Key Facts
• Obon holiday began on August 9, with up to 9 consecutive days off.
• Traffic jams reached 23 km near Ebina Service Area on the Tomei Expressway.
• Families faced delays of up to 10 hours traveling to campsites.
• Mount Fuji saw a peak in climbers, with some requiring emergency medical assistance.
• A 55-year-old man from Tokyo died after collapsing during descent on Mount Fuji.
• Heavy rain caused flooding in Kumamoto City, submerging roads and overflowing rivers.
• Kumamoto experienced sudden downpours, with rain flowing like waterfalls.
• A New Zealand couple climbed Mount Fuji to celebrate a birthday and witnessed the sunrise.
• Some climbers missed the sunrise due to poor weather conditions.
• This year, two fatalities have been reported on Mount Fuji’s Yamanashi trails.
Summary
The Obon holiday in Japan, starting August 9, brought significant traffic congestion, with jams up to 23 km on major highways. Families traveling to campsites faced delays of up to 10 hours. Mount Fuji saw a surge in climbers, with some requiring emergency medical attention. Tragically, a 55-year-old man from Tokyo died during descent, marking the second fatality on Yamanashi trails this season. Meanwhile, Kumamoto City experienced severe rainfall, leading to river overflows and road flooding. Despite adverse weather, a New Zealand couple celebrated a birthday by climbing Mount Fuji and witnessing the sunrise, while others were hindered by poor conditions. The holiday highlighted both the joys and challenges of travel and outdoor activities during peak season.
