*Photo by A.S.since1992 via* *wikimedia* *licensed* *Creative Commons* *Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported*

So there you are throttle wide open, carving through Japan’s legendary mountain passes when ding your gas light blinks on. Mild panic sets in. You spot an Apollo Station… sounds like a Greek cult. Across the road is JA-SS—wait, is that even a gas station?

You’re tired, possibly hangry, and the last thing you want is to pump diesel into your beloved steed. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here’s your ultimate guide to fueling up in Japan while on a motorcycle trip, so you can stay on the road and not stuck asking “Keiyu? Hi-Oku? What does that even mean?!”

Common Gas Stations in Japan

You’ll find these major fuel chains all across Japan. Some are more common in rural areas, while others dominate city streets:

Eneos – Japan’s largest network. The name fuses “Energy” + “Neos” (Greek for “new”).
Idemitsu / Apollo Station – Inspired by the sun god Apollo, these stations beam with retro logos and solid service.
Cosmo Oil – Known for the heartfelt slogan: “Filling up your hearts too…”
JA-SS – Stands for Japan Agricultural Service Stations. Yes, they sell gas.
Kygnus – Think swan-like elegance. Named after the constellation Cygnus (aka Zeus in disguise as a swan).
Shell – Familiar worldwide. A nod to the Dutch-Japan connection during the Edo period.

Fuel Types in Japan

There are three main fuel types you'll encounter in Japan, each color-coded at the pump.

1. **Regular Gasoline / Unleaded +**
**Japanese name:** レギュラー (*Regyuraa*)
**Color:** Red
**Octane:** 89~
2. **High Octane / Premium Unleaded**
**Japanese name:** ハイオク (*Hi-Oku*)
**Color:** Yellow
**Octane:** 96~98
**3. Diesel**
**Japanese name:** 軽油 (*Keiyu*)
**Color:** Green
**Octane:** N/A (it's diesel)

Pro Tip: If you're renting a motorcycle in Japan, always ask the rental company what fuel type to use before you hit the road. Mistakes at the pump can be costly.

Full-Service vs. Self-Service Gas Stations in Japan

Full Service (フル)

Welcome to the past! These stations feel like stepping back into the 50’s. Attendants will:

Guide you to a pump
Fill your tank
Offer a rag to clean your windshield or helmet visor
Check tire pressure on request
Bow and block traffic as you leave (yes, seriously)

You’ll pay a bit more, but you’ll leave with a full tank and a full heart. Cosmo wasn’t kidding with their slogan.

How to Fill Up at a Full-Service Station

To keep things smooth and respectful, follow this phrase format:

1. Greet:
➡️ Konnichiwa! (こんにちは)

2. Fuel Type:
➡️ Regyuraa for Regular
➡️ Hai-Oku for Premium

3. Fill Level:
➡️ Mantan = Fill it up

4. Payment Method:
➡️ Kaado de = By credit card (hand over your credit card first)
➡️ Genkin de = With cash (Pay cash at the end)

Then just sit back (or hop off your bike to make space), enjoy a visor wipe, and receive your receipt with a smile.

Self-Service (セルフ)

These are more common—especially near highway exits and in urban areas.

What to Expect:

Automated touch screens (sometimes with an English option)
Pumps marked clearly with fuel color codes
Credit card or cash options
A cash adjustment machine (change machine)

How to Use a Self-Service Pump

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Pull up to the pump
Make sure it has the three fuel types. If it only shows green (軽油), it's a diesel-only pump—move to another one.
Touch the screen to start
Some pumps have an English language option—look for the “ENGLISH” button.
Choose your payment method
- Insert your credit card (クレジットカード), or
- Press the button for cash payment (現金)
Skip the point card prompt
Just press “スキップ” (Skip) if asked.
Select your fuel type
- レギュラー = Regular (Red)
- ハイオク = Hi-Oku / Premium (Yellow)
- 軽油 = Diesel (Green – don’t use!)
Confirm your selection
(Cash only) Insert bills into the cash slot
Begin fueling
Lift the nozzle, squeeze the trigger, and fill up.
Take your receipt

If you paid by credit card, you're done!

10. If you paid with **cash**, your receipt will have a **barcode**.

Take your receipt to the **cash adjustment machine (釣銭機)** nearby.
Scan the barcode and collect your change.

💡Pro Tip: If you're unsure at any step, watch a local or flag down an attendant. Some stations still have staff roaming around to assist!

Where to Find Gas in Japan

🏙️ Urban areas: Gas stations are usually open 24/7 and often self-service.
🛣️ Highway rest stops (Service Areas): Offer gas—but at a premium.
🏞️ Rural Japan: Most stations close by 6 PM, may close on Sundays, and public holidays. Be warned!

🔥 Real Rider Tip: I once found myself near the tip of the Noto Peninsula on a Sunday, low on gas. Google Maps showed several stations “open,” but they were all shuttered. I had to backtrack 50 km to the nearest working pump. Moral of the story? Top off your tank before entering remote areas.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fueling Be Your Trip's Flat Tire

Getting gas in Japan is surprisingly smooth once you know the system. Whether you’re at a retro full-service station bowing you off like a touring emperor, or fumbling through self-service screens with Google Translate, it’s part of the adventure.

So next time your low-fuel light comes on in the Japanese countryside, don’t panic. Remember: Red for regular, yellow for premium, green for regret.

How to Fuel Up on a Motorcycle Trip in Japan: A Rider’s Gas Station Guide