I'd be curious to know if anyone has been in Japan when the Obon Lantern festival is on. I have the opportunity to book some cheap flights , and intended to have 10 days in Japan shared between Tokyo and Kyoto. From what I am reading it is a very busy time of year, and as a first time visitor am hesitant to book the flights.
Thanks in advance

Obon for much of Japan is mid August. I am not sure what you mean by busy. Are you talking about foreign visitors or Japanese traveling?

Hello mjs

Thanks for your reply. I should have searched this a bit more before asking the question , but a few youtube videos seems to indicate Oban and golden week are the 2 times not to visit Japan. During Obon everywhere is busy, as alot of Japanese travel and take time off. Public transport, tourist attractions, roads etc are all busy during this time. I've decided to travel after Obon has finished.
Thanks

August is probably the worst month to travel to Jspan. Obon is a relatively short holiday but many companies take off time before and after. Traditionally people went home and public transportation and the highways are busy. It is also the hot season and typhoon season. I would wait until mid-to late September If I were you to visit japan

Hello mjs,


This trip was of short notice as some cheap flights came available and time off work convenient also. Prior to your response I'd booked flights from the 21st August, and heading to Kyoto upon arrival in Japan.
Thanks again for your comments

During Obon many people head home from the cities to their family homes. in general people stay with their families and not in hotels. Tokyo may actually be quieter than normal. Kyoto on the other hand is different because of the bonfires and as such many people do head for Kyoto for this reason. I seem to recall that the bonfires are just one night so Kyoto should be fine except around the bonfire date.

Thanks mjs