How to Skillfully Navigate the 'Transportation Hell' Before and After Fireworks Displays? Any Travel Tips?

Hello! When it comes to transportation for fireworks festivals, it's quite a story. I'm all too familiar with the scene: dazzling fireworks exploding in the sky while massive crowds "explode" on the ground. But don't worry! After learning the hard way a few times, I've compiled a "survival guide" that I hope will help you.

Core Principle: Off-peak! Off-peak! Off-peak!

Remember these three words, and you're halfway to success. All strategies revolve around avoiding the absolute peak of the crowds.

Part 1: Getting There - Arriving Gracefully

The traffic chaos before a fireworks festival mainly happens because everyone tries to head to the same place at roughly the same time.

1. Arrive Early. Really Early.

What NOT to do: Arrive just on time. For example, if the show starts at 7 PM, you get to the station at 6:30 PM. By then, the station is already packed like a sardine can. Getting out is tough, let alone finding a good viewing spot.
What TO do: Treat it like a leisurely picnic. Head out as early as 3 or 4 PM. Bring a picnic blanket, snacks, and drinks. Find a good spot, sit down, chat with friends, play on your phone, and relax while waiting for dusk. This not only secures you a prime viewing location but also completely avoids the evening rush. You'll find many savvy people doing the same – this is the insider move.

2. Choose the Right Station, Take Your Own Path

What NOT to do: Go straight to the closest "official designated station." 90% of people think this way, so this station will be crushingly crowded.
What TO do: Take an indirect route. Check the map: are there other stations near the venue on different lines? Even if it means walking an extra 15-20 minutes, it's infinitely faster and less stressful than being stuck in a barely-moving crowd at the main station. For instance, if the main station is on side A of the river, consider getting off at a station on side B, or at a smaller station one or two stops before or after, and walk from there.

3. Abandon Hope of Driving

Unless you live right next to the venue, driving or taking a taxi = suicidal. Seriously, don't even think about it. Roads around the venue will have traffic restrictions, with many closed off. Even if you get close, you absolutely won't find parking. You'll likely be stuck in gridlock, unable to move forward or back, potentially missing the entire show.

Part 2: Getting Back - The Great Escape from "Hell"

This is the real challenge! When the final firework fades, tens or even hundreds of thousands of people will surge towards the stations simultaneously like a tidal wave.

1. The Ultimate Strategy: Wait!

What NOT to do: Pack up immediately after the finale and rush to the station with the crowd. Congratulations, you've joined the grand "human migration," which could take 1-2 hours just to squeeze onto a train.
What TO do: The "Zen-like Waiting Method." Don't rush off! Sit back down, keep chatting with friends, or even lie down and look at the stars. Wait for 40 minutes to an hour. You'll find the crowd has thinned significantly. Heading to the station then might still involve some queuing, but the experience will be infinitely better.
Pro Tip: Scope out a nearby 24-hour family restaurant, cafe, or izakaya beforehand. When the show ends, casually walk over for a late-night snack. Come out an hour or two later, and the streets and stations will be much clearer.

2. Alternative Plan: Leave Early

If you're not obsessed with seeing the grand finale, or if you're with elderly people or children, this is a great option. Start packing up and leaving 15-20 minutes before the show ends. While most people are still mesmerized by the fireworks, you can walk calmly to the station and board easily. The trade-off is missing the climax, but you gain a comfortable journey home. Weigh your priorities!

3. Reiterate: Walk to the Next Station

Just like getting there, don't stubbornly head to the closest station on the way back. Walk in the opposite direction of the main crowd flow, or walk one station further along the train line. You might find the next station almost empty – pure bliss.

Part 3: Essential Tips to Know

Top up your transport card in advance! This is a lesson learned the hard way! Imagine finally pushing your way to the station only to find your card has insufficient balance, then seeing the long line at the top-up machine – pure despair. Ensure your card has enough credit before leaving, or buy a round-trip ticket.
Stay near the venue. If your budget allows, this is the absolute trump card solution. Book a hotel within walking distance. After the show, stroll back leisurely, take a hot shower – perfection!
Travel light. Don't carry too much. A picnic blanket, some cash (many stalls don't take cards), a fully charged power bank, water, and wet wipes are sufficient.
Use the bathroom beforehand. Portable toilets near the venue usually have long lines and questionable hygiene. Try to go before leaving home or use facilities at stations/shopping malls upon arrival.
Keep a positive mindset. Finally, and most importantly, embrace the crowds as part of the fireworks festival experience. Crowds are inevitable. Stay relaxed, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and don't let the congestion ruin your mood.

To summarize:

Getting There: Arrive in the afternoon, claim your spot, picnic. Getting Back: Don't rush with the crowd; either wait it out or leave early. General Rule: Walk a bit further, top up your card beforehand.

Enjoy the show and have a smooth journey home!