Key Facts
• Obon season begins August 7, with peak traffic expected August 9-10 (downward) and August 11, 15-16 (upward).
• Major congestion points on August 7 include:
– Eastern Japan: Ayase SIC (20 km), Hachioji JCT (20 km), Yokohama Aoba IC (15 km).
– Central Japan: Kasugai IC to Togo PA (15 km).
– Western Japan: Ryuou IC to Otsu IC (20 km), Shigaraki IC to Otsu IC (20 km).
– Kyushu: Kurume IC to Chikushino IC (10 km).
• NEXCO advises avoiding peak hours and planning trips around predicted congestion times.
• Key highways affected include Tohoku Expressway, Kan-Etsu Expressway, Chuo Expressway, Tomei Expressway, Meishin Expressway, and Kyushu Expressway.
Summary
As the Obon season kicks off on August 7, heavy traffic is anticipated across Japan’s major highways. NEXCO predicts peak congestion on August 9-10 for downward routes and August 11, 15-16 for upward routes. Key congestion points include Ayase SIC (20 km) and Hachioji JCT (20 km) in Eastern Japan, Kasugai IC to Togo PA (15 km) in Central Japan, and Ryuou IC to Otsu IC (20 km) in Western Japan. Travelers are advised to avoid peak hours and plan trips accordingly to minimize delays.
