Golden Week Japan 2025: Essential Tips for First-Time Travelers!

Thinking about visiting Japan during Golden Week 2025? This lively holiday period, occurring from late April to early May, is one of the most eagerly awaited times in Japan.

Renowned for its festive spirit and vibrant cultural celebrations, Golden Week offers travelers a wonderful chance to immerse themselves in Japanese traditions and festivities.

What Is Golden Week in Japan?

Vibrant carp streamers fluttering during Kodomo no Hi, a national holiday in Japan, celebrated during Golden Week.

Golden Week comprises a series of national holidays in Japan occurring within a single week. Known as Gōruden Wīku or Ōgon Shūkan, it's one of the busiest holiday periods in the country, rivaled only by New Year and Obon.

During this time, many Japanese individuals seize the chance to travel both domestically and abroad, leading to widespread business closures for the week.

Golden Week generally takes place from April 29 to May 5. In 2025, it will run from Tuesday, April 29, to Monday, May 5. The specific dates may vary slightly based on the arrangement of weekends.

The holidays that comprise Golden Week include:

April 29: Showa Day (Showa no Hi) - A celebration of Emperor Showa's birthday.May 3: Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpou Kinenbi) - A day honoring the establishment of the post-war constitution.May 4: Greenery Day (Midori no Hi) - A day dedicated to appreciating nature and the environment.May 5: Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) - A day dedicated to celebrating the happiness and well-being of children.

Interesting Facts About Golden Week in Japan

Traditional koinobori, or carp streamers, displayed during Golden Week’s Boys' Day at Crystal Avenue in Tokyo Dome City.

Established in 1948, Golden Week has become an important time for leisure travel and family reunions.With the influx of travelers, prices for transportation and accommodations typically rise, and tickets tend to sell out rapidly.Some companies might provide extra days off, leading to an extended holiday period that can result in up to a 10-day break in certain years.Golden Week is among the busiest times of the year in Japan. Many take advantage of this period to travel and relax, resulting in crowded tourist attractions, eateries, and public transport.Due to the popularity of Golden Week, hotels are often fully booked. Transportation options like bullet trains and buses can become crowded, so it’s wise to secure tickets in advance.With a variety of festivals, parades, and events occurring, careful planning is crucial. Make sure to organize your itinerary in advance to experience all the attractions.Engage in traditional ceremonies, admire the stunning landscapes, and savor local delicacies. Use this opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and celebrations of Golden Week.

Popular Activities During Golden Week in Japan

A bustling view of Nakamise-dori Street adjacent to Senso-ji Temple on a lively spring day during Golden Week in Tokyo, Japan.

Many Japanese individuals travel both within the country and abroad. Popular spots include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and various hot spring resorts. Numerous local festivals and events take place during this time.

During Golden Week, many people enjoy the pleasant spring weather by visiting parks, gardens, and natural sites. Activities like hiking, picnicking, and flower viewing (hanami) are quite popular. Additionally, sales and special promotions abound, making it an excellent time for shopping as well.

In Tokyo, Japan, Golden Week offers a range of popular activities that attract both locals and tourists. Here are some highlights:

Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tohoku:

Koinobori Festivals:

Exploring Kawachi Wisteria Garden:

Hakata Dontaku Festival:

Camping at Lake Motosu:

Trekking in Kamikochi:

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route:

Exploring Amanohashidate:

Unwinding in Kinosaki Onsen:

Exploring Hachijojima Island:

Keep in mind that Golden Week is a peak travel season in Japan, so it's advisable to plan and secure your travel and accommodations well in advance.

Flights to Tokyo

Travel Tips for Golden Week in Japan

Traveling during Golden Week in Japan can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s crucial to plan ahead due to the influx of both domestic and international travelers.

Here are some tips to help you navigate this bustling holiday season in Tokyo during Golden Week:

1. Plan Ahead

With the high demand for transportation and lodging, it’s vital to secure your tickets and accommodations well in advance. Golden Week is a peak travel period in Japan, making popular destinations quite crowded. Aim to make reservations ideally three to six months ahead for things like domestic flights, reserved train seats, hotels, sightseeing tours, and theme parks.

Hotels, trains, flights, and tours tend to fill up quickly. It’s wise to plan your trip at least two months in advance. Many accommodations will likely be fully booked during this week, so if you have a specific location in Japan in mind, make your reservations several months ahead.

2. Anticipate Crowds

Be ready for significant crowds at major tourist spots, train stations, and airports. Accessing transportation and attractions can be challenging during Golden Week due to the volume of travelers. Make sure to allow extra time for all activities.

3. Maintain Flexibility

If possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates and times to steer clear of peak rush hours. Consider alternatives like buses or rental cars if train tickets are unavailable. Some regional airports may also offer domestic flights that are less crowded.

4. Discover Local Attractions

If traveling isn't an option, think about exploring local sights and engaging in community events and festivals. Numerous festivals take place during Golden Week, such as the renowned Hakata Dontaku Festival.

Spring is a wonderful time to appreciate Japan’s natural scenery. For example, camping by Lake Motosu is a popular pastime. If you’re in Japan during cherry blossom season, don’t miss out on hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Golden Week provides a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and celebrations, but it necessitates thorough planning due to the influx of travelers.

For a smooth and enjoyable holiday in Japan, make sure to book your hotel and flight tickets through Mytour. You can also easily arrange a variety of exciting activities in different countries, including Japan. Start planning your 2025 adventure with Mytour and enjoy your trip!

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