Expressway tolls etc

Heard the Japanese Government is either thinking about or has actually lowered expressway tolls over weekends, is this true ?
Planning a self drive holiday to Japan, where can we find online a good map of all the expressways, with exits etc in ENGLISH. Don't like using Google maps. Also need a detailed map of the expressways for the Tokyo and Osaka metropolitan areas, thanks.

Heard the Japanese Government is either thinking about or has actually lowered expressway tolls over weekends, is this true ?

There have always been discounts for both weekdays and weekends for ETC card holders. Drivers without ETC cannot profit from them. I have not heard of new plans for further discounts. But there are more an more special expressway passes for foreign tourists available.

Planning a self drive holiday to Japan, where can we find online a good map of all the expressways, with exits etc in ENGLISH.

I don't anything better than Google Map exists in English.

Also need a detailed map of the expressways for the Tokyo and Osaka metropolitan areas, thanks.

Tokyo:
http://www.shutoko.co.jp/english/drive/map/

For Osaka, this is the best I can find:
http://www.hanshin-exp.co.jp/english/img/aboutsus/outline/network/deta...

Thanks Uji. Want to drive to Izu right after we land at Haneda, Can we as tourist get any cheap expressway passes ?

No, I am afraid there is no tourist pass for that area that would pay off.

Thank you Uji.

sorry to hijack the thread, just need to ask a question regarding toll charge.

when doing a journey, are the toll charge calculated on a single journey when passing through the toll, or charged as a return journey.

In my experience, the tolls you pay at the toll gates is for the single journey ie: you collect a ticket upon entry to the expressway and then when you exit you give them the ticket and they will tell you the amount you have to pay.

Thanks for the reply, if my calculation is correct, my planned 2 day trip by car will set me approximate 19000 yen.

sorry to hijack the thread

There is no need to hijack threads. Just create your own here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quenew.html

when doing a journey, are the toll charge calculated on a single journey when passing through the toll, or charged as a return journey.

It is charged from toll gate to toll gate one-way. There can be multiple gates along a journey, e.g. if you pass across the boundary between expressway companies. Then, you pay multiple times along the way.

Thank uji