The annual Bon exodus from the nation's capital intensified Thursday as holidaymakers flocked to airports and train stations.
There were 326 Tokaido Shinkansen Line bullet train runs between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations Thursday, the most for a single day since the high-speed train service was launched in 1964. Some of the trains were at 150 percent capacity, according to railways.
Throngs also waited for Tohoku Shinkansen Line trains that link the capital with areas in northern Honshu.
Domestic carriers said flights departing Tokyo's Haneda airport in the morning were almost all fully booked, while there were few seats available for afternoon flights.
The airport's departure lobby was filled with people in long lines waiting to buy gifts to take with them.
