Japan Golden Week 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before you Go

Golden Week in Japan, a long holiday consisting of several consecutive public holidays, annually celebrated from late April to early May. Usually, Japanese people enjoy a 7-day public holiday from April 29th to May 5th, which is known as Golden Week or Ogon Shukan (Ōgon Shūkan, 黄金週間). There are many celebrations and events held around the country, from the bustling capital of Tokyo to the history-rich Kyoto. It is also a peak time for Japanese domestic tourism.

With millions of people expected to travel around the country, popular destinations like Kyoto, Okinawa, and Hokkaido become crowded. Shinkansen trains, domestic flights, and hotels are fully booked, and prices are rising. So is Golden Week a good time to visit Japan? In this post, we not only introduced the Japan Golden Week event, but also provided tips for traveling to Japan during this period, including the best places to visit.

What Is Golden Week in Japan?

The Meaning Behind Golden Week and Why It is So Named

In 1948, Japan revised the "Holiday Law", grouping four traditional festivals together from the end of April to the beginning of May, creating a consecutive holiday period. Due to the dense schedule of holidays and the vigorous tourism consumption, it was named "Golden Week". This name initially originated from the film industry in the 1950s, describing this period as a "golden revenue period" due to the high box office and travel boom. Later, this term was widely used in Japanese society.

If holidays overlap or are adjacent to weekends, Japanese law allows for make-up leave, resulting in a 7 to 10-day extremely long holiday.

The Four Japanese National Holidays

Showa Day (昭和の日): April 29th. It commemorates the birthday of Emperor Showa and is also a time to reflect on the Showa era and consider Japan's development and peace.

Constitution Memorial Day / Kenpō Kinenbi (宪法纪念日): May 3rd. It is to commemorate the entry into force of the 1947 Constitution of Japan, emphasizing peace, democracy, and human rights.

Greenery Day (みどりの日): May 4. This day is dedicated to expressing gratitude for nature's bounty and promoting environmental protection and a closer connection with nature. Interestingly, this day was once known as Showa Day.

Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日): May 5th. It is Japan's Children's Day, celebrating the healthy growth of children, by hanging carp streamers. People particularly pray for the well-being of boys on this day.

Golden Week Japan 2025 Dates & Calendar

Japan's Golden Week in 2025 will be from April 29 to May 6.

2025 Golden Week Schedule

How Long Does Golden Week Last in 2025?

Although the four holidays combined only amount to five days off, when statutory holidays and weekends are included, Japan's Golden Week in 2025 will span a total of 11 days, from April 26 (Saturday) to May 6 (Tuesday).

Comparison with 2024 & 2026

In 2024, there was a super golden week, with 10 consecutive days off from April 27 (Saturday) to May 6 (Monday).

The consecutive holidays in 2026 are relatively short. From May 2 (Saturday) to May 6 (Wednesday), a maximum of five days off can be arranged.

Is It Good to Visit Japan During Golden Week

Pros: Festivals & Special Events Experiences

Traveling to Japan during Golden Week allows you to experience traditional festivals, folk performances, and seasonal events in various regions, such as Koinobori, shrine festivals, and late spring flower viewing events.

Some cities also hold fireworks displays, open-air performances, and special light shows. In addition, children will be delighted by special Golden Week events and extended opening hours at Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

Therefore, this is the perfect time to experience Japan's unique festival and culture in the temples, shrines, and shopping malls.

Cons: Crowds & High Prices to be Expected

For international travelers, there are many reasons that you should avoid traveling to Japan during the Golden Week. First of all, the Shinkansen, airports, and tourist attractions are extremely crowded. Hotel prices rise significantly, and you need to book months in advance. Popular destinations such as Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hakone may have long lines at restaurants. Therefore, your overall travel experience may be significantly diminished.

Alternatives for Fewer Tourists

If you want to avoid the crowds, travel to Japan in late April, the week before Golden Week, or mid-May after it ends. Alternatively, visit less popular destinations such as Shikoku, the Tohoku region (e.g., Aomori and Yamagata), or the remote islands of Okinawa.

Events and Celebrations During Golden Week in Japan

Traditional and Modern Festivities

Children's Day Koinobori: May 5 is Children's Day, and colorful koinobori are hung in homes, parks, riverbanks, schools, and other places throughout Japan.

Traditional parades, festivals, and markets: Famous temples like Senso-ji Temple hold festival blessings and celebrations, while street markets sell handicrafts, local snacks, and souvenirs, creating a lively atmosphere. In some areas, you can also see traditional dances and taiko drum performances.

Modern Golden Week celebrations: Shopping festivals, music festivals, anime conventions, outdoor art exhibitions, food festivals, and department store Golden Week limited-time promotions all come together.

