Traffic congestion forecast for Expressway during the New Year period [NEXCO EAST version]
Beware of traffic jams on both In-bound and Out-bound journeys on the 2nd (Friday) and 3rd (Saturday) of the New Year! The best time to go is the 4th (Sunday)!
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- Traffic congestion forecast for Expressway during the New Year period [NEXCO EAST version]
November 26, 2020
East Nippon Expressway Co., Ltd.
NEXCO EAST (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) will announce its Expressway congestion forecast (traffic congestion of 10km or more) for the New Year's holiday period (Friday, December 26, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026: 10 days).
Holiday discounts will not be applied during the New Year holiday period. Please cooperate by "spreading out usage" and avoiding busy times.
Additionally, serious accidents have occurred on Expressway caused by vehicles driving the wrong way. Driving the wrong way is a dangerous act that can be life-threatening. Please be sure to check the direction of travel and drive safely.
Out-bound
- Traffic congestion occurs mainly from morning to early afternoon
- Be especially careful on January 2nd (Friday) and 3rd (Saturday)!
-
Biggest traffic jam:January 2nd (Friday) 11:00
E4Near Hanyu PA Tohoku Expressway
Starting with the maximum 25km - Number of traffic jams of 10km or more: 16
In-bound direction
- Traffic jams occur mainly from late afternoon to night
- Be especially careful on January 2nd (Friday) and 3rd (Saturday)!
-
Biggest traffic jam:January 3rd (Sat) 17:00
E4Near Kazo IC Tohoku Expressway
Starting with the maximum 35km - Number of traffic jams over 10km: 32
For details on traffic jams with a maximum length of 20 km or more, please refer to Appendix 1 [PDF: 117 KB].
Compared to the New Year's holiday period last year (2024), the number of traffic jams is expected to decrease due to factors such as the arrangement of days of the week and accidents.
| Traffic jam scale | Traffic congestion forecast for 2025 December 26th (Friday) - January 4th (Sunday) |
2024 traffic congestion results * December 27th (Friday) - January 5th (Sunday) |
|---|---|---|
| 10km or more | 48 times | 58 times |
- The number of traffic jams in 2024 includes traffic jams caused by accidents, etc.
About traffic congestion season special site/traffic forecast guide
Our customer website, "DraPla," has set up a special website for traffic congestion periods.
We provide information such as a traffic congestion forecast guide and explanations of avoidance points from traffic congestion forecasters*, so please make use of it when you go out.
Special website for traffic congestion periods
- "Traffic Forecaster" is a registered trademark of NEXCO EAST.
What is the main cause of traffic congestion?
- Most of the congestion caused by concentrated traffic on Expressway occurs due to sag.
- NEXCO EAST is currently installing congestion point signs at sags where congestion occurs.
To prevent traffic jams, please slow down when you see this sign.
Traffic jam point sign
Changing the route also helps!
When traveling between Tokyo and Sendai, we recommend using the E6 Joban Expressway, which is less affected by traffic congestion. For details, please refer to Appendix 2 [PDF: 329KB].
Holiday discounts do not apply during the New Year holiday period.
To avoid increased traffic congestion, holiday discounts will not be applied during this period. Please see below for details.
Let's eliminate wrong-way driving -Expressway are one-way streets -
To avoid serious accidents caused by driving the wrong way, please be aware of the following:
- Please pay close attention to regulatory signs, guide signs, and road markings, and drive in the correct direction.
- U-turns and backing up on Expressway are strictly prohibited.
- If you hear or see information about wrong-way driving, slow down, maintain a sufficient distance, and keep a close eye on the movements of the vehicle ahead.
To view the PDF file, you need the Adobe Systems plug-in software "Acrobat Reader (Japanese version)". If you do not have Download from here (free)Please use it.
Related Sites and Content
If you are looking for information on fares, routes, service areas and parking areas, please click here.
If you are looking for real-time traffic congestion and restriction information, click here.
NEXCO EAST (Road Disaster Prevention Information) Official X
Click here if you are looking for road information such as road closures during disasters.