Japan's Golden Week refers to the period from late April to early May when there are several public holidays clustered together. This period usually lasts for 1 week, during which time most Japanese people take a vacation and travel around. Therefore, Golden Week is one of the busiest times to travel in Japan. Transportation is busy, Shinkansen seats sell out quickly, and attractions are crowded.
However, this does not mean that you could not have a successful trip to Japan during this period. If you plan to travel during this time, all you need to do is plan carefully.
When Is Japan's Golden Week in 2025?
Japanese Golden Week 2025 is from Tuesday, April 29th to Monday, May 5th, lasting for a full week. During this time, four national holidays are observed:
- April 29: Showa Day
- May 3: Constitutional Memorial Day
- May 4: Greenery Day
- May 5: Children's Day
This is expected to be a very busy travel time in Japan, based on our experiences from the last few years, when most Japanese people will be out traveling. If you plan to travel to Japan during this time, read on for our tips for planning a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Is Golden Week a Good Time to Visit Japan?
For this question, we cannot simply give you a 'yes' or 'no' answer. It all depends on your preferences and planning.
If you prefer sunny weather and vibrant activities and can carefully plan your trip, Golden Week is a great time to explore Japan. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, and the typhoon season has yet to arrive.
Many cultural events take place at temples, shrines, and in the streets, such as the rituals held at Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji in Tokyo, horse racing festivals in Kyoto, and the Hakata Dontaku Festival (May 3rd–4th) in Fukuoka. These festivals feature colorful parades, traditional costumes, and dances.
You may also see Japan's last cherry blossoms of the year in Hirosaki (Aomori Prefecture) and Hokkaido.
On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter trip and dislike crowded spaces, or if you're unable to set a fixed itinerary or make bookings 3–6 months in advance, Golden Week might not be the ideal time for your travels.
In our opinion, if Golden Week (April 29th to May 5th) is your only time to visit Japan, don't hesitate — just go for it! With smart planning and some handy tips, you would have a great Japan trip. Plan a Japan trip now!
Where to Go during Japan's Golden Week?
For your first trip to Japan, we recommend exploring Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. If your travel time exceeds 7 days, you could also consider Hiroshima and Nara. These are the most popular Japanese tourist cities, giving you a great introduction to Japan. Moreover, Tokyo and Osaka are less crowded as most of their residents travel elsewhere.
If it is not your first trip and you like city life and all things modern, you may focus on traveling in Tokyo. The city is relatively less crowded, so you could enjoy a great time exploring its shopping streets, arts, museums, and anime.
Tokyo
Tokyo is less crowded during Golden Week, as most of its local residents travel away, the amusement parks, including Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Fuji-Q Highland, as well as attractions like Shibuya Sky and Tokyo Skytree, are more crowded with visitors from outside Tokyo.
Do not miss the iconic shrines — Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji. There are usually cultural activities, including traditional dances, rituals, and parades, at the temples during Golden Week. These two shrines are also must-visits for first-time travelers to Tokyo because of their profound history.
We suggest spending 2–3 days exploring Tokyo's temples, shopping streets, and parks.
Kyoto
It is true that Kyoto is very crowded during Golden Week as it is a very popular tourist city in Japan. The reason why we still recommend Kyoto is its unique old charm and lively festivals.
In Kyoto, you could marvel at history-preserving shrines, delve into its unique geisha culture, and experience a night at a top traditional Japanese ryokan (inn).
During Golden Week, Kyoto is filled with a vibrant cultural atmosphere. You could enjoy the performance of geikos and maikos (Kyoto geishas) at Kamogawa Odori and admire the horseback archery displays at Shimogamo-jinja.
If you plan to visit Kyoto during the Japanese Golden Week, it is essential to well plan your trip. Need help to create an itinerary including Kyoto?
Osaka
Osaka is renowned as being the paradise for Japanese cuisine. It is much easier to travel around Osaka during Golden Week. Universal Studios Japan may become very crowded and Dotonbori could be full of visitors, but other sites may not be as packed.
Nara
In Nara, you could get close to the cute deer. Although Nara is a famous tourist place in Japan and many travelers visit it during Golden Week, you may not feel it is very crowded because it is a huge open park area.
You could also visit Japan's other regions during Golden Week. Consult us for suggestions or with your trip ideas.
Tips for a Successful Trip During Golden Week
Be warned of the huge crowds during Golden Week, but you should find things are not so bad by following the tips below and careful planning in advance.
Book in Advance
This is very important. As you may already know, travel demands are huge during Golden Week. Therefore, you need to fix your itinerary early and book your hotels, tickets for amusement parks, restaurants, and tours 3 to 6 months in advance.
Book your Shinkansen reserved seats as soon as you are in Japan (tickets are only available up to 2–3 months in advance and refunds may not be possible). Reservations can be changed easily.
It Is Best for a Family with Kids to Avoid Golden Week
If you are traveling with small kids, it is better to avoid this period as kids' attractions, such as the amusement parks at Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, Universal Studios Japan, etc., are extremely crowded. You may need to queue for 1 or 2 hours to enter the parks.
Book Your Day Trips from Tokyo Early
Tokyo day trip destinations, such as Mount Fuji, Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura, etc., are most crowded during Golden Week. Locals like to travel to them. If your travel itinerary includes these places (Mount Fuji and Nara are especially recommended for a first Japan trip), you may need to make the trips early in the day and let an expert local travel company (like ourselves) arrange the trip for you. We know how to arrange a trip that avoids the huge crowds.
Keep a More Flexible Schedule
Allow more time while traveling, whether at attractions or on trains, buses, or taxis. Railway stations, roads, and attractions become packed with travelers and usually need more time to navigate.
Don't pack too many activities into a day. Need help with a suitable itinerary? Contact us: we're ready to assist!
Check the Timetable for Differing Train Times
Most local services run on the 'Sunday and public holiday' schedule on official national holiday days.
FAQs on Planning a Golden Week Trip
Is everything closed during Golden Week?
Most shops, attractions, museums, and restaurants open during Golden Week, but public transportation may operate on a holiday schedule.
Is Kyoto crowded during Golden Week?
Yes, Kyoto tends to be crowded during Golden Week due to its popularity with tourists and locals alike. If you plan to visit Kyoto and its popular attractions, such as Kiyomizu-dera, try to plan your visit during weekdays, early mornings, or right before closing time to avoid the busiest periods.
Does Golden Week take place at the same time every year?
In most years, Golden Week takes place during the same period, from April 29th to May 5th. However, there are years when the dates may vary slightly if a public holiday falls on a weekend, resulting in additional days off.
Need Help Planning Your Trip to Japan?
Still feeling overwhelmed or confused about planning your trip to Japan? Don't worry! We're here to assist you with tips, suggestions, and creating your itinerary. Contact us for help!
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