The route is a 12.2-kilometer (7.6 mi) long radial highway running north from Adachi, Tokyo to Kawaguchi, Saitama.

It primarily connects central Tokyo to the Tōhoku Expressway and points further north such as Sendai and Aomori.

The speed limit is 60 km/h for the first 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) of the route between Kōhoku Junction and the Kaga exit and entrance.

From the Kaga exit and entrance north to Kawaguchi Junction the speed limit is 80 km/h.

On 25 December 2002 access at Kōhoku Junction was extended to westbound traffic on the Central Circular Route.