Travel home comfortably with your suitcase! Useful tips for traveling during Obon
|
It's already August. The long-awaited Obon holidays are just around the corner.
When you think of Obon, summer vacation probably comes to mind.
It's not just children and students who get a substantial break; many working adults also take time off to return to their hometowns.
I go back home every year, but I often get tired from the preparations and travel, and I'm sure many others feel the same way about the hassle of getting ready and traveling.
So, here are some tips for a comfortable trip home.
How to choose transportation for a fast and convenient trip home
Returning home by car
It is said that over half of the people who return home during the Obon period do so by private car.
- Cost-effective for large families.
- Can freely change routes and destinations as needed.
- Easy to communicate with family and friends, spending precious time together in the same space.
- Need to be aware of traffic jams and accident risks on expressways.
- Collect traffic information in advance to predict congestion, prepare cushions and food to create a relaxed atmosphere, and have games ready for entertainment in the car.
Returning home by Shinkansen
- A mode of transport for those seeking speed and convenience.
- Prices are higher, but various ticket prices can be chosen depending on the number of trains and stations.
- If traveling with family or friends, the Shinkansen may be the only transportation option.
- Book Shinkansen tickets in advance and take advantage of early bird discounts and member benefits.
- As it can be crowded during the Obon period, it is recommended to reserve a designated seat.
Comparison of main booking sites for advantageous Shinkansen use
If you want to save on transportation costs when returning home, it is recommended to use Shinkansen booking sites.
The services and discount details available vary depending on the route, so be sure to check before departure.
| Target Routes | Booking Site | Example Discount Rate | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| All routes | Eki-net | Tokudane 5-40% | Credit card only |
| Tokaido Shinkansen Sanyo Shinkansen Kyushu Shinkansen |
Express Reservation Smart EX |
Smart EX = flat 200 yen discount EX Reservation = 990 yen discount between Tokyo and Nagoya (discount increases with distance) ※Both can be combined with Hayatoku (early bird) discount |
Credit card only (EX Reservation for eligible cards only) |
| Tokaido Shinkansen Sanyo Shinkansen Kyushu Shinkansen Hokuriku Shinkansen |
e5489 (Iigoyoyaku) |
E-ticket and Hayatoku (early bird) etc. 10-15% | Credit card (Cash payment also possible if within 3 days of reservation) |
| Tokaido Shinkansen Sanyo Shinkansen Kyushu Shinkansen |
JR Kyushu Internet Reservation |
E-ticket and Hayatoku (early bird) etc. 10-30% | Credit card only (Cash payment also possible if within 4 days of reservation) |
Returning home by overnight bus
- Suitable for those who want to keep transportation costs down.
- Overnight buses are inexpensive, and further discounts can be obtained with early booking.
- Be aware of drawbacks such as longer travel time, limited routes, and higher accident rates, and choose carefully after thorough research.
- During the Obon period, book tickets early and bring an eye mask or neck pillow for comfort.
Comparison of main booking sites for advantageous overnight bus use
Here are our recommended booking sites.
Rakuten Travel
https://travel.rakuten.co.jp/bus/
Rakuten Travel is a site I often use because you can earn Rakuten points and there are frequent sales.
Night Bus Comparison Navi
- Easy to search for buses by setting conditions
- Cheaper if you can book with plenty of time
- You can also check reviews from actual users
Returning home by airplane
Speed! Isn't that the biggest advantage of airplanes? If your hometown is far away and there's an airport nearby, an airplane would be a good choice.
The high ticket price is a drawback, but there are early bird discounts from airlines and LCCs, so make good use of them.
Things to note when returning home by plane:
・Fewer flights
・If there's a distance to the airport, it takes time and money to get there
・Waiting time at the airport
・Affected by weather and delays It is recommended to book considering these factors.
Comparison of main booking sites for advantageous airplane use
Here are our recommended ticket booking sites.
Skyticket
Skyticket allows you to search for and book cheap tickets from various LCC companies. It's easy to see the lowest prices, and seems very user-friendly.
Expedia
Expedia is great because it doesn't charge fees for LCC bookings or phone reservations. Also, it's a plus that it only shows available seats that can be booked.
※For important notes on booking, please refer to each website.
Why a suitcase is recommended for Obon homecoming
For Obon homecoming, unlike regular trips, luggage tends to increase on the way back compared to the way there.
