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Travel during Obon? (self.japanlife)

submitted 1 year ago by Nogami to c/japanlife

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So I'm trying to find time to meet up with a friend of mine, and the only mutually workable time seems to be during the Obon holiday, which they described as "a nightmare" for travel.

I've been to Japan a number of times and speak relatively well, however I've never happened to be there during Obon before.

Is travel a total non-starter, or does it just require extra planning and booking everything well in advance? My route would be from Tokyo to Niigata, then back again on the Shinkansen.

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[–] ShinYaguchi 4 points 1 year ago

Traveling during Obon? A strange game. The only winning move is not to play.

[–] nalhagen 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I'll be working my ass off since I'm in the hospitality industry during Obon, so yes, travel will be difficult. Expect high prices and crowding everywhere, except perhaps in Tokyo since people go back to their ancestral homes. Trains going out of Tokyo will be extremely crowded at the beginning of Obon, as well as trains coming into Tokyo at the end.

I would highly recommend making any accommodation reservations ASAP.

[–] th3dogcow 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Will you be needing a hotel during your stay? It’s only a month out until Obon. See if there are any rooms available using an online booking site.

I know that I would consider making plans a month before obon late, but not impossible. It will cost more during this time though.