Japan's highway operators expect significant traffic congestion this week as the Golden Week holiday period reaches its peak [1].
These predictions matter because the surge in travel demand during the national holiday can lead to systemic delays across the country's primary transport arteries, impacting millions of commuters and tourists.
NEXCO East and other highway companies released forecasts indicating that jams could reach between 40 km [1] and 45 km [2] in certain areas. The heaviest congestion is anticipated from May 2 through May 6, with particularly high volumes expected on May 3 [1, 4].
Specific hotspots include the Chuo Expressway near the Sagamiko Interchange, where delays are predicted to reach up to 40 km [1]. Other critical areas include the Tohoku Expressway near the Hanyu Parking Area with 24 km of congestion, and near the Kuki Interchange with up to 25 km [1].
Further delays are expected on the Kan-Etsu Expressway near the Takasaka Service Area, which may see jams up to 25 km [1]. The Tomei Expressway near the Ayase Smart Interchange is also flagged for potential delays of up to 20 km [1].
Broad data suggests the scale of the disruption is extensive. Reports indicate a total of 375 instances where congestion exceeded 10 km across both inbound and outbound lanes [3].
NEXCO said these projections are based on historical data and current traffic conditions to help drivers plan their trips during the holiday window [1, 2].
“Jams could reach between 40 km and 45 km in certain areas.”
The scale of these predicted delays reflects the enduring nature of Golden Week as a primary domestic travel window in Japan. With hundreds of congestion points exceeding 10 km, the infrastructure is being pushed to its capacity, highlighting the ongoing challenge of managing peak-period traffic on the nation's limited expressway network.
