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.
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.