Here’s a summary of traffic congestion on the Hanshin Expressway Route 3 Kobe Line during the New Year holidays. From December 27 (Fri) to January 5 (Sun), we’ve put together the maximum peak congestion length in km, the time slots, and the directions toward Osaka and Kobe.
(Information provided by Iroha @ Nishitsu SP)
This article quotes from Traffic congestion on the Hanshin Expressway during the year-end and New Year holidays: Request to avoid congestion on Route 3 Kobe Line, etc. | Hanshin Expressway Drivers Site.
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Which days are likely to be congested?
In the Hyogo area, January 2 (Thu), January 3 (Fri), and January 4 (Sat) look especially likely to see traffic congestion.
In particular, the Route 3 Kobe Line is expected to experience heavy congestion.
Shifting Your Travel Time Away from Peak Congestion
*This is material from a few years ago, but the busy times are probably about the same, so we’re using it here.
Busiest Time Slots
It looks like 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. is the busiest. You’ll probably want to leave before 8:00 a.m.
Good Time Slots to Aim For
- 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (for those who prefer a slower start)
- Early morning, 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. (for early risers)
- After 6:00 p.m. (for night travelers)
Routes to Avoid Congestion
To avoid congestion on the Route 3 Kobe Line, these routes are also recommended.
- Route 7 Kita-Kobe Line
It’s relatively empty, and apparently tolls are discounted by around 100 to 200 yen. - Chugoku Expressway / Shin-Meishin Expressway
It’s a bit of a detour, but useful for wide-area rerouting.
Which days are likely to be congested?
Toward Osaka / Eastbound (Route 3 Kobe Line)
Peak congestion days toward Osaka are January 2 (Thu) and January 3 (Fri).
Maximum congestion: About 18 km, from near Uozaki to around the connection with the Daini-Shinmei Road.
They also recommend using the Route 7 Kita-Kobe Line, which can help avoid some of the congestion and is relatively empty.
Toward Himeji / Westbound (Route 3 Kobe Line)
The peak congestion day toward Himeji is January 2 (Thu).
Maximum congestion: About 20 km, from near Kyobashi to around Mukogawa.
Here as well, they recommend using Route 7 Kita-Kobe Line and other routes that can help avoid some of the congestion.
Daily Congestion Forecast
December 28 (Sat)
It doesn’t look like it’ll be that congested.
December 29 (Sun)
It doesn’t look like it’ll be that congested.
December 30 (Mon)
It doesn’t look like it’ll be that congested.
December 31 (Tue)
It doesn’t look like it’ll be that congested.
January 1 (Wed)
It doesn’t look like it’ll be that congested.
January 2 (Thu)
It looks like there will be heavy congestion from the Kobe direction to Fukae. The busy times differ for the Osaka direction (inbound) and the Kobe direction (outbound), so be sure to check.
January 3 (Fri)
This day also looks like major congestion from the Kobe direction to Fukae. When coming back from the Kobe direction, it will be crowded from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
January 4 (Sat)
It’s a little better, but there will still be congestion from the Kobe direction to Ashiya. When coming back from the Kobe direction, it will be crowded around 6:00 p.m.
January 5 (Sun)
It looks like there will be almost no congestion.
Lastly
Please check the official Hanshin Expressway website for the latest congestion forecasts and discount information.
