Foreign residents traveling in Japan during the New Year holiday period have faced significant transportation disruptions and safety incidents, highlighting the challenges of navigating one of the country's busiest travel seasons. According to NHK, the annual U-turn rush—when people return from their hometowns and vacation destinations after the New Year holidays—continued throughout early January 2026. Train stations across the country experienced heavy congestion from morning hours, with travelers carrying suitcases and souvenir bags crowding platforms. Narita Airport also reached peak congestion as international travelers returned to Japan following overseas trips. The holiday travel rush coincided with several serious transportation incidents that affected thousands of commuters. On January 4, JR East suspended operations on the Takasaki Line between Tokyo Station and Takasaki Station in both directions following a fatal passenger accident. The Shonan-Shinjuku Line, which shares tracks with the Takasaki Line north of Shinjuku Station, was also affected by the disruption. Service resumed at approximately 12:38 PM, but the incident caused significant delays during the peak return travel period. For expats unfamiliar with Japanese holiday travel patterns, the U-turn rush typically occurs on January 3 and 4, as most businesses reopen on January 4 or the first business day of the new year. This concentrated return travel creates congestion comparable to—or exceeding—the pre-holiday exodus. Reserved seats on shinkansen bullet trains often sell out weeks in advance, and unreserved cars can be standing-room only for hours-long journeys. The transportation challenges were compounded by a serious traffic accident in Nagoya on January 4. In a busy downtown intersection, a car struck two pedestrians crossing at a marked crosswalk. Police reported that both victims, believed to be in their teens, suffered life-threatening injuries and remained in critical condition. Authorities continue investigating the circumstances of the accident. This incident serves as a stark reminder of pedestrian safety concerns in Japanese cities, particularly during congested holiday periods when both vehicle and foot traffic increase substantially. While Japan generally maintains strong traffic safety records, intersections in entertainment districts can become particularly hazardous when crowded with holiday shoppers and travelers. For foreign residents, these incidents underscore several important considerations when traveling during Japanese holiday periods. First, expect significant crowding on all forms of public transportation, particularly on January 3-4 and during the Obon holiday in August. Booking reserved seats well in advance is essential for long-distance travel, and allowing extra time for connections is prudent given the increased risk of delays. Second, the concentration of travelers during these periods can strain transportation infrastructure and increase the likelihood of accidents and service disruptions. Having backup travel plans and maintaining flexibility in schedules can help mitigate the impact of unexpected delays. Third, pedestrian vigilance becomes especially important during crowded holiday periods. Even at marked crosswalks in urban areas, maintaining awareness of traffic conditions and avoiding distractions while crossing streets is crucial. The Nagoya incident demonstrates that serious accidents can occur even in well-regulated pedestrian areas. The Japanese transportation system generally operates with remarkable efficiency and safety, but the concentrated travel during holiday periods tests its limits. Understanding these patterns and planning accordingly can help expats navigate Japan's busiest travel seasons more smoothly and safely. As Japan's holiday periods follow a predictable calendar—New Year, Golden Week in late April and early May, and Obon in mid-August—foreign residents can anticipate these challenges and adjust their travel plans to either avoid peak congestion or prepare for the inevitable crowds and potential disruptions that accompany these important cultural celebrations.