Japan experiences major Obon holiday travel rush

Japan has entered the Obon holiday period, marked by a major surge in domestic travel and international departures. Major transportation hubs, including Tokyo Station, Haneda Airport, and Kyoto Station, experienced significant congestion as travelers headed to hometowns or vacation destinations.

On the rail network, Shinkansen services saw high demand, with Tokaido and Sanyo lines reporting near-capacity seating during peak morning hours. In the Hokuriku region, many Hokuriku Shinkansen trains were fully booked. Highway travel also faced challenges, with notable traffic jams reported on the Kan'etsu Expressway and the Tomei Expressway near the Gotemba Junction.

In addition to domestic homecoming, international travel peaked at Haneda Airport. All Nippon Airways reported record-high reservation numbers for flights to Hawaii during this period. While many families travel to reunite with relatives or visit graves, some social trends are emerging; recent surveys indicate growing "grandchild fatigue" among seniors facing the physical and financial pressures of hosting visiting grandchildren.