Introduction
If you’re planning to visit Japan in late April or early May, you may notice that hotels are more expensive, trains are crowded, and popular tourist attractions are packed with people.
You might be wondering:
- What is Golden Week?
- Why is Japan so crowded?
- Is it a good time to visit Japan?
Golden Week is one of Japan’s biggest holiday seasons and one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Millions of Japanese people take vacations during this time, creating heavy traffic across the country.
If you’re planning to visit Japan during Golden Week, understanding what it is and how it affects travel will help you have a much smoother trip.
What Is Golden Week?
Golden Week is a collection of several national holidays that occur within a short period between late April and early May.
Because these holidays are close together, many companies allow employees to take several consecutive days off.
As a result, millions of people travel across Japan at the same time.
For many Japanese people, Golden Week is one of the few opportunities each year to take a long vacation with family or friends.
Unlike Obon, which is centered around returning to one’s hometown to honor ancestors, Golden Week is mainly a holiday for sightseeing, leisure, shopping, and domestic travel.
When Is Golden Week?
Golden Week is generally celebrated every year between:
Late April and Early May
Although the exact holiday dates vary slightly depending on the calendar, the holiday season usually lasts for about one week.
Because the timing changes slightly each year, it’s always a good idea to check the official holiday calendar before planning your trip.
Why Is Japan So Crowded During Golden Week?
Golden Week is one of the busiest travel periods in Japan because millions of people begin their vacations at almost the same time.
Families travel together.
Students enjoy school holidays.
Friends take trips around Japan.
Many people visit famous tourist destinations such as Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, and Okinawa.
As a result:
- Shinkansen trains often sell out.
- Domestic flights become fully booked.
- Expressways experience heavy traffic.
- Hotels fill up quickly.
- Famous tourist attractions become extremely crowded.
If you plan to travel between cities during Golden Week, booking transportation and accommodations well in advance is highly recommended.
Are Shops and Restaurants Closed?
Unlike New Year’s holidays, most shops remain open during Golden Week.
In fact, many businesses become even busier than usual because of the large number of travelers.
You can expect:
- Shopping malls to remain open.
- Convenience stores to operate normally.
- Restaurants in tourist areas to stay open.
- Theme parks and attractions to welcome large numbers of visitors.
However, some small family-owned businesses may choose to close for a few days.
Popular restaurants may also have long waiting times, especially during lunch and dinner hours.
Is Golden Week a Good Time to Visit Japan?
The answer depends on your travel style.
Advantages
- A lively atmosphere throughout the country.
- Numerous festivals and seasonal events.
- Beautiful spring weather in many regions.
- Longer business hours at many attractions.
- A chance to experience Japan during one of its biggest holiday seasons.
Disadvantages
- Hotels are significantly more expensive.
- Transportation is extremely crowded.
- Tourist attractions have long lines.
- Restaurant reservations become more difficult.
- Popular sightseeing spots can feel overcrowded.
If you enjoy energetic atmospheres and don’t mind sharing attractions with many other visitors, Golden Week can still be an exciting time to visit Japan.
My Personal Advice
From my personal experience, I don’t recommend traveling between major cities during Golden Week unless it’s absolutely necessary.
If possible, arrive at your destination before Golden Week begins and stay there until the holiday ends.
The biggest mistake many tourists make is trying to visit several cities within a few days.
During Golden Week, transportation is often the most stressful part of traveling. Shinkansen trains, airports, and highways become extremely crowded, and unexpected delays can make your trip much more tiring than expected.
If you plan your itinerary carefully and avoid unnecessary long-distance travel during the holiday, you’ll likely have a much more enjoyable experience.
In my personal opinion, Golden Week doesn’t feel as crowded as Obon when it comes to the movement of people across Japan.
One reason is that Golden Week is generally a longer holiday, so people don’t all travel on the exact same days. Another reason is that many Japanese people still have to work during Golden Week, depending on their job or company.
Because of this, I don’t think you need to adjust your travel plans as carefully as you would during Obon.
For example, people working in industries such as restaurants and hospitality often cannot take time off during Golden Week because it is one of their busiest seasons.
Instead, many of them receive their longer holidays during Obon or the New Year’s holiday, when businesses are more likely to close.
As a result, the number of people traveling during Obon is on an entirely different scale, making it far busier than Golden Week.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan during either Obon or the New Year’s holiday, it’s worth taking extra time to plan your itinerary carefully, as these are two of the busiest travel periods of the year.
A Hidden Advantage of Golden Week
Although Golden Week is famous for crowds, there is one advantage that many travelers don’t realize.
Because millions of Japanese people leave large cities to travel throughout the country, some business districts become quieter than usual.
For example, areas that are normally filled with office workers on weekdays may actually feel more relaxed during the holiday.
At the same time, many sightseeing destinations become lively with both Japanese travelers and international visitors, creating a festive atmosphere that can be enjoyable if you don’t mind the crowds.
If you enjoy experiencing local holidays and seeing how Japanese people spend their vacations, Golden Week can actually be a fascinating time to visit Japan.
Best Places to Visit During Golden Week
Golden Week doesn’t mean you should avoid traveling altogether.
Instead, choosing the right destination can make a big difference.
Large tourist cities such as Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka become extremely busy.
If you prefer a quieter trip, consider visiting smaller towns, rural areas, or less well-known regions of Japan.
National parks, countryside villages, and scenic coastal areas often provide a more relaxed experience than famous tourist hotspots.
Flexibility is one of the best ways to enjoy Japan during Golden Week.
Travel Tips
If you’re visiting Japan during Golden Week, these tips will help make your trip smoother:
- Reserve Shinkansen tickets as early as possible.
- Book hotels several months in advance if possible.
- Avoid traveling on the first and last days of Golden Week, when transportation is busiest.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning.
- Have a flexible itinerary in case of crowds or delays.
- Carry some cash, as smaller shops and festival stalls may not accept credit cards.
- Be patient and allow extra travel time.
With good planning, Golden Week can still be a wonderful time to explore Japan.
Final Thoughts
Golden Week is one of Japan’s most exciting holiday seasons.
While it brings crowded transportation and busy tourist attractions, it also offers visitors the opportunity to experience Japan at one of the liveliest times of the year.
The key to enjoying Golden Week is simple:
Plan ahead, book early, and avoid unnecessary travel during the holiday whenever possible.
If you do that, you’ll be able to enjoy Japan’s beautiful spring weather, vibrant atmosphere, and unique holiday culture without unnecessary stress.
Whether it’s your first trip to Japan or your fifth, Golden Week can become an unforgettable part of your journey.