Ahhh, holiday week in Japan. That magical stretch of days where the usual hum of commuter trains slows down, office lights flicker off a little earlier, and even the most stubborn workaholics start to consider… relaxation. And if you’re us 😉 , you need to know the ultimate holiday week in Japan essentials.
It’s Obon, a summer holiday. Some people spend it traveling, some head home to see family, or if you’re like me, you’re busy crafting the perfect staycation. And if you ask me, the secret recipe for a blissful holiday week comes down to three things: snacks, music, and getting lifted – legally.
Snack Attack: Japan’s Munchie MVPs
No holiday week (or night in) is complete without a snack spread that makes you sigh with happiness. In Japan, we are spoiled for choice. Here are my ride-or-die picks for munchies:
- Kaki no Tane – Spicy, crunchy rice crackers mixed with peanuts. Warning: the bag will be empty before you know it.
- Jagarico – Potato sticks in a cup. Comes in flavors like cheese, salad, and seasonal weirdness (mentaiko mayo, anyone?).
- Pocky – Because chocolate-covered biscuit sticks are basically a love language.
- Baby Star Ramen – Crunchy, salty ramen noodles for snacking. Don’t ask why it works, it just does.
- Umaibo – 10 yen each, shaped like little corn tubes of joy, in flavors from teriyaki burger to sugar rusk.
Pro tip: mix sweet and savory. Trust me — your taste buds will thank you.
The Soundtrack to Your Slow Days
Music sets the tone for everything. Whether you’re sprawled out under the AC or sitting on a balcony watching cicadas and fireworks, you need the right playlist.
Here are some of my personal holiday week jams:
City Pop
Classics like Mariya Takeuchi’s Plastic Love or Tatsuro Yamashita’s Sparkle — smooth, nostalgic, and perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Mellow Reggae
Put on some Japanese bands like Dry & Heavy for that “I’m on an island” vibe even if you’re just in your living room.
Smooth & Classy Jazz
For when you want to feel like your living room just turned into a candlelit lounge. Go for the velvety tones of Chet Baker, the playful piano of Erroll Garner, or the understated elegance of Norah Jones. In Japan, try the dreamy saxophone of Sadao Watanabe or the smooth grooves of Casiopea. Perfect for sipping tea (or something stronger) while you watch the world slow down.
Lo-Fi Japanese Hip Hop
Lazy beats, gentle melodies, and just enough vinyl crackle to make you feel cozy. Artists like Nujabes, Uyama Hiroto, and Shing02 have that perfect balance of mellow and uplifting — ideal for background vibes while you roll up some Smoking Flower or just stare happily out the window at nothing in particular.
Ambient Techno & Downtempo
If your idea of relaxation involves melting into the couch and becoming one with the bassline, go for something hypnotic. Aphex Twin’s softer tracks (Avril 14th, Rhubarb) or Japanese electronic artists like Rei Harakami and Ken Ishii can take you on a deep, looping journey. Best enjoyed in low light with a blend that leans into the floaty side of life.
Smoking Flower: Your Legal Lift-Off
Here’s where the magic really happens. Delta Farms’ Smoking Flower blends are, in my opinion, the ultimate holiday week indulgence — and yes, they’re 100% legal in Japan.
The blends are made primarily from damiana (a beautiful aromatic herb that’s been used for centuries for relaxation) and infused with cannabinoids using a proprietary solvent-free method. Translation: smooth flavor, no weird additives, and effects that range from deeply chill to gently euphoric depending on the blend you choose.
Let’s break down the flower lineup:
- H4CBD Blends – Not psychoactive, but oh so relaxing. Perfect for winding down after a big family dinner or a day of traveling. It’s like giving your nervous system a spa day.
- CBXE Blends – Unique to Delta Farms in Japan and hard to find elsewhere, CBXE offers a subtle mood lift and a lingering calm that pairs beautifully with an afternoon of music and snacks.
- CRDH Blends – A little more stimulating, great for when you want to feel engaged but still relaxed. I find it pairs well with creative activities like curating that “best songs ever” playlist you’ll never actually finish.
- A Cheeky Pinch of Hash – Totally legal hash, mind you. Adds depth to your blend and can make holiday week feel just a little more… holiday-ish.
💡 Affiliate moment: You can grab these blends from Delta Farms and get 15% off with the code MaryJane. Treat yourself.
Other Ways to Make the Most of It: Holiday Week in Japan Essentials
Holiday week is for joy, not chores. If you want to go beyond the holy trinity of snacks, sounds, and Smoking Flower, here are some ideas:
- Take a slow train ride to a neighboring town and explore.
- Onsen day trip – nothing says “holiday” like soaking in a hot spring with mountain views.
- Movie marathon – bonus points for pairing each film with a different blend.
- Get artsy – sketch, paint, or just mess around with washi tape and stickers.
💨Final Puff:
Whether you’re heading to grandma’s, escaping to the beach, or simply staying put with the AC on blast, holiday week in Japan is a rare chance to just be. Fill it with the things you love: snacks that make you smile, music that melts the hours, and a little legal lift to help you sink fully into the moment.
Because the best holiday memories aren’t about how far you traveled, but how fully you enjoyed the ride.
xo Mary Jane
How are you spending the Obon holiday? Let me know in the comments below! 🌸
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