Travel tips for surviving the Golden Week of Japan
Japan’s Golden Week is almost here!
Despite the crowds, Golden Week can be a great time to experience the beauty and excitement of Japan. By planning ahead and being flexible, you can make the most of your trip during this festive holiday period.
1. What is Golden Week?
Each year, this nationwide vacation season is a cause for celebration – bringing in crowds from everywhere. So why is Golden Week celebrated?
Showa Day, or Showa no hi, is celebrated on April 29 to commemorate the late Emperor Showa, or Hirohito, who ruled Japan during World War II.
Constitution Day, also known as Kenpo kinenbi, is observed on May 3 to commemorate the ratification of the Japanese constitution in 1947.
Green Day, or Midori no hi, is observed on May 4. It pays homage to the environment because Emperor Showa was a fan of nature, flowers, and plants. Green Day was originally celebrated on April 29, but it was moved to its current date due to an obscure law that requires a day falling between national holidays to also be declared a holiday.
Finally, on May 5, Kodomo no hi, or Children's Day (also known as Tango no Sekku, or the Boy's Festival), a festival honouring young men is held.
Carp streamers are often hung outside by towns and families to represent the presence of young men within and to wish them strength and success in life.
2. When is Golden Week 2023?
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Golden Week takes place Monday, 29 April – Sunday, 5 May in 2024. Golden Week marks a cluster of four national holidays that all happen within a week:
- 29 April: Showa Day
- May 3: Constitution Day
- May 4:Midori no hi (Greenery Day)
- May 5:Kodomo no hi (Children’s Day)
Even though Children’s Day falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a holiday due to furikae kyujitsu, or “compensatory holiday”.
In addition, Japan’s government has made 30 April and 2 May bridge holidays, in honour of Prince Naruhito’s ascension on May 1.
This makes Golden Week 2023 a full 10-day affair!
3. What should I expect during Golden Week in Japan?
Not sure what travelling to Japan during Golden Week will look like? Don't know what to do in Japan for a week? Here's a taster on what you can expect during this busy time:
- Crowds: Golden Week is one of the busiest travel periods in Japan and most popular tourist attractions and golden week activities will be crowded travellers so expect long lines and waiting times for popular attractions and restaurants.
- Festivals and events: Golden Week is also a time for festivals and events throughout Japan, including traditional festivals, parades, and street fairs. These events are great ways to experience Japanese culture and traditions.
- Higher prices: Due to increased demand during Golden Week, prices for transportation, accommodations, and other goods and services may be higher than usual.
- Traffic jams: Traffic can get congested on major highways and roads during Golden Week, particularly on the weekends.
- Business closures: Some businesses, particularly smaller shops and restaurants, may be closed during Golden Week, so it's important to check ahead of time and plan accordingly.
4. Is it fine to travel to Japan during Golden Week?
If you don't have a bit of extra hustle and bustle on your holiday in Japan, Golden Week is a great time to go. During Golden Week, the weather is typically mild, with comfortable outdoor temperatures which makes it the ideal time for outdoor activities in Japan.
If you haven’t booked your holiday and have some flexibility on your dates, consider travelling to Japan in the second week of May, after Golden Week ends.
With everyone back at work or school, train stations and attractions are usually much emptier.
Travelling to Japan in the second half of May means that you’ll get to enjoy the full beauty of wisteria season all over the country!
Spring in Hokkaido starts one month behind the rest of Japan, so plan a trip out to catch the amazing cherry blossom season over there!
However, if your travel dates have been set, and fall within the Golden Week period, here are some tips on how you can make the best out of your Golden Week travels.
5. How to enjoy Golden Week in Japan
Enjoying Golden Week in Japan can be a wonderful experience, as it's a time when many people take a break from work and engage in various activities. Here are some tips on how to make the most of Golden Week:
- Plan Ahead: Golden Week is a peak travel season in Japan, and popular destinations can get crowded. If you're planning to travel, make reservations for accommodations and transportation well in advance.
- Experience Hanami: If you're in Japan during cherry blossom season, take advantage of hanami (cherry blossom viewing). Join locals in parks, have a picnic under the blooming cherry trees, and enjoy the fleeting beauty of the sakura.
