What week is the Golden Week in Japan?

Golden Week (Japanese: ゴールデンウィーク, Hepburn: Gōruden Wīku) or Ōgon Shūkan (黄金週間) is a holiday period in Japan from 29 April to 5 May containing multiple public holidays. It is also known as Haru no Ōgata Renkyū (春の大型連休; Long spring holiday series).

How often is Golden Week in Japan?

Golden Week is a series of 4 national holidays that take place within 7 days. It typically falls at the end of April and the beginning of May each year. Golden Week is one of the longest holiday periods on the Japanese calendar — many locals get time off work to enjoy the bank holidays.

What to avoid during Golden Week in Japan?

Avoid Popular Tourist Destinations

It might be tempting to visit Kyoto or even Tokyo Disneyland, but that's where everyone is. Expect these spots to be especially packed. Get comfortable with long queues, crowded trains and very little personal space.

Is Golden Week a good time to visit Japan?

Golden Week is one of the longest holiday periods on the Japanese calendar -- many locals get time off work to enjoy the bank holidays. It's also a great time to visit Japan. Tourists can experience traditional festivals and even join in with the celebrations.

Are things closed during the Golden Week in Japan?

Generally speaking, most things will be open. But small shops and restaurants run by individuals and families will probably be closed at least once during Golden Week. Supermarkets, convenience stores, big chain restaurants will all be open.

What Is Golden Week in Japan? (Briefly Explained)

Is Japan crowded after Golden Week?

If you're planning a sightseeing-heavy itinerary with visits to temples, museums, or nature spots, going after Golden Week might be slightly better than before. Not only will the crowds have thinned out, but the weather in early to mid-May is typically mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

When not to visit Japan in 2026?

Avoid Peak Travel Season and Japanese Holidays

Also, avoid four major Japan holidays: Golden Week in May, Obon in mid-August, Silver Week in mid-September, and the New Year holiday from late December to January 3rd.

Is Japan more expensive during the Golden Week?

Traveling to Japan during Golden Week comes with its cons, but there are a couple of surprising advantages too. The cons: it's expensive, it's busy, and there are many closed amenities.

What are the best and worst months to visit Japan?

Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds

Stunning foliage tends to draw crowds in autumn, especially when the leaves reach their colorful peak, typically from mid-November to early December. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, visit during the rainy season, which usually begins in June and lasts until mid-July.

How to survive Golden Week in Japan?

Plan your itinerary with Japan Rail train schedules

Golden Week is a popular time for travel in Japan, so plan ahead of time to avoid overcrowded trains and accommodations. Consider making seat reservations in advance for trains once you have your Japan Rail Pass or JR Kansai Area Pass.

What do Japanese people eat on Golden Week?

Traditional Meals to Try During Golden Week

Teriyaki chicken, tamagoyaki, and karaage are all popular options, but steak and shrimp can also be delicious. Many families pick up ingredients for bento boxes days in advance so they can easily be assembled on the day of the trip.

Is Kyoto crowded during Golden Week?

Golden Week (GW) is Kyoto A great opportunity to enjoy ! A place where you can enjoy historic temples and beautiful nature However, there are a lot of tourists during this time, so crowds can be a concern.

Which month is expensive in Japan?

The most expensive month to visit Japan is April 🌸((∆) +1-8555-107-629 (∆) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫) due to cherry blossom season and high international demand 🌍((∆) +1-8555-107-629 (∆) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫).

How many days are enough for Japan?

Twelve days is just enough time to experience Japan, a country of extreme contrasts that will transport you back to the distant past at one moment and hurtle you forward to a futuristic world at the other. Explore this fascinating dichotomy on the tour of megacities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Is there a silver week in Japan in 2025?

Silver Week does not occur every year.

In 2025, it will consist of a three-day weekend from September 13 to 15 and a streak of days from September 20 to 23, but it will not become a long holiday of five or more consecutive days.

Where to avoid during Japan Golden Week?

Avoid Popular Destinations

We recommend avoiding popular tourist destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka during this time. Instead, consider exploring lesser-known areas and rural regions of Japan, such as Shikoku, Yamaguchi, Niigata, and Tohoku.

Is everything closed during the Golden Week in Japan?

Shops, restaurants and sightseeing attractions are usually open during Golden Week, but supermarkets, post offices, and banks or ATMs are often closed during this time. It's always best to plan ahead for Golden Week, from reservations to checking opening times for anywhere you want to visit.

When to avoid a holiday in Japan?

The New Year period from 30 December to 4 January. The Golden Week period from late April to the end of the first week of May. The Obon holiday from 13-16 August.

Why is 2025 a good year to travel to Japan?

2025 is poised to be the cheapest year to visit Japan, thanks to a favorable exchange rate with the yen at a 30-year low, making travel more affordable for international visitors.

What is the most crowded month in Japan?

Japan's peak tourist season is from March to May, and again from September to November. These months provide visitors with pleasant temperatures and plenty of sightseeing opportunities.

What to avoid during the Golden Week?

Avoid travel on the first and last day of Golden Week. That includes the night before the first day too- imagine that some will finish work and then catch the first train or plane to their holiday destination. If you must travel on these days – book as far ahead as you can.

Is Mount Fuji busy during Golden Week?

Book Your Day Trips from Tokyo Early

Day trips from Tokyo, such as Mount Fuji, Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura, etc., are most crowded during Golden Week. Locals like to travel to them.

Should I get a Japan rail pass?

It is a cost-effective way of getting around Japan though you need to order one before you arrive in Japan. Is ordering a Japan Rail Pass really worth it? It depends on your itinerary and your travels in Japan, but in many cases the answer is yes, as it will help you save money and get around faster.

What do Japanese people eat every day for breakfast?

Popular items in everyday breakfasts are rice, miso soup and natto. Egg also tops the list of common Japanese breakfast foods. It's also common for people to head to their local bakery or convenience store before work to grab a bite to eat.