In addition to clothes and daily necessities for staying at your family home, you often bring back souvenirs and gifts from family, which can make storing and carrying everything in just a bag a burden.
Therefore, a suitcase is recommended for homecoming.
Easy to organize and consolidate luggage
Suitcases offer ample storage space and are easy to organize by separating clothes and small items.
By utilizing packing cubes and dividers, you can easily retrieve what you need, making luggage organization simple at your destination.
Easy to move even heavy luggage
When returning home, you tend to have more luggage than usual.
With suitcases with double casters, even heavy luggage can be rolled, reducing the burden during travel at stations or airports.
Can store souvenirs and luggage for the return trip
After returning home, it's not uncommon to have more luggage due to souvenirs and gifts from family.
With suitcases with expandable features, you can adjust the capacity if your luggage increases on the way back, allowing for ample storage.
How to choose a suitcase for homecoming: 3 key points
When choosing a suitcase for homecoming, it's important to consider "luggage volume," "travel method," and "return luggage."
① Choose a capacity that matches your luggage volume
The appropriate suitcase size varies depending on the duration of your homecoming stay.
| Homecoming Period | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| 1-2 nights | S size |
| 3-5 nights | M size |
| Family homecoming | L size |
However, for family homecomings, there are two approaches: combining all luggage into one large suitcase or having separate suitcases for each person.
Choose a size that is easy to use based on the amount of luggage and your mode of transport.
② Choose features based on your travel method
The features you prioritize will differ depending on your mode of transportation for returning home.
When traveling by Shinkansen or train
Since there will be a lot of movement within stations and on trains, the following features are recommended:
When returning home by car
For car travel, storage capacity is often prioritized, so the following features are convenient:
- Large capacity
- Durability
- Expandable function
③ Consider an increase in luggage on the return trip
When returning home, it's important to anticipate an increase in luggage on the way back.
To accommodate souvenirs, food from your family home, clothes, and other items, choosing a model with a slightly larger capacity or an expandable feature will give you peace of mind.
Recommended New Trip suitcases for Obon homecoming
For returning home, the most suitable suitcase varies depending on your travel method and luggage volume.
If traveling by train/Shinkansen, "New Trip 0701 Plus"
When returning home by Shinkansen or train, portability is crucial.
The New Trip 0701 Plus features a lightweight design and a stopper function, providing comfortable support for movement within stations and on trains.
Additionally, its silent casters ensure smooth portability even during long journeys.
If traveling by car with family, "New Trip 0211"
If you want to consolidate luggage for your family, a model with ample storage is recommended.
The New Trip 0211 features a 3:7 storage design, making it easy to organize luggage and store clothes and daily necessities for the whole family.
It is suitable for car travel home and trips with a lot of luggage.
If luggage increases after homecoming, "New Trip 0502"
When returning home, luggage often increases on the way back, so a suitcase with adjustable capacity is convenient.
The New Trip 0502 features an expandable function, allowing you to increase storage space as needed for your return luggage.
Furthermore, it uses silent casters, making it comfortable to use even for long-distance travel.
Maintenance tips for long-term use after homecoming
To ensure that the suitcase you used for your homecoming trip can be comfortably used for your next journey, it's important to maintain it after use.
Wipe away dirt
During travel, dirt from stations and roads can stick to the casters and body.
After use, wipe off any dirt with a dry or soft cloth.
Check the casters
Dust and small stones can easily get into the caster area, so it's good practice to check for any abnormalities.
Store away from direct sunlight and humidity
If you won't be using it for an extended period, store it in a dry place.
Proper care will allow you to continue using it for many trips, not just for homecoming.
Summary
When returning home for Obon, luggage tends to increase on the way back, not only due to clothes and daily necessities, but also souvenirs and items brought back from your family home.
Therefore, when choosing a suitcase for your trip home, it is important to consider not only the duration of your stay but also your mode of transportation and the amount of luggage you will have when returning.
Choose a capacity that matches your luggage volume, such as an S size for a short trip, an M size for a stay of several days, or an L size for packing luggage for the whole family.
Additionally, choosing features that suit your travel style can lead to a more comfortable journey, such as lightness and stopper functions for bullet trains and trains, or storage capacity and expansion functions for car travel.
By choosing the right suitcase, your Obon trip home will be lighter and more comfortable. Choose one that suits your luggage volume and mode of transportation, and enjoy your time with your family.