More people in Japan choosing to travel by car for Obon

As Obon approaches, many expats living in Japan (especially those married into Japanese families!) are likely making plans for the annual summer holiday. A recent survey from Tortoise Co., Ltd. offered a snapshot into how people in Japan are planning to travel during Obon 2025, and the results probably feel familiar to anyone who has lived here for a while!

The standout finding was that most people are choosing to travel by car, with more than half of respondents planning to go home or take a domestic trip this Obon saying they'll be driving. Shinkansen and flights still ranked high, but cost was the top deciding factor, and cars came out ahead as the more flexible and affordable choice.

The survey also showed that the most common travel budget is between 10,000 and 30,000 yen per person, which is another reason making short road trips to nearby regions more appealing than pricier getaways to more far-flung spots. 

Do you have any Obon plans as yet?

Research: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000011.000150514.html