The New Year holiday traffic has unleashed significant congestion across various expressways in Eastern Japan as travelers return home after celebrating the end of the year with family and friends. NEXCO East Japan has reported notable traffic jams stretching for kilometers on some of the most traveled routes.
On January 3, 2025, at around 4:54 PM, traffic was particularly heavy on the Tohoku Expressway. Starting near the Kazo Interchange (IC), the congestion measured 32 kilometers long, causing delays for drivers attempting to navigate through this stretch. Motorists took approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to move from Iwafune Junction to Kuki IC, showcasing the significant delays experienced during this busy period. This information was reported by Saitama Shimbun.
Shortly after, at 5:39 PM on the same day, the Joban Expressway also encountered heavy traffic conditions. Specifically, 23 kilometers of congestion was reported near the Misato Smart IC, with drivers from Yatabe IC to Misato taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes to traverse, according to NEXCO East Japan's updates.
Meanwhile, the holiday return rush was impacting expressway conditions throughout the East Japan region. By 6:30 PM, traffic was measured at 19 kilometers of congestion on the Meishin Expressway, particularly between the Ogaki IC and Ichinomiya IC. Additional jams were reported at 16 kilometers on the Tomeihan Expressway near the Suzuka IC and Ise Bayside Expressway at Wangan Yatomi IC. Predictions from traffic analysts suggested backup could persist on January 4, particularly between the Toyota Higashi Junction and Shinshiro IC, where additional congestion was expected.
NEXCO has been proactive during this busy travel period, advising drivers to prepare themselves for delays. They suggested avoiding known congested times and dates when planning travel. A spokesperson mentioned, "NEXCO urges travelers to avoid congested days and times," reflecting the agency's attempts to mitigate the impact of holiday traffic.
Holiday seasons often witness high traffic volumes as families return from hometowns and popular leisure destinations. The intense July and August months are traditionally known for congestion, yet the New Year's travels also produce similar spikes as families reunite following festivities.
Travelers have also felt the impact of these broader trends, with reports of delays causing frustration among those returning to their work or daily routines after enjoying the holiday. Such congestion not only affects travel times but can also impact surrounding neighborhoods as traffic spills out onto local roads.
Travel enthusiasts and commuters are observed to be keeping track of traffic updates through social media or traffic mobile applications. This increase can help warn motorists of unexpectedly long travel times or stuck scenarios and allow them to seek alternative routes or adjustments to departure plans. But, as with many travel events, there is always the challenge of balancing the desire to reunite with loved ones against the realities of congested roads.
Overall, Eastern Japan has witnessed substantial traffic as many are returning home after celebrating the New Year, and as various reports highlight, situations on the expressways remain challenging. Updates from NEXCO East Japan indicate the importance of awareness and planning during this peak travel season, with continued efforts aimed at managing the flow of returning holiday traffic.