Overview

• JR’s six passenger companies reported 13.179 million users on Shinkansen and limited express services from Aug. 8–17, an 8% year-on-year increase attributed to dispersed travel across the long break.
• The Tokaido Shinkansen rose 13% after added services and posted a record daily average for the period, while Hokuriku (JR East segment) increased 4%, Tohoku 6%, Sanyo 7%, and Yamagata fell 10% due to E8-series faults.
• Highway operators logged 384 traffic jams of 10 km or more, down 8% from last year, including 16 of 30 km or more, down 33%, with average daily volumes roughly flat at 45,400 vehicles.
• The return rush peaked on Aug. 17 with many major Shinkansen trains near full capacity and Tohoku non-reserved cars reaching up to 140% occupancy, alongside localized backups on key expressways.
• International air bookings outpaced last year, with ANA at 110.5% and JAL at 103.5% of 2024 levels, while domestic reservations held roughly steady.