- Attend Festivals: Many festivals and events take place during Golden Week. Check the local event calendar to see if there are any festivals, parades, or traditional performances happening in the area you're visiting.
- Explore Nature: Spring is a lovely time to explore Japan's natural beauty. Consider hiking in scenic areas, visiting botanical gardens, or taking a stroll in parks to enjoy the blossoming flowers and pleasant weather.
- Try Regional Cuisine: Golden Week is an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse culinary offerings of different regions in Japan. Try local specialities, visit street markets, and indulge in regional delicacies.
- Relax in Onsen: Unwind and relax by visiting an onsen (hot spring). Japan has numerous hot spring resorts, and taking a soak in the mineral-rich waters is a great way to rejuvenate.
- Visit Historical Sites: Japan is rich in history and culture. Explore historical sites, visit shrines and temples, and learn about the country's traditions. Popular destinations include Kyoto, Nara, and Kamakura.
- Participate in Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the pleasant weather and engage in outdoor activities. Whether it's cycling, hiking, or enjoying water sports, there are plenty of options to stay active and enjoy nature.
- Enjoy Local Entertainment: Check out local entertainment options, such as theater performances, concerts, or art exhibitions. Golden Week often sees an increase in cultural events.
- Spend Time with Locals: Golden Week is a time when many Japanese people are also on vacation. Strike up conversations with locals, participate in community events, and get a taste of the local lifestyle.
Remember to be mindful of the potential crowds, especially at popular tourist spots, and plan your activities accordingly. Whether you prefer a leisurely holiday or an adventure-packed experience, Golden Week offers something for everyone in Japan.
6. What do the Japanese eat on Golden Week?
During Golden Week in Japan, people often take the opportunity to travel, relax, and spend time with family and friends.
While there isn't a specific traditional dish associated with Golden Week, the types of food consumed during this time may vary based on personal preferences and the activities people engage in. Some common foods enjoyed during Golden Week might include:
- Hanami Bento: Many people participate in hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics during Golden Week. Hanami bento, or picnic lunches, often include a selection of tasty and easy-to-eat items such as onigiri (rice balls), sushi rolls, fried chicken (karaage), and colourful fruit.
- Spring Sweets: Seasonal sweets are popular during Golden Week. Japanese confectioners often create treats featuring ingredients that are in season, such as sakura-flavored mochi, cherry blossom-themed desserts, or wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) with a spring twist.
- Local Delicacies: Golden Week is a time when many people travel within Japan. As they explore different regions, they may indulge in local specialties. Each prefecture has its own unique dishes and flavours, so people might enjoy trying regional delicacies.
- Barbecues and Grilled Food: With the weather turning warmer during Golden Week, barbecues and outdoor grilling become popular activities. Families and friends may gather to enjoy yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) or grilled seafood, taking advantage of the pleasant spring climate.
- Festival Foods: Depending on the local events happening during Golden Week, festival foods may be enjoyed. These can include takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and other street foods commonly found at Japanese festivals.
It's important to note that Golden Week is a time for relaxation, travel, and enjoying time with family and friends. People's food choices during this period can be diverse and may vary based on personal preferences and regional influences.
7. How to get around Golden Week in Japan with a Japan Rail Pass
Book your Japan Rail Pass
Japan Rail Passes make your trip during Golden Week less stressful. How?
- You get unlimited travel, which is very convenient (because you don't have to buy individual tickets every time!)
- You can also reserve train tickets ahead of time.
- Travelling can also be much faster because the Shinkansen or bullet trains are always available and are included in your JR Pass!You can purchase a Japan Rail Pass through authorised online travel agents such as Klook.
Activate your JR Pass as soon as possible
When you exchange your JR Pass, make sure you also activate it at the same time if you're planning to use it soon.
All you have to do is go to any JR ticket office, tell them about your trip, and they will book your train seats for you.
Even if you don't intend to use your JR Pass right away, your activation is valid for 30 days before the first time you use it.
Plan your itinerary with Japan Rail train schedules
Golden Week is a popular time for travel in Japan, so plan ahead of time to avoid overcrowded trains and accommodations. Consider making seat reservations in advance for trains once you have your Japan Rail Pass or JR Kansai Area Pass.
