The first section was opened in 1972 by Japan Highway Public Corporation and construction proceeded in stages until the entire route was completed in 1988.

[5] The route serves the Hokuriku region on the north central coast of Honshū, Japan's largest island.

For most of its length it parallels National Route 8 and the Hokuriku Main Line of West Japan Railway Company.

Although the route officially originates in Niigata and terminates at Maibara, exit numbers and kilometer markings originate from Maibara.

The expressway rejoins normally at a point near Suizu Parking Area.