Golden Week: Exploring Japan’s Week-Long Festive Spring Holiday

What is Golden Week?

Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク or 黄金週間 Ogon Shukan), recognised as one of Japan’s most prominent and bustling holiday periods, usually spans from late April to early May and encompasses four national holidays: Showa Day (29 April), Constitution Memorial Day (3 May), Greenery Day (4 May), and Children’s Day (5 May). This long holiday, sometimes made even longer when lined up with the weekend, typically aligns with the spring season’s delightful weather and abundance of festivities and activities, making it one of the most anticipated holidays in Japan. 

A period earmarked for relaxation, leisure pursuits, and quality time spent with loved ones, many Japanese people take advantage of the consecutive holidays to travel domestically or abroad, resulting in crowded transportation and popular tourist destinations. This year, individuals can potentially indulge in a remarkable stretch of 10 consecutive days off by strategically utilising paid leave between 30 April–2 May!

How did Golden Week come about?

Coined from the term ‘golden time’ used to describe the primetime listening hours, Golden Week referred to the long holiday period during which the number of listeners largely increased. | Photo by PhotoAC

Originating in 1948 under the National Holiday Laws (国民の祝日に関する法律), this seven-day long holiday marks the celebration of the nation’s citizens’ contributions towards building a better society and enhancing the quality of life. 

The term “Golden Week”, written in katakana and frequently abbreviated to “GW”, emerged in 1951, having been inspired by the phrase “golden time”, commonly used in the Japanese radio industry to denote peak listening hours. During this period, an increase in the number of individuals tuning in to the radio, frequenting movie theatres, and engaging in leisure activities caused a significant spike in the entertainment and leisure sectors, prompting the movie industry to dub this extended holiday week “Golden Week”, with the intention of conveying it as a “wonder week”, particularly for these industries.

National Holidays That Fall on Golden Week 

Now, let’s have a look at the holidays that comprise Japan’s Golden Week.

29 April: Showa Day (昭和の日)

The Showa Memorial Park (国営昭和記念公園) in Tokyo was established in 1983 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Showa Emperor’s reign. | Photo by PhotoAC

Initially commemorating the birthday of Emperor Hirohito (裕仁天皇), or more widely known as the Showa Emperor (昭和天皇), Showa Day (昭和の日 Showa no Hi) provides an opportunity for individuals to contemplate the Showa Period (1926–1989), characterised by recovery following a tumultuous period, and an opportunity to ponder over the nation’s future. 

Following the transition from the Showa Period to the Heisei Period (1989–2019), which occurred after the passing of Emperor Hirohito and the accession of Emperor Akihito (明仁天皇) in 1989, the national holiday was renamed “Greenery Day” as a tribute to Emperor Hirohito’s profound appreciation for nature. However, in 2007, the name was again revised to Showa Day, serving as a reminder for Japanese citizens to reflect on the Showa era and to commemorate a part of the nation’s rich historical legacy.

3 May: Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日)

The National Diet Building of Japan (国会議事堂) in Tokyo opens its door for public viewing only on Constitution Memorial Day. (Image credit: PhotoAC)

Japan’s Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日 Kenpo Kinenbi) was established to commemorate the ratification of the new postwar constitution on 3 May 1947. Unlike the preceding Meiji Constitution (明治憲法), the new constitution prioritises the sovereignty of its people, the preservation of fundamental human rights, and the promotion of pacifism. This national holiday not only celebrates a constitution dedicated to creating peace, but also symbolises a new beginning for the nation. 

On this day, the building and the constitutional documents are open for public viewing, making it the sole occasion for such access, encouraging people to take photographs and celebrate the nation’s history and progress while also serving as a reminder of the paramount importance of peace and prosperity in today’s world. 

4 May: Greenery Day (緑の日)

Embrace Greenery Day by immersing yourself in the serene nature presented by Hamarikyu Gardens in the midst of the bustling metropolitan of Tokyo. | Photo by PhotoAC

Originally observed on 29 April and later moved to 4 May, Greenery Day (緑の日 Midori no Hi) is dedicated to celebrating Japan’s magnificent nature. Coinciding with the pleasant spring weather, it presents an ideal opportunity to bask in the lush greenery while paying homage to the late Showa Emperor, renowned for his deep adoration for Japan’s majestic landscapes. 

On this occasion, numerous public gardens and attractions such as Tokyo’s Hamarikyu Gardens (浜離宮庭園) and Ueno Zoo (上野動物園) offer complimentary admission to the public, encouraging citizens to unwind amidst nature’s embrace. 

Additionally, Greenery Day prompts individuals to contemplate the intrinsic connection between nature and humanity, fostering gratitude for the gifts bestowed by the natural world and promoting awareness of our collective responsibility towards the environment.

5 May: Children’s Day (こどもの日)

Carp streamers, or koinobori, being flown in celebration of Children’s Day, symbolising luck and good fortune. | Photo by PhotoAC

Established in 1948, Children’s Day (こどもの日 Kodomo no Hi), also referred to as Boys’ Day (男の子の日 Otoko no Ko no Hi), is an annual celebration held on 5 May dedicated to praying for the healthy growth of all children, including both boys and girls, while also honouring and respecting each child’s unique individuality and happiness. It also serves as an occasion to express gratitude towards mothers for their nurturing role in their children’s lives. 

