Large-scale traffic controls began in the Tokyo area at the start of this week ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, which open on the 23rd. The aim is to keep athletes and officials moving smoothly. On the Metropolitan Expressway, “road pricing” that raises daytime tolls to cut volume has started; traffic on the expressway is down, while some ordinary roads in the city are seeing jams.
Expressway road pricing runs from the 19th through August 9, the day after the Olympic closing ceremony, and again during the Paralympics from August 24 through September 5. For private cars, kei cars, and two-wheelers, 1,000 yen is added to the toll from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Conversely, from midnight to 4:00 a.m. all vehicles (except cash payers) are charged half.
Looking down from the building’s roof on the afternoon of the 20th, you can see how much traffic has dropped. The scene looks like the Obon holiday period.