A severe traffic congestion issue in Hakone, a popular tourist spot in Japan, is making headlines as vehicles take around 80 minutes just to cover a single kilometer. The problem, worsened by both occasional bad weather and the large influx of tourists trying to seize the area's renowned attractions, has locals and authorities concerned. Several measures are currently being deliberated to address this bottleneck issue.

In Japan, the problem of traffic congestion is often a pressing issue, especially in popular tourist destinations like Hakone. Many Japanese value efficiency and respect for others' time, hence this kind of obstruction causing inconvenience not only to travelers but also disrupting locals' daily life activities raises several concerns. Furthermore, these situations sometimes overlap with other issues, like emergency vehicle access or public transport efficiency.

In the US or EU, traffic congestion is also a common problem in major cities and tourist spots. However, the response largely differs based on the city's infrastructure and urban planning. Some cities implement car-free zones, congestion charges, or promote public transport, cycling, and walking to alleviate the problem.