Japan's GOLDEN WEEK: What You Need To Know
3/20/20251 min read
WHAT and WHEN is Golden Week?
Golden Week is one of the busiest holiday seasons in Japan, celebrated annually in late April to early May when cherry blossoms have given way to lush greens. The actual dates may differ slightly each year , but it's a collection of four national holidays that allows Japanese people to enjoy an extended break from work and school. The holidays included are Showa Day (April 29), Constitution Memorial Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4), and Children's Day (May 5). Accordingly, the Golden Week for 2025 will begin on 4/29 and end on 5/5. Because it's a time when many people take vacations, it can greatly affect travel plans, especially for those from abroad who may be visiting around that time.
Things for Visitors to Consider
As much as Golden Week is a fun time for the Japanese, it can pose challenges for international visitors. Because a large portion of the Japanese population travels during this week, you can expect significant crowds at popular tourist destinations, such as temples, shrines, and parks. Public transport, including trains and buses, can also be highly congested, as many people will be on the move. For travelers, this means accomodations might be harder to come by.
For foreign travelers, one way to navigate Golden Week is to plan your itinerary carefully. Consider avoiding this week altogether, or try visiting less popular tourist sites, or if your heart is set on a famous landmark, to visit during off-peak hours. You might also want to book your accommodations well in advance—just as Japanese do—to beat the last-minute rush.
Additionally, many businesses and services may have altered hours during Golden Week, so it’s good to check whether restaurants, museums, and shops are open on the dates you wish to visit.
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