On this day, one might observe carp-shaped streamers, known as koinobori (鯉のぼり), being flown on poles and displayed on public buildings, private residences and even near rivers as a symbol of luck and good fortune. The carp, believed to be strong and spirited, displays fierce determination in nature as it swims upstream against the rapid currents, embodying the aspiration for children to grow up brave and strong. 

Additionally, during Children’s Day, it is also customary for children to indulge in kashiwa mochi (柏餅), a type of race cake wrapped with oak leaves and stuffed with bean paste, representing longevity and fortune. Traditional baths, known as shobuyu (菖蒲湯) are also taken, featuring floating iris leaves which are believed to ward off evil.

Other Festivals to Enjoy During Golden Week

The Hamamatsu Kite Festival features battle kites decorated with symbols marking the different towns the contestants are from. | Photo by PhotoAC

In addition to the national holidays, Japan hosts a myriad of colourful and lively events, adding to vibrancy and excitement of Golden Week, offering diverse experiences for locals and tourists alike, such as the Hamamatsu Kite Festival (浜松まつり) held in Shizuoka Prefecture, where up to 174 kites take to the sky on Children’s Day, as well as Fukuoka Prefecture’s Hakata Dontaku Festival (博多どんたく), featuring tens of thousands of participants adorned in colourful traditional attire, joyously dancing along the streets of Fukuoka. 

As cherry blossoms tend to bloom later in the season further north, places in the northern region, especially Hokkaido (北海道), become popular destinations for locals and tourists, drawing crowds to its pristine nature and historical sites, with Daisetsuzan National Park (大雪山国立公園) being particularly popular during this season.

Silver Week (シルバーウィーク)

Respect for the Aged Day is one of the significant national holidays encompassed within Silver Week, alongside the Autumn Equinox. | Photo by PhotoAC

Apart from Golden Week, Japan experiences another favourable alignment of national holidays around late September, including Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日 Keiro no Hi) and the Autumn Equinox (秋分の日 Shubun no Hi), along with a weekend every five to six years. This period, popularly referred to as Silver Week (シルバーウィーク), mirrors Golden Week in terms of its extended holiday duration and is eagerly anticipated by many for travel and leisure activities. 

Tips to Enjoy A Stress-Free Golden Week

Avoid the crowd by planning and making your reservations early! | Photo by Adobe Stock

Although Golden Week in Japan is an exhilarating time for locals, it can be somewhat daunting for unsuspecting tourists. As many locals take advantage of the holidays and take time off from work during this period, popular venues and sightseeing spots can become exceptionally crowded. Thus, it is crucial to plan in advance so that you can make the best of your holiday during this hectic period.

Here are some tips to help you navigate through Golden Week and ensuring a hassle-free and pleasant holiday experience:

1. Book your flights early

Secure your flight reservations well in advance, aiming to arrive several days prior to the commencement of Golden Week and depart several days after its conclusion. This will not only help in saving costs, as flight prices often surge during peak travel periods, but also allow you to evade the crowds for a few additional days.

2. Snag your accommodations

Booking your accommodations well in advance can alleviate one of the most stressful aspects of holiday planning: finding a place to stay. By determining your itinerary and planning your accommodations early, you not only reduce costs but also guarantee lodging, since accommodations tend to fill up rapidly during Golden Week.

3. Secure your transport

Knowing when to expect traffic provides not only flexibility but also an edge in selecting your travel arrangements. Corresponding with the beginning and end of Golden Week, when locals return home from their week-long holiday, trains and buses experience heavy congestion, and securing tickets can be exceptionally challenging. 

If you intend to travel during this period, it’s essential to plan ahead to secure your transportation, particularly if you have the advantage of making complimentary bookings with a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), which also proves especially useful when reserving seats on the bullet train or shinkansen. Looking to travel within East Japan? The JR EAST PASS is highly recommended and more affordable than the nationwide one—you can find out more about it here.

Stay Golden with JAPAN RAIL CLUB

With these three tips in mind, you can successfully evade the crowds and maximise your holiday experience, whether you’re exploring bustling cities or tranquil countryside settings. Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Japan’s busiest holidays, navigating seamlessly through Golden Week with minimal hassle. All that’s left is to revel in the excitement and vibrancy of this festive season in springtime Japan!

If you’d like to have a taste of spring in Japan in the comforts of your home, JAPAN RAIL CLUB is offering a spring-themed Omiyage Snack Box titled “Spring Beginnings”, filled with sakura and plum-flavoured snacks from Japan! From snacks like Sakura Karinto to Kigoyomi Mini Rice Crackers, this snack box is your gateway to a Japanese spring vacation. Subscribe to a 6-month plan by 30 April 2024 to renjoy discounts of up to USD33 — simply apply the promo code “SPRING14” at the checkout page. Happy spring!