NEXCO East predicts outbound highway traffic jams reaching 40 kilometers on May 3 during the latter half of Golden Week [1].

These projections highlight the extreme pressure placed on Japan's transport infrastructure during one of its most significant annual holiday periods. The concentration of travelers moving toward leisure destinations simultaneously often leads to systemic delays across multiple regional arteries.

Traffic officials identified several high-risk zones for the upcoming travel day. The most severe congestion is expected near the Sagamiko Interchange on the Chuo Expressway, where jams could reach 40 kilometers [1]. A NEXCO East spokesperson said, "Maximum congestion of 40 kilometers is predicted near the Chuo Expressway Sagamiko Interchange."

Other major routes are also expected to face significant delays. Officials predict jams of 25 kilometers near the Takasaka Service Area on the Kan-Etsu Expressway, and near the Kuki Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway [1]. Additionally, the Tomei Expressway near the Ayase Smart Interchange is expected to see congestion stretching 20 kilometers [1].

These delays are not merely measured in distance but in time. A traffic information analyst said that travelers should expect passage times of up to three hours [2]. The surge in vehicle usage is attributed to the high volume of people departing for vacation spots during the Golden Week cluster of holidays [1].

Drivers are encouraged to monitor real-time updates to avoid the most congested segments of the outbound network. The predictability of these bottlenecks allows the highway operator to manage flow, though the sheer volume of travelers remains the primary challenge, a recurring issue for the region's holiday travel.

“Maximum congestion of 40 kilometers is predicted near the Chuo Expressway Sagamiko Interchange.”

The recurring nature of Golden Week congestion underscores the persistent gap between Japan's highway capacity and the peak demand of domestic tourism. When 40-kilometer jams occur on primary arteries like the Chuo and Tomei expressways, it creates a ripple effect that slows regional logistics and increases the risk of road fatigue accidents during one of the year's busiest travel windows.