Golden Week in Japan is the biggest holiday season, during which people take a break from their hard-working lives to travel, enjoy festivals, or simply relax.

In this article, you’ll find out all about Japan’s biggest holiday season, Golden Week, along with plenty of essential travel tips.

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What is Golden Week?

Golden Week in Japan is a series of holidays that takes place from April 29 to early May. The term “Golden Week” was coined by the film industry in the 1950s when people started spending their free time watching movies.

The holidays include:

1. Showa Day (April 29) honors Emperor Hirohito’s birthday. It focuses on Japan’s history during the Showa era.
2. Constitution Memorial Day (May 3) marks the start of Japan’s post-war constitution in 1947, celebrating democracy and freedom.
3. Greenery Day (May 4) is a day to enjoy nature and think about the environment.
4. Children’s Day (May 5) celebrates children’s health and happiness, symbolized by carp streamers representing strength.

Golden Week’s purpose was to give workers time to rest and travel, and to help Japan’s economy grow. Today, it remains one of Japan’s busiest holiday periods as families visit relatives, enjoy events, or take vacations both within Japan and abroad.

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The History of Golden Week

Golden Week started back in 1948, after World War II. The government created this series of new holidays to give the Japanese some time off. This was after World War II when the film industry was booming. Many took breaks from work and headed to the movies. Later, in 1951, Daiei Films, a film executive, noticed movie ticket sales shot up during this time, and thought, “Why not call it Golden Week?” because of its “golden” business impact.

Over time, it turned into a major holiday season in Japan. Japanese people got used to traveling during this time of year along with many cultural events happening.

How Golden Week is Celebrated in Japan and Beyond

Golden Week is an exciting time of year in Japan from late April to early May. It includes four holidays: Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day. During this week, many take a break from work and school, relax, and travel. Many families get together, go on a trip, or simply unwind. Travel to cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka within Japan skyrockets.

There are festivals and events everywhere, including shrines and temples, outdoor activities, and parades. Some of the most important festivals are the Hakata Dontaku Festival, featuring colorful parades, and the Hamamatsu Kite Festival with its incredible kite battles.

Golden Week is a nationwide holiday in Japan, but outside Japan, not so much. In places where Japanese people live, such as the U.S. and Brazil, you might find similar events. These may include food fairs, cultural festivals, performances, and even businesses offering special deals related to Japan.

Even if it’s not a worldwide holiday, people still celebrate it in their own way. Communities bring a piece of Golden Week to their areas, even if it’s not a well-known celebration. Local gatherings focus on food and Japanese customs and traditions. Tourism gets a boost during Golden Week as people visit relatives and travel destinations.

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How Golden Week is Celebrated Outside Japan

While the Golden Week holiday might not be universal, it definitely makes an impact in places where Japanese culture thrives. It is a time when people celebrate Japanese culture all around the world.

In Asian countries, Golden Week is a relevant celebration. In China, they celebrate their own Golden Week, which is a week off for National Day with celebrations, parades, fireworks, and travels to busy tourist spots.

South Korea has Chuseok, where families gather to eat and remember their ancestors. In Taiwan, National Day brings concerts and fireworks. Hong Kong celebrates too, with festivals and shopping. And then in Thailand, Golden Week is not exactly the same, but Songkran is in April. Water fights and visiting temples mark the Thai New Year.

In the United States, you’ll find Japanese communities having festivals with lots of food, art, and music. In Canada, Vancouver hosts cherry blossom events, filled with dance and delicious Japanese treats. Australia loves its Japanese gardens, where you can see tea ceremonies and martial arts.

Meanwhile, in the UK, London offers cultural gatherings with films and workshops. Singapore also celebrates it, highlighting food and performances. Brazil, in South America, celebrates Tanabata festivals.

Essential Tips for Enjoying Golden Week 2024

Golden Week is Japan’s busiest vacation period. Therefore, here are some essential tips to get ready for this holiday season, be it in Japan or any other place.

• Plan Your Golden Week Travel Early: Holiday Dates: Golden Week extends over several days, starting with Showa Day on April 29, until Children’s Day on May 5.
• Beat the Crowds with Early Reservations: Major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka will be very crowded. Accommodations disappear fast; so book your stay way ahead, maybe even months in advance, to avoid scrambling for a place.
• Secure Your International Flights ASAP: With travel returning, many will be arriving in places like South Korea or Europe. Flights could sell out quickly, so book those early. Expect higher prices too!
• Avoid Long Waits at Popular Attractions: Popular spots in Kyoto and Tokyo will see tons of visitors. You’ll want to factor in long waits at places like Tokyo Skytree or Universal Studios Japan. Consider getting skip-the-line tickets early to dodge those long lines.
• Choose Eco-Friendly Travel Options: More travelers are looking for greener options, visiting less-known spots, and staying at eco-conscious hotels. Think rural areas for a slower pace and a taste of local culture.
• Optimize Your Travel Times: Traveling during Golden Week is a challenge, especially at the start and end of the week. If you can, go mid-week when things calm down a bit. Check traffic updates too, they can save you a lot of time and frustration.
• Attend Local Celebrations Instead: Golden Week means many matsuri (festivals). Check out the Hamamatsu Festival or Hakata Dontaku in Fukuoka. Smaller festivals can be more enjoyable and give you a taste of local culture without the herd of tourists.
• Budget Smart for Peak Season: Prices go up during this peak season, for stays, transport, and even meals. Adjust your budget, but think about cheaper options like ryokan, hostels, or Minpaku.
• Download Useful Apps: Apps like HyperDia and Google Maps can help you figure out train schedules easily. Japan Travel by Navitime is handy for detailed info and offline maps. Gurunavi can point you to places to eat, which is vital during busy times.
• Go to Off-Peak Activities: Going to major sights early or late can be a smart move to avoid crowds. Many temples open early, and parks like Shinjuku Gyoen or the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto can be relaxing spots, especially during quieter hours.

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