As Japan gears up for the 2025 Golden Week, traffic experts are predicting significant congestion across the nation’s expressways, particularly in the Tohoku, Kanto, and Kyushu regions. NEXCO East Japan, NEXCO Central Japan, NEXCO West Japan, and the Japan Road Traffic Information Center have collectively released forecasts detailing when and where motorists can expect the heaviest traffic during this peak travel period.
The Golden Week in 2025 starts on April 26 and extends until May 6, culminating in an unprecedented maximum of 11 consecutive holidays if weekdays are taken off. This extended break is expected to result in a surge of travelers returning to their hometowns and heading out on vacations, leading to increased road traffic.
According to NEXCO's forecasts, nationwide, there will be a staggering 378 instances of congestion measuring 10 kilometers or more during the Golden Week, with 158 occurrences on outbound lanes and 220 on inbound lanes. Among these, 18 instances of severe congestion exceeding 30 kilometers are anticipated.
In the Kanto region, the Tohoku Expressway is predicted to experience its worst congestion on May 3, 2025, with southbound traffic near Hanyu PA expected to face a maximum delay of 40 kilometers around 7:00 AM. The northbound lanes will also see heavy congestion on May 5, 2025, particularly near Kazo IC, where delays of up to 30 kilometers are expected.
Meanwhile, the Kan-etsu Expressway is forecasted to experience maximum congestion of 40 kilometers on May 5, 2025, during the afternoon. These predictions highlight the necessity for drivers to plan their journeys carefully to avoid the worst of the traffic.
In Central Japan, the longest anticipated congestion will occur on the Chuo Expressway, where delays of up to 45 kilometers are expected near Sagamiko IC on both May 3 and May 4, 2025. This stretch of road is notorious for heavy traffic during holiday periods, and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes or travel at off-peak times.
According to NEXCO, significant congestion is also expected on the Joban Expressway, with three locations likely to see delays of 20 kilometers or more. This highlights the widespread nature of the congestion, affecting many major routes across the country.
In the Kyushu region, NEXCO West Japan has forecasted that the Kyushu Expressway will begin to see congestion of 5 kilometers or more starting April 26, 2025. The most significant delays are expected on May 3, when outbound traffic near Tosu JCT could reach up to 35 kilometers, and continuous congestion exceeding 50 kilometers is expected from Wakamiya IC to Minami Seki IC during peak hours.
Travelers are encouraged to avoid the predicted peak congestion dates and times. NEXCO companies recommend planning trips before or after these high-traffic periods to minimize delays. Specifically, they warn that the outbound lanes will be particularly busy from May 3 to May 4, while the inbound lanes will see heavy traffic from May 3 to May 5.
For those traveling on April 26, the Tohoku Expressway is expected to have congestion for 10 kilometers from Kawaguchi JCT to Iwatsuki IC, with similar predictions across several other expressways in the region. The Kan-etsu Expressway will also experience a 20-kilometer delay from Tokorozawa IC to Higashi Matsuyama IC.
In the Kanto area, specific congestion points include the Joban Expressway near Kashiwa IC and the Keiyo Road, both expecting delays of 10 kilometers on April 26. The Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway is also likely to see congestion, with delays expected from Sagamihara Aikawa IC to Hachioji JCT.
As the Golden Week approaches, it’s crucial for drivers to stay informed about the latest traffic updates and to consider alternative travel plans if possible. NEXCO advises motorists to check for real-time traffic conditions on their websites before embarking on their journeys.
In summary, the 2025 Golden Week promises to be a busy time on Japan’s highways, with significant traffic expected across various regions. As families and individuals prepare for their travels, understanding the congestion forecasts can help them navigate the roads more effectively and avoid frustration.
