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.

  • th3dogcow@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    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.

    • Nogami@lemmy.worldOP
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      1 year ago

      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