Local Events by Region

In Tokyo: Parents and kids will find zoos and art museums offer family-friendly activities, while Ueno Park displays koinobori (carp streamers) and hosts nature observation and art craft activities. Sensoji Temple holds a traditional temple festival featuring geisha parades, kite exhibitions, and traditional dances for you to experience interesting traditions.

In Kyoto: The main Aoi Matsuri festival is scheduled to take place on May 15. So during the Golden Week period — the preparation phase of the festival — you can witness fantastic parade rehearsals, kimono processions, and equestrian performance previews.

In Osaka: The highlight of the Golden Week is the Dotonbori Food Festival, featuring unique street food activities such as takoyaki (octopus balls), kushikatsu (fried skewers), and matcha desserts.

In Hiroshima: Don't miss the Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine Tide Festival, as well as a riverside market themed around oysters and grilled clams.

In Fukuoka: Experience the nighttime festivals in the Nakasu and Tenjin areas, as well as the unique markets at the Canal City Hakata.

Best Places to Visit in Japan during Golden Week

Top Cities

If you don't mind the crowds, you can visit Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka to explore the classic attractions and experience the festive atmosphere.

In Kyoto, participate in the Aoi Matsuri pre-parade. Walk through the ancient streets in traditional kimonos, visit serene ancient temples such as Heian Shrine and Kaminarimon Temple. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit Fushimi Inari Taisha or Nanzenji in the early morning.

In Tokyo, where modernity collides with tradition, visit Ueno Park to admire the late cherry blossoms and attend outdoor food festivals. At Sensoji Temple, visit the limited-time night market and watch traditional performances. Additionally, Shibuya/Shinjuku offers shopping season discounts and themed café activities.

In Osaka, during Japan Golden Week, there will be many street food festivals, outdoor performances, family-friendly markets, and more.

Cultural Destinations Worth the Wait

Nara is one of Japan's earliest capitals and still boasts a wealth of shrines and temples from the Nara period, such as Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. In this place where humans and nature coexist in harmony, Nara Park is lush and green during Golden Week, with deer roaming freely.

Kanazawa, often referred to as “Little Kyoto,” is home to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. More to expect, Kanazawa boasts well-preserved samurai districts, tea house streets, and traditional craft studios, where visitors can experience traditional gold leaf making and Kaga Yuzen dyeing.

Izumo Taisha Shrine in Izumo is one of Japan's oldest shrines, renowned for its association with marriage and Shinto beliefs.

Takayama, located in Gifu Prefecture, preserves Edo-period streets and wooden architecture. During Japan's Golden Week, the beautiful Takayama Festival is a must-see, featuring a parade of floats.

Nature Escapes (Avoid the Crowds)

Kamikochi, located in Nagano Prefecture, is a hidden gem known as the Japanese Alps. During Japan's Golden Week, which coincides with the fresh green season, the river valleys, snow-capped mountains, and pristine forests create a series of dreamlike scenes. It is ideal for visitors who enjoy hiking, mountain climbing, and photography to breathe in the fresh air.

Yakushima Island, home to the thousand-year-old Yakusugi cedar forest, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and is perfect for hiking.

In the eastern part of Hokkaido, such places as Zento, Akan Lake, and Kurashiri Lake are less crowded and very beautiful during the Golden Week in Japan. You can quietly observe wild animals and take in the views of the primitive forests and glacial landforms.

Essential Japan Golden Week Travel Tips

Booking Flights & Trains Early

As we know, the Golden Week in Japan is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. So book international flights to Japan and domestic flights 2–4 months in advance. It is also recommended to book Shinkansen tickets and reserve designated seats 1–2 months before your trip via the JR East official website or app.

Avoiding Peak Travel Days

Avoid moving on April 27–28 (the start of Golden Week) and on May 5–6 (the end of Golden Week). If possible, consider traveling a week before or after Golden Week, i.e., before April 24 or after May 7.

Clothing Advice

During Golden Week, Japan is in the transitional season between spring and summer. The temperature changes greatly, so it is necessary to prepare transitional clothing such as light jackets, hats, and rain gear.

Accommodation strategy

During the Golden Week holiday, the accommodation prices in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka are very high. However, if you choose less popular areas such as Kinosuke-machi in Tokyo or Kinoji in Osaka, the prices will be relatively lower. If the rooms are fully booked and you are willing to accept it, you can try capsule hotels or internet cafes.

Travel Like a Local

Trains before 7 AM or after 8 PM have fewer passengers, making travel to popular tourist spots or commercial areas more comfortable. Don’t miss out on Golden Week-specific cuisine and street snacks such as festival-limited bento boxes, Japanese sweets, skewered grilled items, and taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries).

Our Japan Tour during Golden Week

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