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.
Traveling during Obon? A strange game. The only winning move is not to play.
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.
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.
Good notes, got hotels booked, the only unknown is the Shinkansen tickets.
My plan is to get a JR East limited pass for Nagano and Niigata which should cover my travel area both ways, then book seats as soon as the registration is open for those days. Looks like I can use the JR pass for unreserved, then pay and upgrade to a green car seat