Travelers preparing for Golden Week 2025 face significant congestion predictions as they make their way back to urban centers following holiday celebrations. With January 4 earmarked as the peak travel day, transport systems including expressways and rail services are expected to experience unusually high demand.
According to sources, the return of people celebrating the New Year with family and friends will lead to packed trains, fully booked flights, and heavy traffic on highways. JR East anticipates the highest influx on January 4, correlatively stating, "The traffic congestion is expected to peak on January 4, with many travelers returning to Tokyo after the holidays." This forecast aligns with historical trends observed during holiday travel seasons.
Air travel appears particularly affected this year, with nearly all domestic flights to Haneda Airport already booked. Approximately 34,300 individuals are projected to arrive at Haneda, and 48,900 at Narita Airport, as international returnees contribute to the high volume of traffic. "NEXCO encourages travelers to plan their travel around predicted busy hours to avoid congestion," emphasized authorities from the expressway company.
Specific congestion facts point to significant backups on Japan's expressways. Particularly, the Tohoku Expressway may witness over 35 kilometers of traffic on January 3 as travelers head back to cities, and the situation is predicted to worsen on January 4 with similar backups expected for the Tomei and Kanetsu expressways, where delays upwards of 20 kilometers are forecasted, especially during the evening rush.
Trains, especially the Tohoku Shinkansen, are also slated to be at peak capacity, with reports indicating typical 180% occupancy ratios for certain services at this time. The demand is expected to strain railway schedules, prolonging travel times for commuters returning to Tokyo.
Additional reports highlight specific areas where traffic congestion is most likely to occur on the expressways, particularly around major junctions and service areas. For example, along the Kanetsu Expressway, delays of around 20 kilometers are predicted around the Takasaki Service Area on the afternoon of January 4. NEXCO East Japan should continue to update traffic conditions throughout the holiday period.
Experts suggest utilizing alternative travel times and routes to avoid the congestion headache associated with such holidays. The trend is not unique to 2025; historical data shows similar patterns leading to severe backups and delays. Therefore, it may benefit travelers to head out earlier or choose less busy routes to facilitate smoother journeys.
Travel authorities recommend utilizing tools and apps to stay updated on traffic conditions and make informed decisions about routes and departure times. Frequent updates about predicted congestion levels can be useful for travelers.
Concluding thoughts suggest this year’s travel patterns could lead to substantial chaos on transport systems, reiteration of historical congestion trends during Golden Week suggests travelers should heed advice from transport operators and be proactive about planning their trips. With temporary delays expected, particularly during peak travel days, anticipating high congestion levels and acting early could potentially spare travelers from experiencing the stress associated with crowded transportation systems.