1.
homecoming rush; holiday traffic congestion
The period of heavy traffic and crowded transportation that occurs when large numbers of people travel to their hometowns during major holidays such as New Year, Obon, and Golden Week.
帰省ラッシュで新幹線が満席だ。
The bullet train is fully booked because of the homecoming rush.
お盆の帰省ラッシュを避けて早めに出発した。
We left early to avoid the Obon homecoming rush.
年末年始の帰省ラッシュで高速道路は三十キロの渋滞になった。
During the year-end/New Year homecoming rush, the expressway had a 30-kilometer traffic jam.
CULTURAL NOTE:
Japan experiences major 帰省ラッシュ periods three times a year: 年末年始 (New Year), ゴールデンウィーク (Golden Week in May), and お盆 (mid-August). During these periods, highways develop massive traffic jams and train tickets sell out quickly.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 帰省ラッシュのピーク (peak of the homecoming rush)
- 帰省ラッシュを避ける (to avoid the homecoming rush)
- Uターンラッシュ (the return rush — traffic heading back to the cities after holidays)