Due to increased demand during Golden Week, some Japan Rail train schedules may be altered. Check the train schedules ahead of time to ensure that you arrive on time at your destination.
8. Plan your travel in the middle of Golden Week
Rush hour for Golden Week typically happens during the start and the end, so there’s a good chance that you’ll see fewer crowds if you travel during the middle of Golden Week. That's why having a Golden Week guide to get you around is definitely helpful for this trip!
9. Include travel buffer time into your trip schedule
Crowds and congestion may end up delaying you unexpectedly. The transport system in Japan is notoriously punctual – even a minute’s delay could cause you to miss your train. Aim to reach your designated train station about 10-15 minutes in advance.
10. Book as many ticketed activities as you can in advance
With this super-sized 10-day vacation period, you can expect theme parks and popular places of attraction to be even more crowded than usual.
If you plan on visiting the theme parks, make sure you book your Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan tickets early to avoid disappointment!
The Tokyo Disney Fast Pass and Universal Express Passes will be a lifesaver during Golden Week especially if you're planning to visit popular zones of the theme parks like Super Nintendo World.
11. Be flexible with your Japan travel plans
Your plans might change during Golden Week so expect the unexpected and go with the flow. Luckily if you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can enjoy unlimited and flexible travel.
12. Hit the tourist spots early in the day
During Golden Week, the sun rises at 5 a.m., so the earlier you can get out and about, the better.
13. Check out some hidden gems outdoors
Escape the crowds in the city centre, and take a short trip out to the more picturesque parts of Japan! Places like Gunma make for the perfect day trip from Tokyo, and if you can base yourself in quieter suburbs outside the cities, you might be nearer to some good hiking spots.
The flower festivals are in full swing during Golden Week, with the famous wisteria blooming alongside the lesser-known azaleas. If you travel further outside Tokyo, you'll be able to see gorgeous sights of flowers at parks like Ashikaga Flower Park and Kawachi Fujien. Here are some wisteria flower festivals during this period to check out!
And if you want to take in some scenic coastal views, head to South Okinawa and Senaga Island.
14. Embrace the craziness of Golden Week
Since you’re going to be in Japan during Golden Week, take the opportunity to join in on the Golden Week festivities!
Colourful Koinobori carp streamers start popping up everywhere in celebration of Children’s Day – you can even find special Koinobori festivals in some regions of Japan, like in Gunma.
There are also certain festivals like the Meiji Jingu Spring Grand Festival in Tokyo and the Owari Tsushima Wisteria Festival in Nagoya that happen around Golden Week. Don’t miss out on these once-a-year events!
Go beyond Tokyo to Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival or Spring Grand Festival
Golden Week is a good time to check out some of Tokyo’s quieter neighbourhoods and suburbs—there's Yokohama, Kamakura, the picturesque Inokashira Park in Kichijoji and the tradition-steeped Yakana district—for a glimpse into a bygone era.
The Kameido Tenjin Shrine is a must-visit during this time for the gorgeous wisteria, which blooms in late April. Don’t miss out on Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival, which will be held from Apr 15th to May 5th 2024.
From April 30 to May 3 2024, head to the famous Meiji Jingu Shrine to attend its Spring Grand Festival in honour of Golden Week. Experience dance and traditional martial arts performances during the first half of the festival, with Shinto ceremonies and rituals being held on the last two days.
Koinobori Carp Streamer Village Festival at Gunma
Less than an hour from Tokyo, Gunma makes for a great sightseeing day trip from the city. The prefecture is famous for its orchards, waterfalls and hot springs.
During Golden Week, Tatebayashi City has its annual Koinobori Carp Streamer Village Festival. The colourful streamers will be raised in five locations throughout the city in celebration of Children’s Day, with the carp representing healthy growth and progress for the next generation.
Hamamatsu Matsuri Festival at Shizuoka
Over Golden Week, the Hamamatsu Matsuri takes place in the coastal city from May 3 to May 5. Over this three-day festival, hundreds of huge kites take to the skies over the Nakatajima Dunes for the biggest kite battle of the season.
Often manned by professional teams, these kites are flown to symbolise healthy growth for the district's children. After dark, grand parade floats take place during the night on the city streets.
Head to Suzuki Orchard when the oranges are in season, for an idyllic fruit farm experience.
