Before we knew it, it was already August. The long-awaited Obon holidays are just around the corner.
When you think of Obon, the first thing that comes to mind is summer vacation.
This is likely to be a long holiday not only for children and students, but also for working adults, and many people will be returning to their hometowns.
I go back home every year, but I often get tired from preparing for the trip and traveling, and I'm sure there are many others who feel the same way and find the preparations and travel to be a hassle.
Here are some tips to help you have a comfortable trip home.
table of contents
1. If you want to get home quickly and conveniently, what mode of transportation should you choose?
・Things to note when going home by car
・Things to note when returning home by Shinkansen
・Book a discount Shinkansen ticket
・Things to note when returning home by night bus
・Book a night bus ticket
・Points to note when returning home by plane
・Book a plane ticket
2. How to pack your luggage for a comfortable trip home? How to choose a bag
If you want to get home quickly and conveniently, how should you choose your transportation?
Traveling home by car:
It is said that more than half of people who return home during the Obon period do so by car.
- If you have a large family, it's good value for money.
- You can freely change the route and destination as needed.
- It makes it easy to communicate with family and friends and spend precious time together in the same space.
- It is necessary to be aware of traffic congestion and the risk of accidents on the highway.
- Traffic information is collected in advance to predict traffic congestion, cushions and food are prepared to create a relaxed atmosphere, and measures are taken to allow passengers to enjoy games and other activities in the car.
Going home by Shinkansen:
- A means of transportation that seeks speed and convenience.
- Prices are high, but there are a variety of ticket prices to choose from depending on the number of trains and stations.
- If you are traveling with family or friends, the Shinkansen may be your only means of transportation.
- Book your Shinkansen tickets in advance and take advantage of early bird discounts and member benefits.
- It may get crowded during the Obon period, so we recommend reserving a seat.
Book discount Shinkansen tickets! We'll introduce you to websites and plans that allow you to conveniently book Shinkansen tickets.
| Eligible routes | Reservation site | Discount rate examples | Payment Method |
| All routes |
Eki-net |
Special discounts 5-40% | Credit card only |
|
Tokaido Shinkansen Sanyo Shinkansen Kyushu Shinkansen |
Express Reservation ( https://expy.jp/top.php? ) |
Smart EX = 200 yen discount EX reservation = 990 yen discount between Tokyo and Nagoya (the longer the distance, the greater the discount) *Both can be used in conjunction with Hayatoku |
Credit card only (EX reservations are only available with eligible cards) |
|
Tokaido Shinkansen Sanyo Shinkansen Kyushu Shinkansen Hokuriku Shinkansen |
e5489 (Good Goyoyaku) |
e-tickets and early bird tickets: 10-15% | Credit card (cash payment is also accepted within 3 days of the reservation date) |
|
Tokaido Shinkansen Sanyo Shinkansen Kyushu Shinkansen |
JR Kyushu Online Reservation ( https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/railway/netyoyaku ) | e-tickets and early bird tickets: 10-30% | Credit card only (cash payment is also accepted within 4 days of the reservation date) |
Returning home by night bus:
- Suitable for people who want to reduce transportation costs.
- Night buses are cheap and you can get even better deals if you book early.
- It is important to research carefully and choose carefully, being aware of drawbacks such as time-consuming, limited coverage, and high accident rates.
- During the Obon period, book your tickets early and bring an eye mask or neck pillow to ensure comfort.
Here are some recommended booking sites for booking night bus tickets.
Rakuten Travel
https://travel.rakuten.co.jp/bus/
I often use Rakuten Travel because you can earn Rakuten points and they frequently hold sales.
Night Bus Comparison Navi
- It's easy to set conditions and search for buses
- If you can make a reservation well in advance, it will be cheaper.
- You can also check reviews from actual users
Flying home:
It's fast! That's the biggest advantage of flying, isn't it? If your hometown is far away and there's an airport nearby, flying is the best option.
The high ticket prices are a drawback, but there are early bird discounts from airlines and low-cost carriers, so make sure to take advantage of them.
Things to keep in mind when returning home by plane
・Few flights
・If the airport is far away, it will take time and transportation costs to get there.
・There is time to wait at the airport
- We recommend making a reservation, taking into consideration that the trip may be affected by weather and delays.
Book your plane tickets. We recommend this site for booking your tickets.
Skyticket
Skyticket allows you to search for and book cheap tickets from a variety of low-cost carriers. The lowest prices are easy to find, and it seems easy to use.
Expedia
Expedia doesn't charge any fees except for reservations with low-cost carriers or by phone. It's also great that it only displays available seats.
*Please refer to each website for important points to note when making a reservation.
How to pack your luggage for a comfortable trip home? How to choose a bag
If you are only going home for one night and have a small amount of luggage, a travel bag such as a handbag or backpack will suffice. However, if you are staying for several days, a travel bag will be too bulky and you will end up with even more luggage if you buy souvenirs on your way back.
