OSAKA - The return rush at Kansai International Airport peaked on August 14 as travelers who spent the Obon holiday overseas arrived back in Japan, with 39,300 international passengers expected to land at the airport during the day.
Families carrying large suitcases and bags filled with souvenirs were seen throughout the international arrivals area from the morning.
Kansai Airports, which operates the airport, said August 14 was expected to be the busiest day for returning travelers during the holiday period.
One traveler returning from a weeklong trip said, "We spent four days in Palau and three days in Guam. In Palau, we flew in a Cessna and had a mud pack at Milky Way."
Another traveler returning from Guam said, "I had nine days off, so I think it will be tough going back to my normal work routine, but I'll do my best."
Another returning passenger said, "I want the summer vacation to end soon because preparing meals and doing housework is difficult."
Kansai Airports expects about 718,000 people to use international flights during this year's Obon period, about 20% fewer than last year.
The decline partly reflects a roughly 70% reduction in flights to and from China as relations between Japan and China have deteriorated.
Source: YOMIURI
