🚗 Kin IC Congestion Alert – Low ETC Card Usage Causing Morning Traffic Jams
A July 2025 report from Okinawa Times highlights heavy congestion at the Kin Interchange (IC) on the Okinawa Expressway, especially during weekday mornings. The primary cause: a high number of U.S. military commuters heading to Camp Hansen, with most not using ETC cards.
While ETC usage across Okinawa averages 78%, only 20–30% of military-related vehicles at Kin IC use ETC — leading to long delays even for ETC users. Local officials and NEXCO are exploring solutions, including road expansions and ETC awareness.
JapanETCcard.com is mentioned in the article as a solution for U.S. military members who cannot open Japanese bank accounts. We provide ETC access with no local bank required — available to all SOFA-status drivers.
🔗 Read the full article from Okinawa Times
Attention All Okinawa Customers: Get ETC Card Today & Stop Paying More By Cash
On April 1, 2024: Non ETC Card Customers Increased 35.5% or more On Toll Prices Paying Cash on Okinawa Expressway!
If you pay with a toll ticket & cash, expect 35.5% increase or more depending on the toll gate.
A 35.5% fare discount was implemented on Okinawa Expressway in Year 1999, and NEXCO West Japan has decided to apply only to vehicles with ETC.
Any Customers Paying With Cash Will Not Receive Discounts.