The name Gaikan refers to the route's status as an outer ring road (beltway) for Tokyo.

A section of the expressway on the northern side of the Tokyo area was the first to open to traffic (Ōizumi Junction to Misato-minami Interchange).

Most of this section is an elevated roadway built on the median of National Route 298 with curved windbreaks on both sides.

The eastern section from Misato to Ichikawa was opened to the public on 2 June 2018, three years after schedule.

[5] The toll for a regular passenger car is currently 500 yen regardless of the distance travelled.