Here’s a summary of New Year traffic congestion on the Hanshin Expressway Route 3 Kobe Line. From December 27 (Fri) to January 5 (Sun), we’ll cover the maximum expected congestion length at peak times, the time slots, and both Osaka-bound and Kobe-bound directions.
(Information provided by Iroha @ Nishitsu SP)
This article cites information from Traffic Congestion on the Hanshin Expressway During the Year-End and New Year Period: Request to Avoid Congestion on Route 3 Kobe Line, etc. | Hanshin Expressway Drivers Site.
目次
Which Days Are Most 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 Away from Peak Congestion Times
*This material is from a few years ago, but the busy times are probably roughly the same, so we’re using it here.
Times with the Most Congestion
8:00 to 12:00 seems to be the busiest. Ideally, you’ll want to leave before 8:00.
Best Times to Aim For
- 13:00 to 15:00 (for those taking it slow)
- Early morning, 5:00 to 6:00 (for early risers)
- After 18:00 (for night drivers)
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 open, and apparently the toll is discounted by around 100 to 200 yen. - Chugoku Expressway and Shin-Meishin Expressway
It’s a bit of a detour, but useful for wide-area rerouting.
Which Days Are Most Likely to Be Congested?
Osaka-bound / Eastbound (Route 3 Kobe Line)
The peak congestion days toward Osaka are January 2 (Thu) and January 3 (Fri).
Maximum congestion: About 18 km, from near Uozaki to near the connection with the Daini-Shinmei Road.
The Route 7 Kita-Kobe Line, which can help avoid part of the congestion, is also recommended since it is relatively open.
Himeji-bound / Westbound (Route 3 Kobe Line)
The peak congestion day toward Himeji is January 2 (Thu).
Maximum congestion: About 20 km, from near Kyobashi to near Mukogawa.
Here too, using the Route 7 Kita-Kobe Line and similar routes, which can help avoid part of the congestion, is recommended.
Daily Congestion Forecast
December 28 (Sat)
It looks like it won’t be that crowded.
December 29 (Sun)
It looks like it won’t be that crowded.
December 30 (Mon)
It looks like it won’t be that crowded.
December 31 (Tue)
It looks like it won’t be that crowded.
January 1 (Wed)
It looks like it won’t be that crowded.
January 2 (Thu)
It looks like there will be heavy congestion from the Kobe direction to Fukae. The busy times differ for the Osaka-bound side (inbound) and the Kobe-bound side (outbound), so be sure to check.
January 3 (Fri)
This day also looks set for heavy congestion from the Kobe direction to Fukae. If you’re returning from the Kobe direction, it will be crowded from 16:00 to 20:00.
January 4 (Sat)
It’s slightly better, but there will still be congestion from the Kobe direction to Ashiya. If you’re returning from the Kobe direction, it will be crowded around 18:00.
January 5 (Sun)
It looks like there will be almost no congestion.
Finally
Please check the official Hanshin Expressway website for the latest congestion forecasts and discount information.
