NEXCO East predicts massive traffic jams on major highways as the Golden Week holiday peak hits on Tuesday, May 5 [1, 2].
This surge in travel occurs because millions of residents are returning home simultaneously on the final day of the holiday period. The resulting "U-turn rush" creates significant pressure on Japan's primary road networks, leading to prolonged delays for commuters and tourists alike.
Traffic is expected to peak from Tuesday evening into the night [1, 2]. According to NEXCO East, the most severe congestion is anticipated on the Kan-Etsu Expressway near the Sakado-Nishi Smart IC, where jams could reach a maximum of 40 km [2].
Other critical areas identified by the agency include the Tohoku Expressway near the Kazo IC, with predicted jams of up to 35 km [2]. On the Chuo Expressway, congestion near the Kobuchi Tunnel is expected to reach 25 km [2].
Further delays are projected on the Tomei Expressway at both the Ayase Smart IC and the Tofurano Tunnel, with each area seeing potential jams of 20 km [2]. Additionally, the Joban Expressway near the Kashiwa IC is expected to experience congestion of up to 20 km [2].
"The U-turn rush will reach its peak," NEXCO East said [2].
While some reports suggest a maximum jam length of 35 km across the network, the primary data indicates the Kan-Etsu Expressway will see the longest delays [2]. Similarly, while some reports mention downward-bound traffic of 25 km at the Ayase Smart IC, the agency's primary focus remains on the upward-bound congestion reaching 20 km [2].
“The U-turn rush will reach its peak.”
The predicted gridlock highlights the recurring seasonal strain on Japan's infrastructure during Golden Week. Because the peak occurs on a public holiday Tuesday, the concentration of travelers returning to urban centers creates a bottleneck effect that exceeds the capacity of major expressways, necessitating strategic travel timing to avoid the worst of the delays.
