Golden Week 2026 in Japan: Travel tips and top spots

With some planning, Golden Week can be a lot of fun. Whether you want to join the excitement in Tokyo or find quieter places, there’s something for everyone. In this post, we will explain what Golden Week is, what to expect, and share tips to make the most of your trip during this busy holiday.

Golden Week is a cluster of four public holidays that take place in late April and early May. It’s one of Japan’s busiest travel seasons, along with New Year and Obon.

The official holidays are:

• Showa Day (April 29): Honouring Emperor Showa’s birthday.
• Constitution Memorial Day (May 3): A nod to Japan’s post-war constitution.
• Greenery Day (May 4): A celebration of nature and the environment.
• Children’s Day (May 5): With colourful carp streamers (koinobori) flying overhead to wish boys a strong, healthy future.

In 2026, Golden Week will run from April 29 to May 6, but expect the buzz to start earlier and linger a little longer as people take extra days off to make the most of it.

If you’re traveling during this time, book everything in advance, including trains, hotels, and dinner reservations in busy cities.

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Golden Week is nationwide, but how you experience it depends on where you go.

• Tokyo is full of Golden Week events, like museum exhibits and live shows in parks. But big shopping areas will be very crowded. If you like busy streets and bright lights, it’s the place to be.
• Kyoto and Nara have a classic, traditional feel, but you won’t be alone because many people come for temple views and bamboo forest photos. Go early or visit quieter spots like Uji or Kurama.
• Hakone and the Japanese Alps are top picks for escaping the city. Expect stunning mountain views, relaxing hot springs, and... traffic. Lots of it. Still worth it.
• Okinawa is perfect for a beachy Golden Week, with sunny weather and a slower pace. You’ll find festivals, fireworks, and some of the best local food in Japan.
• Looking for some hidden gems? Head to Tatebayashi in Gunma to see one of Japan’s biggest koinobori displays. Thousands of carp streamers stretch across the river. It’s totally surreal and perfect for photos.

Three things:

1. crowds
2. colour
3. great energy

From rest stops to busy theme parks, Golden Week is Japan having fun. Expect long lines, but also a lively, festive feeling. Also shops often run special Golden Week sales, so if you’re planning to splurge now’s the time.

But that doesn't mean it's all go, go, go! You'll find a calmer environment at an onsen — a Japanese hot spring or geothermal bath found in the most beautiful rural spots.

While there’s no specific Golden Week cuisine, it’s prime time to sample spring seasonal fare.

Look out for:

• Takenoko (bamboo shoots): Fresh and earthy, often served in soups or rice dishes.
• Sakura mochi: Sweet pink rice cakes wrapped in cherry blossom leaves.
• Kashiwa mochi: Sticky rice cakes filled with red bean paste, eaten on Children’s Day.
• Plus, regional treats from wherever your journey takes you—from Hiroshima okonomiyaki to Hokkaido seafood.

And don’t forget to grab a bento box if you’re riding the shinkansen. Eating on the train is practically a Golden Week rite of passage.

Golden Week is fun. But it’s also a logistical challenge. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Book in advance. It’s important to remember that transport, hotels, and even some restaurants book up quickly.
• Avoid major travel days. April 29 and May 3 are the busiest days for outbound trips, and May 5 is the worst for returns.
• Get a rail pass (if eligible). The JR Pass can save you money and time, especially if you’re covering long distances.
• Go early or go late. Beat the crowds at tourist hotspots by arriving first thing or staying out past the dinner rush.
• Stay connected. With a Japan eSIM, you can check train schedules, translate menus, and find hidden gems without needing public Wi-Fi or paying outrageous roaming charges.

Most things in Japan stay open during Golden Week, especially shops, restaurants, and attractions in big cities. But make sure to check online if there’s something specific you want to do or see.

Don’t leave bookings for hotels, transport, or restaurants until the last minute, because they fill up fast.

Yes, Golden Week is one of the most expensive times to travel in Japan. Flights, hotels, trains, and even some attractions cost more because it’s a major holiday and lots of people are travelling at that time.