Japan in August!
 

Thought I'd start a thread about the August time since this and September are the months missing in this sticky thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan...er-thread.html

I'll be there for two week from Aug 3-18 so I'll be in town for Obon week (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2286.html).

I'm excited because it's one of the 'big 3' holidays in Japan so there's going to be excitement in the air!

I'll be in Tokyo for a week then head down south to Osaka as a 'hub' for day tripping all over southern Japan.

No itinerary really; winging it and see where the JR Pass will take me.

Are fireworks big around this time? If so, where are good spots within my two cities to get great photos?

If there are must-see's/do during this time, please let me know by replying and I'll do it.

I'll also post pics in this thread or the FT Photography section.

Cheers!

EDIT: I'll also update this thread and the other 'budget hotel' thread regarding my staying experience in Japan :)

- Don

Fireworks in Tokyo area:

Sat. 3 Aug. 19:15 - 20:30 Edogawa Fireworks, Edogawa-river banks near Shinozaki station (Toei-Shinjuku subway line) -- my personal recommend, one of biggest fireworks festivals in Kanto area but expect huge crowd.

Sat. 10 Aug. 18:50 - 20:10 Tokyo Bay Fireworks, Harumi-pier Park -- you can see from a lot of places in Bay area.

That sounds awesome! Thanks! ^

My suggestion will be to pay attention to the traffic situation which is mentioned on the Obon week link you have on the first post. Your two weeks stay during August pretty much coincide with Obon, and Obon happen to be one of busiest travel period in Japan.

Reserved seats on trains often sell out far in advance during Obon. Non-reserve seats on express train, including Shinkansen (bullet train), become standing room only during Obon. Airplane often sold out far in advance during Obon, also. Traffic on expressways connecting cities can easily reach 30-40 km slowdown.

Thanks, AlwaysAisle! We will be (hopefully) reserving our seats for when we do our day trips from Osaka when we land, as we were informed to rsvp when receiving the JR Pass.

Any tips other than reservations?

Be aware that it's going to be very hot and sticky to go along with those crowds. Always already warned you about the Obon crowds, so that pretty much covers what I would have said. :)

Oh yes, indeedy. That's why I stocked up on DRI-FIT. ^

Flying out later today.

Toodle-oo's!

Tokyo is awesome so far! Off to Osaka tomorrow! Anyone heading there and recommendations?

I fell in love with Yanaka and im into very traditional, old-fashioned places. The more traditional, the better.