By AYATERU HOSOZAWA/ Staff Writer
August 9, 2025 at 12:02 JST
The Shinkansen platform at JR Tokyo Station is jammed with travelers on Aug. 9, the start of a three-day weekend. (Photo by Kotaro Ebara)
Japan’s summer Bon holiday exodus was in full swing Aug. 9 as millions rushed to their hometowns and vacation destinations aboard packed trains.
Bookings for reserved seats on JR trains were mostly sold out and Shinkansen stations across the country were jammed with travelers from early morning.
Hayabusa and Komachi Shinkansen trains departing from Tokyo Station were almost fully booked throughout the day.
Nozomi Shinkansen trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines were also fully booked, mainly for morning services. Reserved seating is required through Aug. 17.
Peak inbound travel is expected to be spread out over Aug. 16 and 17.
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