Traveling in Japan during Golden Week

What is Golden Week?

Golden Week is a cluster of national holidays in Japan that occur in late April and early May. It includes Showa Day on April 29, which is the birthday of Emperor Showa, who ruled Japan during World War II. On May 3, Constitution Day is celebrated in honor of the ratification of the Japanese constitution in 1947. May 4 is Green Day, which honors the environment and the late Emperor's love for nature, flowers, and plants, and will be observed as a bank holiday on May 6th this year. Finally, May 5 is Children's Day, a festival celebrating young children with outdoor displays of carp streamers, symbolizing their strength and success in life.

Although Golden Week can be crowded and challenging to navigate for international travelers, it also offers unique travel opportunities. If you plan on traveling to Japan during this special week of activity, consider the following suggestions to make the most of your trip.

The origins of Golden Week

The term "Golden Week" originated from a surge in revenue observed by leisure and travel entities during this period. On national holidays, Japanese people tend to visit cinemas, stores, and amusement parks more frequently, leading to record-breaking attendance at many of these venues. 

This prompted industry leaders to coin the term "Golden Week," similar to the radio's peak listening period known as "Golden Time." The name stuck, and it's now widely used by the population to refer to this holiday period.

During Golden Week, numerous businesses and schools remain closed, or at the very least, many full-time workers will use some of their vacation days in between holidays during Golden Week to enjoy consecutive time off. 

Are you travelling to Japan during Golden Week? 

Before you do, it's important to understand that this week-long holiday season is more than just a string of celebrations. With somber holidays like Showa Day and Constitution Day, Golden Week offers a chance to reflect on Japan's complex history and gain a deeper understanding of the country.

While it's tempting to focus on commercial celebrations like fancy restaurants or pricey resorts, it's also essential to observe the traditional meaning of these holidays. Plan ahead to avoid the crowds and secure tickets for popular attractions like Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan.

Just be aware that prices during Golden Week may be higher than usual, so budget accordingly to avoid any unpleasant surprises. With careful planning and a balance between commercial and traditional celebrations, you can make the most of your Golden Week experience and enjoy a relaxing and enlightening holiday season in Japan.

Looking for unique experiences during the national holiday week in Japan?

Don't limit yourself to crowded tourist hotspots! Golden Week in Japan is a wonderful time of the year, as it occurs during spring, a season filled with warmth and long sunny days. Although it's after the cherry blossom season, the ambiance is laid-back and serene during this national holiday week.

However, if you're traveling on a budget, you might want to consider visiting Japan a week or so before or after Golden Week. But if you've already booked your flights during this period, don't worry! You can still make the most of it by securing tickets to your must-see attractions and booking your accommodation as soon as possible.

You can also consider exploring hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Enjoy the beautiful spring weather by trying activities near Tokyo, hiking around Mt. Fuji, or cycling through scenic routes. Avoid the hustle and bustle of popular areas like Kyoto and Osaka, and opt for less crowded places to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Traveling by train during Golden Week

Upon arrival in Japan, you can activate your Japan Rail Pass and designate any start date within 30 days. This means that even if you don't plan to use your pass right away, you can have your rail pass ready to start. With this activated rail pass, even if it has not started yet, you can take it to a ticket office to make seat reservations. This is the best way to plan in advance.

If this isn't possible for you, please keep in mind that many Shinkansen and Limited Express trains have non-reserved seating as well. For example, Hikari trains have 5 non-reserved-seat cars.

This means that even if you cannot make a reservation for the exact train you want, you can still get on a train. You may not be able to sit together with your fellow travelers, and you may even need to stand up for part of the way.

During Golden Week, there is a surge in travel, which means you may experience longer lines and delays when using your Japan Rail Pass. To avoid any inconvenience, it's best to allow extra time for your travel. 

Golden Week is crowded, but please don't worry! You will not be stuck in one city, and you will be able to get where you want to go.

In addition to the Japan Rail Pass option mentioned above, it is also possible to book individual train tickets. Whether for specific journeys or to complement your trip with one-off bookings, this offers additional flexibility to meet the travel needs of travelers in Japan.

Book your transportation in advance 

With the large influx of travelers both from abroad and domestic during this time, the Shinkansen bullet train and limited express trains will have seat reservations fill up very quickly ahead of time. In fact, Nozomi and Mizuho trains that go out from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka and Kyoto will all become fully reserved trains (meaning there will be no non-reserved seat options). 

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip during Golden Week, it's essential to book your transportation in advance. We at Japan Experience, for our train ticket services, will close reservations once they are completely filled up. Faster, more popular trains will often fill reservations up to 30 days prior to Golden Week. Other trains will fill reservations up to 20 days prior to Golden Week but will also have the option to have non-reserved seating options. Do note, though, due to the high amount of travelers, non-reserved cars may become standing-room-only. Depending on the train you plan to travel with, consider the following details for reserving seats:

• Tokyo<>Shin-Osaka<>Kyoto
  • Nozomi/Mizuho Shinkansen : Often fill reservations up to 30 days prior to Golden Week.
  • Hikari/Kodama Shinkansen: Often fill reservations up to 20 days prior to Golden Week but will have non-reserved options.
• Tokyo<>Kanazawa<>Fukui
  • Kagayaki Shinkansen: Often fill reservations up to 30 days prior to Golden Week.
  • Hakutaka/Asama Shinkansen: Often fill reservations up to 20 days prior to Golden Week but will have non-reserved options.
• Shin-Osaka<>Hiroshima<>Hakata (Fukuoka)
  • Mizuho Shinkansen: Often fill reservations up to 30 days prior to Golden Week.
  • Sakura Shinkansen: Often fill reservations up to 20 days prior to Golden Week but will have non-reserved options. 

Buying tickets and reserving seats in advance can save you time and ensure that you have a stress-free journey.

Detailed planning is crucial, so make sure you have a clear itinerary for each day of your trip. Knowing where you're going and when can help you avoid long lines and overcrowded transportation, giving you more time to enjoy your Golden Week adventure.

Pick up & return of your Pocket Wifi 

Due to the national holidays during Golden Week, some providers may suspend the delivery of pocket wifi devices. This may result in longer waiting periods for those who wish to rent a pocket wifi for their travels in Japan.

However, customers can still rent and pick up their pocket wifi devices at designated locations, such as airports or rental shops. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance to ensure availability, and to check with the provider for any updates regarding delivery delays or alternative pickup options.

By planning ahead and staying informed, travelers can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free wifi rental experience during Golden Week.

Read more on traveling by train in Japan

• Seat reservations with your Japan Rail Pass
• IC cards in Japan
• Japanese train etiquette
• The Hikari/Nozomi/Kodama Shinkansen
• Transportation in Tokyo