Nikkei up 2.2 pct at 4-wk closing high; exporters up

(Updates to close)

TOKYO, July 24 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 2.2 percent on Thursday to book a four-week closing high, as Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and other carmakers led gains by exporters on a softer yen versus the dollar and a drop in oil prices.

The benchmark Nikkei average .N225 added 290.38 points to end at 13,603.31, above its 25-day moving average and its highest finish since June 26.

The broader Topix climbed 2.2 percent to 1,332.57. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi)