Japan’s Golden Week: Should You Visit During This Busy Holiday? And How to Brave the Busiest Week in Japan Without Losing Your Mind

So, you’re planning your first (or next) trip to Japan, and your travel dates are floating dangerously close to something called Golden Week—a phrase that sounds sparkly and magical, but also mysteriously… ominous?

You’re probably wondering:
“What even is Golden Week? Should I still go? Will I be crushed by a sea of people at every temple and train station?”

Don’t worry—I’ve been there. And this guide is here to give you the real deal on traveling during Japan’s most crowded holiday week.

Spoiler alert: it’s not all chaos. But it’s definitely not your average sightseeing week either. Let’s dive in.

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Wait, What Is Golden Week Anyway?

Golden Week is one of Japan’s busiest and most important holiday periods, where a series of four national holidays are conveniently clustered together between April 29 and May 5.

For many Japanese people, this is the longest break they get all year—so naturally, they take full advantage of it by traveling, spending time with family, and generally making sure that every tourist attraction, train station, and shopping mall is as full as humanly possible.

But let’s back up a bit. Why is it called “Golden Week” in the first place?

The term actually comes from Japan’s film industry in the 1950s. Movie theaters noticed that ticket sales skyrocketed during this holiday period, making it their most “golden” (prime) time of the year.

The name stuck, and over time, it became synonymous with this week-long stretch of public holidays—though these days, instead of movie theaters being packed, it’s Japan’s airports, highways, theme parks, and train platforms.

Breaking Down the Holidays in Golden Week

Golden Week isn’t just one long holiday—it’s a combination of four official public holidays, which makes it special.

Here’s what happens:

April 29 – Showa Day (Showa no Hi)

A day to reflect on the Showa era (1926–1989) and its impact on Japan. The Showa Emperor, Hirohito, ruled during both World War II and Japan’s economic boom, so the day is meant to encourage people to honor him and look back on the country’s history. For many locals, though, it’s simply the first day off—a perfect excuse for a mini getaway or a BBQ with friends.

May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo Kinenbi)

This marks the anniversary of Japan’s post-war constitution, which took effect in 1947.

It’s a day of reflection on democracy, but don’t expect big parades or speeches—it mostly just means government offices and banks are closed.

May 4 – Greenery Day (Midori no Hi)

A day dedicated to appreciating nature. Originally linked to Emperor Hirohito’s love for plants (yep, he was a botany fan), it encourages people to go outside and enjoy Japan’s many gardens, mountains, and parks.

Many of these places offer free entry on this date.So expect hiking trails, national parks, and outdoor attractions to be extra crowded.

May 5 – Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)

The most festive of the Golden Week holidays! Families celebrate the health and happiness of children, and you’ll see colorful carp streamers fluttering everywhere, symbolizing strength and success.

It’s also a day where boys traditionally get samurai helmets and warrior dolls, though these days, families celebrate all kids, not just boys.

How Long Does Golden Week Really Last?

Technically, Golden Week is April 29 – May 5, but here’s the catch: if any of these holidays happen to fall on a weekend, the government gives people an extra day off on the following Monday (because Japan loves a good compensatory holiday).

Also, if workers are lucky enough to take personal vacation days between these holidays, they can stretch Golden Week into a 10-day mega-holiday.

So, when Golden Week aligns just right, Japan turns into a nation of vacationers for nearly two weeks, and that’s when the real travel chaos begins.

Why Is Golden Week Such a Big Deal?

Unlike other major Japanese holidays like Obon (mid-August) and New Year, where people mainly travel home to visit family, Golden Week is all about leisure.

Since many companies and offices shut down for an extended break, it’s the peak season for domestic and international travel in Japan.

During this time:

• Flights & bullet trains are fully booked months in advance.

• Hotels, ryokan (traditional inns), and Airbnbs double or triple their prices.

• Highways become parking lots as families embark on road trips.

• Major attractions (Disneyland, Mount Fuji, temples) are wall-to-wall with visitors.

Basically, Golden Week is when Japan collectively says, “Time to have fun!”—which is great for locals, but can be tricky for travelers who aren’t prepared.

Should You Visit Japan During Golden Week? Let’s Talk Pros and Cons

Pros: Why You Might Want to Brave the Golden Crowds

I know, I know—everything you’ve heard about Golden Week so far makes it sound like an extreme sport.

But before you write it off completely, let’s talk about the good side of traveling to Japan during this high-energy holiday week. Because believe it or not, there are some pretty great perks, too.

1. The Weather Is Chef’s Kiss Perfect

Golden Week lands smack in the middle of Japan’s best travel season—spring. The weather is warm but not humid, the skies are often bright and clear, and there’s a low chance of rain (especially compared to the upcoming rainy season in June).

Expect daytime temperatures to range from:

• Tokyo & Kyoto: 18–25°C (64–77°F)
• Hokkaido (cooler up north): 12–18°C (54–64°F)
• Okinawa (warmer, subtropical): 22–28°C (72–82°F)

It’s the kind of weather where you can comfortably walk around all day without much freezing or sweating buckets—a nice and beautiful thing in Japan’s ever-changing climate.

Bonus:

If you head north to Tohoku or Hokkaido, you might still catch the last of the cherry blossoms since they bloom later than in Tokyo and Kyoto. Perfect for that dreamy springtime vibe without the early April crowds.

2. The Festive Atmosphere Is Next-Level

Golden Week isn’t just a time for people to travel—it’s also one of the most vibrant and exciting times to be in Japan. The entire country feels alive with energy, and you’ll find:

• Colorful carp streamers (koinobori 🎏) fluttering everywhere for Children’s Day, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and hope for a healthy and successful future for children. These are especially beautiful in countryside towns, where they hang over rivers in long, flowing rows.

• Festivals and parades in different cities, from traditional performances to lively street celebrations. One of the biggest is the Hakata Dontaku Festival in Fukuoka, drawing millions of visitors for its colorful costumes and dance processions.

• Special events at theme parks, shrines, and shopping districts, like fireworks displays, seasonal performances, and exclusive Golden Week activities.

It’s a time when Japan feels extra celebratory, and if you love experiencing local culture in full swing, Golden Week delivers.

3. Seasonal & Limited-Edition Treats 🍡🍵

One thing Japan does extremely well? Seasonal food. And Golden Week is no exception.

Since people are traveling, convenience stores, department stores, and restaurants go all out with limited-time snacks, bento boxes, and desserts.

Some things to look out for:

• Golden Week-themed bento boxes at train stations (ekiben) featuring regional specialties. Perfect for long shinkansen rides!

• Matcha and sakura-flavored desserts still lingering from spring. Think matcha parfaits, cherry blossom mochi, and seasonal Kit-Kats you won’t find at other times of the year.

• Special drinks and food items at Starbucks, McDonald’s, and other chains, because Japan loves a good limited-edition menu.

If you’re the kind of traveler who lives for exclusive, can’t-get-it-any-other-time experiences, then Golden Week is a foodie jackpot.

4. You Can Experience Japan With the Locals 🇯🇵

Most of the year, when you visit Japan’s famous landmarks, you’ll find yourself surrounded by other tourists.

But during Golden Week, it’s the Japanese themselves who are traveling.

This means:

• You get to see how Japanese people actually vacation—whether it’s families road-tripping in their minivans, couples in matching outfits exploring towns, or groups of students heading to Disneyland.

• The vibe is different from normal tourist seasons. Instead of just international travelers, you’re blending into a nation-wide holiday mood.

• If you’re into people-watching, this is a prime time to see Japan’s travel culture in action.

Yes, it’s busy. But it’s also an incredibly authentic way to see Japan during one of its most beloved holidays.

5. Not Every Place is Crowded During Golden Week

Golden Week is known for crowds, traffic, and fully booked hotels. But here’s a little secret: not every single place in Japan is overrun, and not everywhere is crowded all day.

If you:

• Avoid major tourist areas during peak days and explore less known places instead, you’ll find way fewer people.

• Travel before or after the absolute peak days (April 29 and May 3–5) to get the benefits of the season without the madness.

Golden Week is only chaotic if you go in unprepared. But if you plan strategically, you can enjoy all the seasonal perks—without suffering through the worst of the crowds.

Cons: Why Golden Week Might Test Your Patience

Golden Week in Japan is a bit like trying to shop at Costco on a Sunday afternoon—it’s loud, crowded, and occasionally makes you question your life choices.

While there are plenty of perks to visiting during this festive season, it’s not all cherry blossoms and matcha lattes.

If you’re not prepared, Golden Week can be a logistical nightmare. Here’s why:

1. Travel Prices? Let’s Just Say Your Wallet Will Feel It

Golden Week is one of the most expensive times to visit Japan—and I don’t mean “slightly pricier than usual.” I mean airfare, hotels, and transportation costs can double or even triple.

• Flights to Japan: If you’re flying in from overseas, expect higher-than-usual prices as both international and domestic travelers scramble to book their trips.

• Domestic flights & Shinkansen: Prices for domestic flights and bullet train (Shinkansen) tickets do NOT increase, but tickets sell out super fast. So if you don’t book early, you might be left scrambling for a seat (or standing for hours in a non-reserved car).

• Hotels & Ryokan: Expect room rates to skyrocket—especially in popular tourist spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hakone. If you’re used to finding budget-friendly hotels at the last minute, Golden Week will humble you.

Budget Tip:

If you absolutely must travel during Golden Week, book months in advance and consider business hotels, capsule hotels, or staying in less touristy areas where prices don’t spike as dramatically.

2. Crowds, Crowds, and More Crowds (Did I Mention Crowds?)

If you think Tokyo and Kyoto are already crowded on a regular day, Golden Week takes it to a whole new level.

You’ll find:

• Trains packed like sardine cans, especially on major routes like Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka. Even getting onto a local train might require some strategic elbow maneuvering.

• Major attractions overflowing with people. Want a peaceful stroll through Kyoto’s famous bamboo forest? Think again. During Golden Week, it’s more like playing human Tetris as you inch your way through.

• Theme parks? Brace yourself. Disneyland, DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan hit maximum capacity—with wait times for rides exceeding three hours (or even longer).

Survival Tip:

If you’re determined to visit popular attractions, go early in the morning or later in the evening when crowds thin out.

Or, better yet, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and small towns instead of major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.

3. Transportation Woes: The Struggle is Real

Golden Week is peak travel season for both locals and tourists, which means trains, buses, and even highways get insanely packed.

• Shinkansen tickets sell out FAST. Non-reserved seats? Expect to stand for hours. Even reserving seats weeks in advance can be tough if you’re late to the game.

• Highways become parking lots. If you think renting a car is a smart move, well… so do millions of other Japanese families. The result? Massive traffic jams, especially near major cities and popular tourist destinations.

• Even local trains in Tokyo and Osaka are more crowded than usual. So if you were hoping for a peaceful ride on the Yamanote Line? Not today, my friend.

Smart Travel Hack:

If you must take a Shinkansen during Golden Week, book it as soon as tickets open (which is one month in advance). Better yet, consider taking highway buses (cheaper but slower) or exploring smaller less known towns that are less affected by the holiday rush.

4. Restaurants? Hope You Like Waiting in Line

Golden Week isn’t just busy for travel—it’s also one of the hardest times to find a seat at a good restaurant.

• Famous ramen shops? Expect 2-hour wait times.

• Popular sushi joints? Fully booked weeks in advance.

• Even chain restaurants like Ichiran and Coco Ichibanya will have lines out the door.

And don’t even get me started on convenience stores and food courts—they get cleaned out fast as hungry travelers grab meals on the go

Smart Eating Tip:

• Make reservations at restaurants that allow them (many high-end and mid-range places do).

• Eat during off-peak hours (lunch at 11 AM instead of 12 PM, dinner at 5 PM instead of 7 PM).

• Grab bento boxes from department stores early in the day before the rush clears them out.

5. Finding a Hotel Can Feel Like an Extreme Sport 🏨😰

If you haven’t booked your accommodations months in advance, you might end up paying triple the usual price—or worse, finding nothing available at all.

Even budget hotels, hostels, and capsule hotels get fully booked. Airbnb? Also tough.

Your best bet are:

• Stay in less touristy areas (think: Ueno instead of Tokyo).

• Try business hotels—they’re small, but functional and reasonably priced.

• Be flexible with your travel dates. If you can, arrive just before Golden Week starts or right after it ends to avoid peak pricing.

6. Some Places Actually Close for Golden Week

You’d think that everything would be open for Golden Week, right? After all, it’s a peak travel season! But actually, some businesses close for the holidays.

• Government offices, banks, and post offices? Closed.

• Small mom-and-pop shops in less touristy areas? Also closed.

• Hospitals and clinics? Many operate on a limited schedule (so try not to get sick).

Most major shopping centers, restaurants, and attractions stay open, but if you were planning on doing anything bureaucratic (like exchanging money at a bank or picking up a pocket WiFi device from a local store), plan accordingly.

Tips to Survive (and Enjoy!) Golden Week in Japan

Okay, so you’ve decided to take on Golden Week in Japan. Brave soul! It’s like stepping into a real-life game of crowd-dodging, budget-balancing, and strategic planning.

But with the right mindset and a few clever tricks up your sleeve, you absolutely can have a magical time—yes, even during one of Japan’s busiest holiday seasons.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Book Everything in Advance—And We Mean Everything

Golden Week is not the time for “let’s just wing it.” Unless you enjoy sleeping in train stations or standing for four hours on the Shinkansen, please—book early.

• Flights: Secure those flights months ahead of time. Prices climb very fast during this period.

• Accommodation: Whether you’re eyeing a cozy ryokan or a basic business hotel, book it the moment your travel dates are confirmed. Many places offer accommodations

• Shinkansen or JR Pass seats: You can reserve seats up to one month in advance for many train rides. If you’re traveling between major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, do not delay. They will definitely fill up fast.

• Attractions with ticketed entry (e.g., Ghibli Park, teamLab, Universal Studios): These often require online booking and reservations, and spots go fast.

Bonus Tip:

Use platforms like Klook, Rakuten Travel, or Japanican to reserve attractions and transportation in English ahead of time. They often offer bundled deals, too!

2. Be an Early Bird (Even if You’re Not a Morning Person)

If you want to beat the crowds (or at least walk at a pace faster than a glacier), start your day early.

• Want photos of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine without a sea of people? Be there at sunrise.

• Planning to visit a castle, temple, or museum? Get in line before it opens.

• Even konbini (Japanese convenience stores) are calmer in the early morning—grab your breakfast and picnic bento boxes before the shelves get ransacked. Stores restock several times per day, however shelves get emptied almost instantly if you are in a major city.

Pro Tip:

Mornings in Japan during spring are beautiful. The air is crisp, the cherry blossoms glow in the soft light, and you’ll have a few precious moments of serenity before the masses descend.

3. Avoid the Usual Tourist Traps and Go Off the Beaten Path

Instead of jostling through Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing or elbowing your way around Kyoto’s Arashiyama, consider exploring places that aren’t on every Instagram itinerary.

• Try Kanazawa – beautiful gardens, a historic samurai district, and fewer crowds.

• Head to the Setouchi region – charming islands like Naoshima and Teshima offer art, peace, and sea views.

• Northern Japan (Tohoku) – spring arrives later up here, meaning you might even catch some cherry blossoms in full bloom without the mob scene.

Less crowded = more peaceful. And accommodations and food may be cheaper, too!

4. Embrace Local Festivals and Events

Golden Week is a time of celebration, and Japan pulls out all the stops—colorful festivals, food stalls, parades, fireworks, and traditional performances. Why not join the fun?

• Look for Children’s Day celebrations (May 5), with giant carp streamers flying over rivers.

• Local shrine festivals may feature lively processions, taiko drumming, and lots of delicious street food.

• The Hamamatsu Festival (Shizuoka) has epic kite battles and costumed parades!

Bring a camera or your best phone lens—these events are incredibly photogenic. Just remember to check local schedules and show up early to get a good viewing spot.

5. Be Flexible and Stay Chill

Even with the best planning, you might miss a train, get stuck in a crowd, or find that your dream sushi spot is booked solid. That’s okay.

• Have backups for everything. If the Shinkansen is sold out, look into highway buses or local trains. If one restaurant is packed, head to a nearby izakaya or convenience store (seriously, Japanese convenience food is next-level).

• Expect longer lines and wait times. Use the time to people-watch, scroll through your photos, or—if you’re traveling with family—actually talk to each other (gasp!).

• Leave room in your itinerary for rest and spontaneity. You might stumble upon a neighborhood matsuri or a peaceful park with zero tourists.

Golden Week is a time of joy for locals—try to match their energy and go with the flow.

6. Eat Smart: Know Where to Go & When to Go

Eating out during Golden Week can be tricky—but not impossible. You just need to be strategic.

• Go during off-peak hours. Think lunch at 11am or dinner at 4:30pm.

• Make reservations if you can (many mid-range places and even izakaya allow it).

• Embrace konbini culture. Grab a tuna mayo onigiri, karaage, or an egg salad sandwich and head to a park for a picnic!

• Hit up depachika—the food basements of department stores. These are full of ready-to-eat gourmet meals, desserts, and snacks. Go around 7 PM for clearance discounts, but prepare to compete with savvy locals.

• And remember: Even ramen shops with long lines tend to move quickly, with how efficient and mindful Japanese people are. That 30-minute wait might be worth it for a bowl of heavenly tonkotsu.

7. Pack Your Patience—and Maybe a Portable Fan

Golden Week usually falls during warm spring days, and if you’re squeezing through crowds under the sun, things can get… sticky.

• Bring a portable fan, refillable water bottle, and a hand towel (you’ll use it more than you think).

• Keep your Japan Transit IC card topped up to save time in station lines.

• And definitely have mobile WiFi or some entertainment downloaded on your phone in case of long waits or delays (podcasts, Netflix, calming lo-fi beats).

So, Should You Avoid Golden Week?

Golden Week can be chaotic, sure—but also incredibly festive, vibrant, and full of cultural richness.

If you come prepared, stay flexible, and embrace the experience for what it is, you just might find that it becomes one of your favorite travel memories.

It’s not about avoiding the crowds entirely—it’s about navigating them smartly, making space for joy, and knowing when to step back for a matcha ice cream break.

So go on, Golden Week warrior—you got this. Plan that Japan trip, and happy travels!

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels!

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