If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you definitely need to know about Golden Week Japan, as one of the busiest and most festive national holiday periods in the Land of the Rising Sun. In this article, we’ll cover everything from the definition of Golden Week, unique facts about Golden Week in Japan, fun activities you can do, tips for traveling to Japan during Golden Week, to information about other national holidays in Japan. So, how can you plan your trip during Golden Week in Japan? Let’s check out the full information here!

Golden Week Japan Meaning

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Before we dive into the preparation, you should know about what Golden Week Japan meaning. Golden Week is a series of national holidays in Japan that takes place from late April to early May. This period is one of the longest holiday seasons for the Japanese people, alongside the New Year and Obon holidays.

Because several national holidays fall close together, many Japanese residents take additional leave to enjoy an extended vacation with family or friends. Below is the list of national holidays included in Golden Week Japan 2025:

• April 29 (Tuesday): Showa Day.
• May 3 (Saturday): Constitution Memorial Day.
• May 4 (Sunday): Greenery Day.
• May 5 (Monday): Children’s Day.
• May 6 (Tuesday): Substitute Holiday.

How to Plan Your Trip During Golden Week Japan

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Now that you understand what Golden Week is, let’s move on to some travel tips for this holiday period. First, it’s important to remember that Golden Week is a national holiday, which means that everyone living in Japan, both locals and tourists will be experiencing it at the same time. 

In other words, almost everyone will be traveling during this period, so the places you visit are likely to be extremely crowded. This also means that airfare and hotel prices will be higher than usual.

There are several things to consider about how to plan your trip during golden week in Japan: 

1. Plan Well in Advance

Golden Week is the peak holiday season in Japan, so make sure you book transportation and accommodation well ahead of time. Ideally, make reservations at least 2–6 months in advance. Don’t forget to book train tickets, domestic flights, and tours early as well, since availability fills up quickly.

2. Be Prepared for Crowds

Don’t be surprised if tourist attractions, train stations, and airports are packed. Many people travel during Golden Week, so be sure to allow extra time for your journeys. Expect heavy crowds and prepare yourself for long lines!

3. Stay Flexible

If possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates and times. If train tickets are sold out, consider taking buses or renting a car. Some regional airports also offer less crowded domestic flights, which can be a good alternative.

4. Know Your Tourist Destinations

Popular tourist destinations are usually extremely crowded during this time. In other words, places that are commonly visited such as Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort, temples, and various amusement parks will be packed with visitors. In addition, family-friendly destinations like parks, camping areas, aquariums, and similar attractions are also expected to be very busy. If the place you plan to visit offers reservations, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation as early as possible.

5. Book Hotel Earlier

As for hotel prices, due to high demand, rates will also increase. In fact, Golden Week is one of the periods when many hotels charge their highest prices. This can be somewhat avoided by making reservations several months in advance, but even then, prices will still be higher than usual.

6. Choose Your Public Transportation Wisely

Just like hotel prices, the cost of public transportation will also be significantly higher during Golden Week. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you book tickets several months in advance. Another option is to avoid traveling on the first and last days of Golden Week. Shinkansen trains and long-distance buses are among the transportation options that are likely to be very difficult to secure tickets for during Golden Week. 

The same applies to flights, which will become extremely expensive. In addition, traffic at the beginning and end of Golden Week is usually very congested, making traveling by car less than ideal. If you do plan to drive, make sure to depart and return before Golden Week ends.

Things to Do During Golden Week Japan

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Golden Week is a holiday period commonly used by locals to spend time with family and friends, and there are plenty of exciting events held across Japan. In Tokyo, food festivals such as the “Craft Gyoza Fes” at Komazawa Olympic Park and “Niku Fes” in Odaiba are among the most popular events during Golden Week. If you love flowers, you can also visit the Showa Memorial Park Flower Festival to enjoy a beautiful variety of blooms.

In the Kansai region, the most popular attractions are Universal Studios Japan and Kaiyukan Aquarium. However, during Golden Week, many people prefer spending time in parks or going camping. For example, Osaka Castle Park in Osaka, Nokamifureai Park in Wakayama, and Lake Biwa in Shiga become especially crowded during this period.

Beyond these two major regions, various events are held throughout Japan, offering a great opportunity to travel around the country. For instance, if you visit Fukuoka, you can take part in the Hakata Dontaku Festival, or if you go to Okinawa, you can enjoy the Naha Hari Festival. Every region in Japan has its own unique festivals during Golden Week, so wherever you go, you’re guaranteed an enjoyable holiday experience.

If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy crowds, you’ll need to be a bit creative when choosing a destination during Golden Week. Instead of visiting big cities or popular events, you can opt for underrated towns that are less frequently visited by tourists. Even so, you may still find smaller local events taking place in those areas.

What to Avoid during Golden Week Japan

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When traveling to Japan during Golden Week, being aware of what to avoid can help you save time, money, and stress. Here are some things you should try to avoid during this busy holiday season:

1. Traveling Without Reservations

Avoid traveling without pre-booked tickets or accommodation. Trains, flights, hotels, and even popular attractions often sell out quickly during Golden Week.

2. Visiting Major Tourist Attractions at Peak Hours

Popular spots like theme parks, famous temples, and major landmarks are extremely crowded, especially during midday. If you do visit, go early in the morning or later in the evening.

3. Last-Minute Travel Planning

Avoid planning your itinerary at the last minute. Prices rise sharply, and availability becomes very limited. Planning ahead is essential during Golden Week.

4. Underestimating Travel Time

Don’t assume normal travel times apply. Traffic jams, long queues, and crowded stations are common, especially at the beginning and end of Golden Week.

5. Driving Long Distances During Peak Days

Highways are often heavily congested, making road trips time-consuming and stressful. Public transportation is usually a better option unless you travel outside peak days.

6. Ignoring Alternative Destinations

Avoid focusing only on major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. Consider visiting lesser-known destinations to enjoy a more relaxed experience.

7. Overpacking Your Schedule

Trying to do too much in one day can be exhausting during Golden Week due to crowds and delays. Keep your schedule flexible and realistic.