toyota Rent a Car or K0G Class in Times Car Rental) could not purchase the pass. However, starting October 1, 2024, light vehicles are eligible, with lower prices than standard vehicles.

 

One-Way Rental Restrictions

 

Since the ETC card provided by the rental company must be returned upon vehicle return, most car rental companies only allow pick-up and drop-off at the same branch. However, some companies permit returns at other branches that also sell the Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP), though not all branches support this. If you need to return the car at a different location, it’s best to check with the rental company in advance. Toyota Rent a Car and Times Car Rental allow returns at other HEP-selling branches.

 

How to Reserve and Purchase HEP?

 

Some car rental companies allow you to request HEP during the online reservation process. If this option isn’t available, you can contact the pick-up branch after completing your reservation—via phone, email, or the company’s inquiry form—to arrange the purchase.

 

Since HEP requires an ETC card, availability depends on whether the rental branch has ETC cards in stock. Most rental companies offer ETC card rentals, and outside peak seasons, there are usually enough cards available, making advance reservations unnecessary. However, if you’re concerned about availability, you can ask the rental company to reserve one for you.

 

1. Toyota Rent a Car

 

Previously, Toyota Rent a Car allowed ETC card reservations through their website’s inquiry form, but now they only accept phone reservations. Below are the contact numbers (service hours: 8:00–20:00 Japan Time):

  • Domestic calls (free):
    • English: 0800-7000-815
    • Japanese: 0800-7000-111
  • International calls (charged):
    • English: +81-92-577-0091
    • Japanese: +81-92-577-0080

 

While Toyota Rent a Car generally only accepts phone reservations for ETC cards, the Toyota Rent a Car Sapporo website still provides an inquiry form for general questions or HEP reservations.

 

2. Times Car Rental

 

Times Car Rental allows reservations directly through the inquiry form on their official website.

 

3. Nippon Rent a Car

 

Nippon Rent a Car provides an inquiry form on their official English website for reservations.

 

4. Orix Rent a Car

 

Orix Rent a Car offers an inquiry form on their official English website for reservations.

 

5. Nissan Rent a Car

 

Nissan Rent a Car provides an inquiry form on their official English website for reservations.

 

6. Budget Rent a Car

 

Budget Rent a Car offers an inquiry form on their official English website for reservations.

 

 

How to Rent a Car in Hokkaido?

 

You can rent a car in Hokkaido either through the rental company’s official website or via a rental agent. For details on reserving a car through Toyota Rent a Car’s official website, refer to the following article:

 

How to Use HEP?

 

The Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP) is not a physical item. Instead, it works through the ETC card’s highway entry and exit records. When purchasing HEP, you’ll need to rent an ETC card from the rental company, which typically costs 330 yen (including 10% tax).

 

Using HEP is the same as using a regular ETC card. Simply insert the ETC card into the vehicle’s card reader, and you can pass through ETC lanes at highway toll gates without stopping to take a ticket or pay manually.

Hokkaido Expressway PassHEP + Card ReaderETC Exit on Hokkaido Highways

 

Recommended Hokkaido Self-Driving Routes

 

To attract and assist foreign tourists, many local governments in Hokkaido have published self-driving route guides. The following two resources are particularly useful:

 

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