If you have a lot of luggage, we recommend a suitcase. A suitcase makes it easy to organize your belongings and can also hold souvenirs, making it a comfortable way to return home.
If you need a suitcase, how should you choose one?
Choosing a suitcase that suits your travel needs will make your trip more comfortable. Here are some tips on how to choose a suitcase.
capacity
Generally speaking, the recommended suitcase capacity is 10 liters per night, but if you plan to pack more luggage at your destination, the trick is to choose a larger suitcase.
Also, if you are traveling with family or friends and want to fit multiple people's luggage into one suitcase, choose a larger suitcase, taking into account the number of nights you will be staying and the number of people.
|
small size |
1-2 nights |
Carry-on size XS |
External dimensions within 100cm |
|
2-3 nights |
Carry-on size S |
External dimensions: 101-115cm |
|
|
medium size |
3 to 5 nights |
Checked baggage size M |
~59L |
|
5-7 nights |
Checked baggage size M |
60~79L |
|
|
large |
7-10 nights |
Checked baggage size L |
80~99L |
|
10 nights or more |
Checked baggage size XL |
100L and up |
material
There are two types of suitcases on the market!
Hard types made from plastic resin or aluminum Soft types made from cloth or nylon
Hard suitcases are made from plastic resin or metals such as aluminum. They are highly durable and safe. They protect the contents well, so you can rest assured that they will withstand baggage handling at the airport and the turbulence of the plane.
Plastic resin suitcase
Image source: https://newtrip.online/products
Plastic resin suitcase
Image source: https://www.rimowa.com/jp/ja/luggage/colour/silver/check-in-m/92563004.html
Soft bags are made of nylon or EVA, which makes them light and soft, but they also have their weaknesses. They are vulnerable to friction and tearing, which can cause damage to the contents. Also, because they have a zipper closure, they are at higher risk of theft and loss. 
Image source: https://www.tumi.cn/p-01171651041.html
Hard suitcases come in a wide variety of designs, and you can choose the color, shape, and size that best suits your taste. Your suitcase can also reveal your personality and the purpose of your trip.
If you are looking for not only lightness but also quality, safety, and design, we recommend the hard type.
caster
The legs of a suitcase, or casters, are an important point to consider when choosing a suitcase. Knowing the difference between two-wheel and four-wheel casters to suit your travel style will greatly improve your mobility and comfort!
2-wheel caster
The two casters keep the stand firmly in place, so you don't have to worry about it falling over when traveling on the train.
However, two-wheel casters can only be pulled, not pushed. This means that walking for long periods of time or going up and down stairs can put strain on your arms. While this is suitable for places with lots of cobblestones or unpaved roads, or for short trips of one or two nights, it's inconvenient when you have a lot of luggage or for long trips.
4-wheel casters
The four casters allow you to not only push and pull the suitcase, but also move it sideways and rotate it.Even if you are carrying a lot of luggage, it doesn't feel heavy, making it very comfortable and enjoyable to travel.
Recommended for people who carry a lot of luggage, people returning home, or people on long trips!
If you are also concerned about quality, safety, and design, you should choose a suitcase with four casters!
fastener
Suitcases come in two types of openings: zipper and metal frame. Zipper openings are lighter and more convenient.
However, when choosing a zippered suitcase, you should pay attention to the weight of the zipper. If the zipper is bad, it may open or break during your trip, which will be very inconvenient and will reduce safety.
When it comes to zippered suitcases, it's important to focus not only on lightness but also on quality and safety.
Choosing a suitcase with a high-quality zipper will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable!
Dial lock
If you are traveling internationally, you will need a suitcase with a TSA-approved combination lock.
A TSA mark is a lock that can be opened by US airport staff with a special key. Without it, your checked baggage will either not be locked or will be forcibly destroyed.
If you don't lock it, there's a risk that the contents will be stolen or lost, and if it's destroyed, the contents may be damaged or destroyed.
Both situations are ones you want to avoid. To avoid this, we recommend choosing a suitcase with a TSA-marked lock, which will keep your belongings safe and make them easy to open and close.
summary
"New Trip" is a brand that will transform your travels into new experiences. If you're looking for a quiet, high-quality suitcase with great value for money, be sure to check out "New Trip"!
0701 Plus Suitcase
The 0701 Plus suitcase has four casters that make it easy to move anywhere, so it can be carried easily with less strain on your arms.
The TSA-marked combination lock allows you to safely store your luggage, and the zipper closure makes opening and closing light and easy.
In addition, 0701 Plus suitcases are made with carefully selected materials and manufacturing methods, making them highly durable, waterproof, and heat-resistant, allowing them to be used for a long time. They are also resistant to fading, scratches, and stains, so they can always be kept in beautiful condition.
The interior is lined with shock-absorbing material, providing double protection for your luggage, making it shock-resistant and ensuring you arrive at your destination safely.
The 0701 Plus , with its thick and durable YKK zipper, 360-degree rotating noiseless casters, and smooth-pull carry handle, will make your trip more comfortable.
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