A structural equations models system, whose endogenous variables are household transportation energy consumption, work trip travel mode, vehicle holdings, and commute distance, is developed using the results of 1990 Kei-Han-Shin (Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe) household travel survey. The energy consumption characteristics of the household are explored using the model system, and the effectiveness of alternative land-use policies in reducing transportation energy consumption is evaluated by applying the model system while treating the commute distance as an exogenous variable. The estimation results indicate that it is possible to reduce household energy consumption by promoting high density land use development and encouraging job-residence proximity. In the Kei-Han-Shin metropolitan area where high-density and mixed land use already prevails and auto use is relatively low, however, an attempt to reduce household transportation energy consumption appreciably would require policies that target households of higher propensity toward energy consumption which tend to reside in the outskirts of the metropolitan area and commute long distances.