Experience Tokyo by Night with the Metropolitan Expressway

First constructed in 1962 in an effort to decrease traffic congestion on city streets, the Metropolitan Expressway (shuto kōsoku-dōro) — commonly referred to as the “Shutoko” — is comprised of a total of 327 kilometers of roadway. An elaborate maze of raised expressways and underground tunnels snaking throughout the bustling metropolis, the Shutoko passes through many of Tokyo’s most famous neighborhoods and serves as a gateway linking the city to the rest of Japan’s national highway system in a matter of minutes. Shutoko is reserved expressly for four wheel motor vehicles and motorbikes with an engine size of 125cc and over.

When driving on the Shutoko, bringing along an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card is highly recommended. Utilizing an ETC card allows for not only a more convenient driving experience, but also saves motorists from paying the Shutoko’s more expensive flat-rate cash tolls — which, as of April 2022, cost ¥1950 for a standard-sized vehicle. This isn’t a daily fee, rather a fee that is charged each time one enters the Shutoko network. With an ETC card, however, drivers are only charged for the segments of expressway used, thereby cutting down on unnecessary toll charges. Also an increasing number of Shutoko entrance points are for ETC card use only.

Using an ETC card when navigating Shutoko will allow for a faster, smoother and cheaper driving experience. They are easy to use, and these days almost all rental cars come equipped with ETC card readers

Almost all rental cars in Japan are outfitted with an ETC reader, and overseas travelers can request an ETC card as a part of their reservation. Simply place the ETC card into the reader before hitting the road, and the electronic toll gates placed along the Shutoko will do the rest. You then pay for any tolls used upon returning your rental car.

Whether stopping in Tokyo for a few hours on a layover or visiting for a longer trip, a leisurely evening drive on the Shutoko can make for an exciting and memorable outing for both driver and passengers alike. Pick up a rental car and kick off the journey during the late afternoon anywhere in Tokyo by hopping on the Shutoko. Tokyo International Airport, better known as Haneda Airport, located in the southern part of the city is as good a place as any to start your journey, offering beautiful sights from the get-go!

Before starting your journey from Haneda Airport , a quick visit to one of the airport’s popular outdoor observation decks, located in Terminal 1 and in the International Terminal, will afford a fantastic view of the airport runways and parts of the city skyline. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji on a clear day!

A quick drive from Haneda Airport on the Shutoko’s famous Bay Shore Route leads to Odaiba, a popular entertainment district situated in Tokyo Bay. Here, visitors can stroll through several large shopping complexes, stop by one of the area’s many theme parks and museums, take in a view of Tokyo and the picturesque Rainbow Bridge — and even see a nearly 20-meter-tall Gundam statue!

Enter the Shutoko from the Haneda Airport entrance（B17）, exit via the Rinkai-fukutoshin exit（B22）.

A short drive along the Shutoko from Haneda Airport will bring you to the waterfront area in Odaiba which offers great views of Tokyo Bay and the southern section of the Tokyo Metropolis

Odaiba offers great views across the bay towards Rainbow Bridge and the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo. It’s a view that looks particularly good as the sun sets across the bay

Odaiba Marine Park

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As the sun sets, hop back onto the Shutoko heading toward Tokyo via the Route9 Fukagawa Line. Passing over the Sumidagawa-Ohashi Bridge offers two striking views of the city: On one side, the Eitai Bridge, which is illuminated in blue and spans the Sumida River. On the other, the Kiyosu Bridge and the 634 meter tall Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world. Fully appreciating these views may prove difficult while navigating the Shutoko — so exit the expressway and find a parking lot nearby to take in the scenery and shoot some memorable photos while walking along the Sumidagawa-Ohashi pedestrian path.

Enter the Shutoko from the Ariake entrance（B23）, exit via the Fukuzumi exit（902）.

Exiting Shutoko at the Sumidagawa-Ohashi Bridge allows for two iconic Tokyo views just a few steps from one another. The first is this view of Eitaibashi Bridge, looking south-west from Sumidagawa-Ohashi pedestrian path

Eitaibashi

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Next we have this excellent view of the Tokyo Skytree towering above Kiyosu Bridge, also visible from the Sumidagawa-Ohashi pedestrian path, facing north-east

Tokyo Skytree (R)

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Finally, we have this magnificent view that combines both of the above locations in one, as seen from Eitai Park. Look closely and you can spot Shutoko’s Route 9, above Sumidagawa-Ohashi Bridge, sandwiched between Eitaibashi Bridge and the Tokyo Skytree

Re-enter the expressway and drive along the Route6 Mukojima Line through the Nihonbashi district before connecting to the Inner Circular Route, which takes motorists on a stunning tour of the city via the Shutoko’s raised roadways. Much of Shutoko is either raised, underground or surrounded on both sides by walls, this helps shield the city from any noise caused by vehicles.
After passing sites including Ginza, Tokyo Tower, and Roppongi, drivers will arrive in downtown Shibuya, where they can enjoy a spectacular front-row view of pedestrians crossing the world-famous Shibuya Scramble crossing. For another perspective of Shibuya, the newly constructed Shibuya SKY, an observation area rising 229 m above Shibuya, at the top of SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE offers a stunning 360-degree view of Tokyo’s bustling shopping and nightlife hubs. On a clear day one can see as far as the Minami Alps and even Mt. Fuji!

Enter the Shutoko from the Kyobashi entrance（12）, exit via the Shibuya exit（303）.

The view from Shibuya SKY on the 46th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square shows a fantastic scene of Shutoko slicing through the Tokyo Metropolis, against a backdrop of Mt. Fuji on a clear day

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Driving along Shutoko’s inner circular route allows easy access to many of the sites Tokyo is known around the world for, including the neon clad streets of downtown Shibuya

Driving through Shibuya also affords front row seats at the amous Shibuya Scramble crossing

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As the evening comes to a close, head back to Haneda Airport via the Rainbow Bridge, part of the Shutoko’s Route11 Daiba Line. After sundown, the bridge is illuminated in bright white on weekends, but on special occasions the popular symbol of Tokyo lives up to its name when it is lit up in a rainbow of colors. It’s a fitting and memorable way to conclude this unique nighttime journey through the city.

Enter the Shutoko from the Takagicho entrance（301）, exit via the Haneda Airport exit（B17）.

Much of the Shutoko is raised, allowing great views of iconic tokyo landmarks like Rainbow Bridge.

The ease and convenience of driving along the Shutoko Expressway — especially when paired with the use of an ETC card — is sure to please even the most seasoned Tokyo traveler. So buckle up, and happy driving!

Shutoko also have an English information page detailing all aspects of using the network, you can read up on that here:https://www.shutoko.co.jp/en/index/

Please remember to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws if visiting from overseas and always follow the rules of the road.