Golden Week in Japan is a time of celebration and national holidays. However, it’s also a time when throngs of Japanese tourists descend upon popular destinations. While it might seem like a golden opportunity for a vacation, be prepared for packed trains, sky-high hotel prices, and crowds at every turn.
If you’re a resident of Japan, it might be your chance to escape the city and explore the country. But if you have the flexibility to travel outside Golden Week, we strongly recommend it.
Understanding Golden Week
Golden Week is a collection of four national holidays that fall in late April and early May. The pleasant weather during this period makes it even more desirable for travel. The holidays include Shōwa Day on April 29, commemorating the birthday of Emperor Shōwa. Depending on the year, additional holidays can occur if a regular day falls between two holidays. In 2019, Japan experienced a record-breaking 10-day Golden Week. However, in 2023, we’ll see a shorter Golden Week, with just three weekday public holidays.
The Crowd Phenomenon
Golden Week is a popular vacation time for Japanese employees, who utilize the holidays, weekends, and paid leave to enjoy extended vacations. It creates a mass exodus with everyone traveling at the same time, causing surging prices for accommodations, transportation, and everything else.
Traveling During Golden Week: Tips for Survival
If you’re determined to travel during Golden Week, consider these tips to minimize stress:
- Book early: Reserve your accommodation and transportation as far in advance as possible.
- Explore the lesser-known: Steer clear of popular tourist hubs like Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, and Okinawa. Venture into less crowded areas or even try a camping trip.
- Venture overseas: If you’re already considering a flight, why not explore destinations outside Japan? You can enjoy sightseeing without battling the crowds.
- Join a tour: Consider joining a tour group to take the stress out of securing tickets and logistics.
Alternatives to Golden Week Travel
For a more relaxed Golden Week, stay in Tokyo! While major attractions will be crowded, exploring local neighborhoods and experiencing Tokyo’s unique offerings will be a more enjoyable experience.
Consider exploring Shitamachi districts like Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi, offering a glimpse into Tokyo’s traditional charm. Discover suburban neighborhoods like Nakano, Asagaya, and Kichijōji, or immerse yourself in the hipster vibes of Daikanyama, Jiyūgaoka, and Shimokitazawa.
Golden Week: A Time for Cultural Experiences
Golden Week is a great opportunity to discover Japanese culture with various events and festivals happening around the city. Enjoy the spring blossoms at flower festivals or immerse yourself in traditional activities.
Alternatives to Tokyo: Exploring Beyond the Metropolis
If you’re seeking a quieter getaway outside Tokyo, consider less popular destinations. While some crowds are inevitable, these destinations offer a more relaxed experience compared to Kyoto or Osaka.
For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking trails around Tokyo offer beautiful scenery and a chance to escape the city.
Traveling from Overseas During Golden Week
If you’re traveling to Japan from overseas, we advise avoiding Golden Week if at all possible. The inflated prices, massive crowds, and overwhelming popularity can make your trip less enjoyable. Traveling a week before or after Golden Week can drastically improve your travel experience.
The Impact of Golden Week on Tokyo
While many Japanese residents travel outside Tokyo during Golden Week, some popular attractions like Tokyo Disney will still be packed. Prices for flights, buses, and hotels significantly increase during this period. Train and Shinkansen tickets also rise by a fixed amount.
Closure and Operational Hours
Most shops and attractions in popular areas remain open during Golden Week. However, businesses in rural areas or less touristy places may have extended closures.
Public institutions such as post offices, city offices, and banks will be closed for the holidays, as will most companies.
