If you are planning to visit major tourist places in Japan in August, we recommend that you read this article and purchase Shinkansen tickets online NOW.
What is "Obon"?
Obon, or just Bon is a Japanese Buddhist holiday that honors the return of the spirits of ancestors. It's a summer holiday in which people return to their hometowns to visit the graves of their departed relatives.
It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance known as Bon-Odori.
The starting date of the festivals of Obon varies within different regions of Japan. However, the most commonly nation-wide celebrated time is around August 15th, and it is customary that people are given leave around this period.
So, the Obon week in mid-August is one of Japan's three major holiday seasons, accompanied by intensive domestic and international travel activities and increased accommodation rates.
Traffic Situation - Obon 2023
Every year exact Obon dates are different. In 2023, the peak of the Obon travel season is anticipated to take place between Friday, August 11th, and Wednesday, August 16th.
The busiest days are expected to be around August 11th to 13th with people leaving the major cities, and August 14th to 16th with people returning to the major cities.
Any period between August 11th and August 16th would still be busy for traffic and Shinkansen, so we highly recommend that you purchase reserved seat tickets online in advance before the seats get sold out for that period.
If reserved seat tickets get sold out, you can still buy unreserved seat tickets, but you may end up queuing up for Shinkansen and standing during your travel on the train.
If you plan to ride Shinkansen during the peak periods, reserve tickets from our website once you decide your dates.
About Us: Shinkansen Ticket Online Booking
You can book Shinkansen/Bullet train tickets online here. We purchase tickets for you and deliver to your hotel. Reserve your tickets/seats without the hassle.
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What is shinkansen-ticket.com?
Shinkansen-Ticket.com is a Japan-based travel agency specializing in booking Shinkansen and limited express train tickets—including high-demand routes that are often difficult to secure. With nearly a decade of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable, flexible, and traveler-friendly service.
We provide both QR code-based tickets for easy station access, ideal for last-minute bookings, and physical paper tickets, which can be delivered to your home abroad, hotel, major post offices, or even a friend’s residence across Japan—perfect for carefully planned itineraries.
Our expertise in Japan’s rail system allows us to offer customized support with a deep understanding of routes, connections, and seating options—including oversized luggage seats, scenic views, and group arrangements.
Trusted by thousands of repeat customers and partnered with numerous hotels and travel agencies, we regularly assist in arranging train tickets for hotel guests and tour clients across Japan.