Planning a trip to Japan during Golden Week?
Welcome to Japan during one of the most exciting times of the year: Golden Week! The week-long holiday that runs from late April to early May marks a period when Japan springs to life with festivities. For first-time visitors, this period can be both thrilling and daunting. So, this guide aims to equip you with tips and advice on what to anticipate and how to fully savor your Japan Golden Week escapade.
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Prepare for Golden Week in Japan:
Popular activities to try out:
Other experiences you might enjoy:
What is Golden Week?
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Japan Golden Week is a significant week-long holiday in Japan, comprising four national holidays - Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day. These holidays fall between April 29 and May 5 every year, and it's customary for people to take a break from their work and studies to partake in the celebrations and travel around the country.
What to expect during Golden Week in Japan?
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Firstly, be prepared for large crowds! Japan Golden Week holiday is one of the busiest periods of the year, with many people using the break to travel and unwind. This means that popular tourist spots, public transportation, and even restaurants can be crowded. But don't let this dampen the mood; the lively atmosphere and energy of the celebrations more than make up for it.
Second, plan ahead of time for your lodging and transportation. Because Japan Golden Week is such a popular season to travel, many hotels get easily booked. The same is true for transportation: trains and buses might be crowded during this time, so book your tickets ahead of time.
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Third, create a cohesive itinerary. With so many festivals, parades, and events taking place around the country during Japan Golden Week, deciding where to go and what to see may have its challenges. Take the time to plan and organize your schedule ahead of time to ensure you don't miss out on any must-see attractions or activities.
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Ultimately, get into the Japan Golden Week holiday spirit by immersing yourself in the culture. There's so much to do during this time, whether you're attending a traditional ceremony, admiring the gorgeous cherry blossoms, or indulging in local cuisine. So, take advantage of this opportunity to explore and learn everything that this remarkable festival has to offer.
What should you pack in preparation for Japan Golden Week?
Apart from the travel requirements like your passport and visa, don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes. Since many of the celebrations take place outdoors, you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Also, bring a backpack to store your refillable water bottles, sunscreen, and a hat. It could get hot during the day, and you don’t want to get burnt or dehydrated. Finally, carry cash because certain vendors may not accept credit cards.
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In general, you’ll want to travel light since you’ll be on the move a lot and wouldn’t want to be weighed down by heavy luggage. So when it comes to packing clothing items for Japan Golden Week, you’ll want to bring a few changes of clothing that you can mix and match. Avoid wearing revealing or provocative clothing as a way of showing respect for their culture.
What are the top activities during Japan Golden Week holiday?
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There are plenty of things to do in Japan, but the best way to experience Golden Week is to get out and explore. Here are some of the most popular activities:
- Visit shrines and temples – Many of Japan’s most famous shrines and temples hold special events and ceremonies so this would be a great opportunity to witness traditional Japanese culture in action.
- Admire the cherry blossoms – While Japan's famous cherry blossoms will be past their full bloom stage during Golden Week, you may still get a chance to spot some in Hokkaido! Take a stroll through one of the region's many parks or gardens and enjoy the stunning scenery!
- Attend a matsuri – Various traditional festivities, or matsuri, are celebrated throughout Japan Golden Week. The Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo, for example, offers colorful parades, traditional music and dance performers, and food vendors serving local delicacies.
- Explore an amusement park – For those looking for a more lighthearted activity during the Japan Golden Week holiday, you can spend the day at amusement parks like Tokyo Disneyland.
- Relax at an Onsen – Japan Golden Week can also be a hectic time, and sometimes the best thing to do is to simply relax and unwind at an Onsen or hot spring resort.
Must-Visit Places by Prefecture
Tokyo
Shibuya Sky Observatory: See how Tokyo is celebrating Japan Golden Week with 360-degree panoramic views from high above!
See the Tokyo cityscape from high above Shibuya Sky. Photo Credit: @misselvani on Instagram
Tokyo Disney Resort: Experience the magic of these world-famous theme parks with Japan Golden Week shows and parades.
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Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Visit this iconic Zen temple, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.
Get dazzled by the *literal* glittering charm of the Kinkaku-ji Temple! Image credits @elenoosh on Unsplash
Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates for a truly mesmerizing experience.
Photo Credit: Hide_Studio on Adobe Stock
Osaka
Osaka Castle – Marvel at this historical landmark’s stunning Japan Golden Week illuminations.
Universal Studios Japan – Celebrate Japan Golden Week with thrilling rides, special shows, and themed food experiences.
Hokkaido
Cherry Blossom Viewing at Goryokaku Park – Celebrate Japan Golden Week by witnessing lovely cherry blossoms in full bloom!
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Asahiyama Zoo – Experience Hokkaido’s incredible wildlife up close while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Japan Golden Week.
Photo Credit: hans-johnson on Flickr (Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0))
To sum it all up, Japan Golden Week is a fantastic time to explore Japan and experience its rich culture and traditions. From visiting shrines and temples to attending a matsuri, there is something for everyone during this exciting time. Just remember to pack light, wear comfortable clothing, and be prepared for crowds. And most importantly, have fun!
