Foreign residents and travelers in Japan face potential changes to transportation costs as disputes over shinkansen fees intensify and Tokyo's expressway system prepares for significant toll increases in 2025. According to NHK, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is reviewing the calculation method for lease fees that JR companies pay for shinkansen infrastructure, with plans to both extend payment periods and potentially increase amounts. This review has sparked strong opposition from JR East, which argues that any fee increases would violate previous agreements made when the payment structure was established. The dispute centers on the "seibi shinkansen" or development shinkansen lines, which include routes like the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Kyushu Shinkansen. These lines were built with public funding, and JR companies lease the infrastructure from the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency. The current lease payment system was designed to balance public investment recovery with maintaining affordable fares for passengers. JR East's rejection of the proposed increases signals potential complications ahead. The company maintains that the government's proposal contradicts earlier consensus documents that established the payment framework. If the Ministry proceeds with increases despite JR's objections, the additional costs could eventually be passed on to passengers through higher ticket prices, affecting both daily commuters and tourists exploring Japan by rail. Meanwhile, confirmed toll increases are coming to Tokyo's expressway system. The Metropolitan Expressway Company announced it will apply to the government for toll increases starting October 2025, according to NHK. The proposed increase amounts to approximately 10 percent per kilometer, raising the average fare for ordinary vehicles from the current 810 yen to 880 yen for typical journey distances. For foreign residents who drive in Tokyo, this 70-yen increase per average trip will add up quickly for regular users. The Metropolitan Expressway system is crucial for navigating Tokyo efficiently, particularly for those traveling to and from airports, making business trips across the city, or transporting families and goods. The toll hike represents the latest in a series of infrastructure cost adjustments as Japan grapples with aging transportation systems requiring extensive maintenance and upgrades. The expressway toll increase comes as Japan continues investing heavily in infrastructure renewal. Tokyo's elevated expressways, many built for the 1964 Olympics, require ongoing maintenance and earthquake retrofitting. The toll revenue helps fund these essential safety upgrades, though the timing adds financial pressure on residents already facing increased living costs. For expats planning travel or budgeting transportation expenses, these developments warrant attention. While the shinkansen fee dispute remains unresolved and may not immediately affect ticket prices, the situation bears monitoring. Any eventual fare increases would impact popular routes used by foreign residents for domestic travel, including trips to Kanazawa, Nagano, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. The expressway toll increase, however, is proceeding on a clear timeline. Drivers should budget for the October 2025 implementation, particularly those who use the Metropolitan Expressway regularly for commuting or business purposes. The 880-yen average fare applies to standard passenger vehicles; larger vehicles will see proportionally higher increases. Transportation costs represent a significant portion of living expenses in Japan, and these changes underscore the importance of staying informed about infrastructure developments. Foreign residents may want to consider alternative transportation options where feasible, such as regular train lines for intercity travel or surface streets for local Tokyo trips, though these alternatives often involve longer journey times. As Japan's transportation infrastructure ages and requires increasing investment, further cost adjustments seem likely in coming years. Staying informed about these changes helps expats budget effectively and make informed decisions about their transportation choices in Japan.