Golden Week traffic is expected to be busy as people across Japan look forward to the holidays. To enjoy this exciting time efficiently, it’s a good idea to check traffic conditions in advance. NEXCO East Japan and NEXCO Central Japan have announced their congestion forecast for highways in the Kanto-Koshin region and Shizuoka Prefecture during Golden Week (from Saturday, April 25 to Wednesday, May 6).
Check the 2026 Golden Week dates and their cultural significance here.
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Table of Contents
Key Highlights for Golden Week Traffic in 2026
- The 2026 Golden Week period runs from Saturday, April 25 to Wednesday, May 6 — a full 12-day window for highway travel.
- A total of 375 traffic jams of 10 km or more are forecast across Japan (combined inbound and outbound) — a 20% increase compared to 2025.
- Expressway holiday discounts (ETC) will not apply during Golden Week. This measure is in place to help reduce congestion on major highways.
- For detailed congestion forecasts by road and date, check NEXCO’s official tools: 渋滞予報ガイド (Driveplaza) or DoraTora.
Source: East Nippon Expressway Company Limited (NEXCO), March 25, 2026
| Direction | Date | Road | Starting Area | Traffic Jam Length | Peak time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Outbound |
May 2nd, Sat |
Tohoku |
Hanyu PA |
40-kilometer |
7:00 |
|
May 2nd, Sat |
Chuo |
Sagamiko IC |
45-kilometer |
5:00 |
|
|
May 2nd, Sat |
Kyushu |
Chikushino IC |
35-kilometer |
10:00 |
|
|
May 3rd, Sun |
kobe awaji naruto |
Murozu PA |
30-kilometer |
10:00 |
|
|
Inbound |
May 5th, Tue |
Kanetsu |
Sakadonishi SIC |
40-kilometer |
14:00 |
|
May 4th, Mon |
Chuo |
Kotoboke TN |
30-kilometer |
16:00 |
|
|
May 2nd, Sat |
Tomei |
Okazaki IC |
30-kilometer |
9:00 |
|
|
May 5th, Tue |
Kobe awaji naruto |
Maiko TN |
35-kilometer |
16:00 |
What to Take Into Account before traveling
Peak Travel Dates
Outbound traffic is expected to peak on May 2 (Saturday), while inbound traffic peaks on May 5 (Tuesday). The busiest overall period is May 2–5, so try to travel on less crowded days if possible. With 375 jams of 10 km or more forecast nationwide — a 20% increase from 2025 — plan ahead and check traffic conditions before you travel.
No Discounts During Golden Week
Expressway holiday discounts for ETC users usually apply on weekends and holidays. But during Golden Week, these discounts don’t apply to help reduce congestion.
Travel Time
Give yourself extra time in case of traffic delays.
Public Transportation
Trains and other public transportation can be a good choice, as they are less affected by road traffic.
Rest Areas
Popular rest areas get crowded. Plan your stops ahead of time.
Navigation Apps
Use apps to check live traffic updates and choose the best routes.
Useful Tool to Manage Your Plan
DoraTora is a useful website for checking real-time traffic information, congestion forecasts, and work-related restrictions across Japan. It is available in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Thai. This service is provided by Zenrin, a long-standing company that conducts research, production, and sales of map information. It could be helpful to check traffic information on the day of your outing.
For more daily useful tips about Japan, please check our How To Guide below.
If you’re thinking about where to go during Golden Week or any other time, be sure to check out our list of things to do.
