The Izu Skyline isn’t just a road, it’s a 40.6 km ribbon of asphalt that carves a breathtaking path along the eastern spine of the Izu Peninsula. This is where riders and drivers come to experience freedom on winding roads, with magnificent, sweeping views of Mount Fuji on one side and the deep blue of Sagami Bay on the other. It’s an undulating, scenic ripper of a road that has drawn enthusiasts since its opening in the early 1960s.
However, on October 1st, after nearly 50 years, the Shizuoka Prefectural Road Public Corporation is implementing some key revisions aimed at ensuring this iconic route remains a safe and unforgettable experience for many more years.

Simplified Tolls and Modern Payment

To keep the Izu Skyline in peak condition, a toll revision is on the horizon, almost unbelievable that it’s the first in approximately 47 years barring consumption tax additions.

The toll structure is being simplified, apparently making the journey smoother and more efficient. The current seven toll gates will be consolidated into four, and the number of toll zones will be reduced from six to three. This should mean easier access and more flexible riding. But, and there’s a big BUT that we’ll get to later.

While the one-way toll for a full trip down or up the Skyline will increase from 650 yen to 900 yen for motorcycles, these funds are cited as vital for maintaining the road’s quality and counteracting rising maintenance costs, especially for labour.
On the plus side, the Izu Skyline is finally embracing modern convenience. The relatively new cashless payment system, ETCX, will be introduced at all toll gates, putting an end to fumbling for cash or coupons. It’s a small change that will make a big difference in the flow of your ride.
The revised toll structure for bikes on the three individual sections will be:

• Atami Pass to Kameishi Pass: 350 yen (+80yen)
• Kameishi Pass to Hiyakawa: 350 yen (+130yen)
• Hiyakawa to Amagi Highlands: 200 yen (+40yen)

Now to that ‘BUT’ mentioned above. Kameishi IC’s toll booth/gates are being relocated to the main road, so it will be necessary to stop, essentially breaking that 40km of twistyfest in half. That is certainly going to put a damper on some riders exploits and the non-stop runs north and/or south.

While not yet clear exactly how this will all pan out, with simplified access, no need to remove gloves, those same incredible views and some toll gates being removed all together, new adventures on this epic piece of Izu are waiting to be figured out.

Time to get ETCX…

Source: Shizuoka Prefectural Road Corporation