Golden Week, Japan: Everything You Need To Know in 2025

Headed to Japan? Avoid the hassle of switching SIMs or hunting for Wi-Fi—download a Japan eSIM for fast, reliable, and UNLIMITED data from one of Japan's biggest network providers (au by KDDI).

Japan Unlimited - 10 Day

AU

Unlimited

$26.00

10 Days

Buy now

Best Value

Learn how to activate yours in three minutes here.

Golden Week is one of the busiest, most fascinating times to be in Japan.

It’s not a single festival but a string of national holidays packed into one glorious springtime week—when work slows, bullet trains fill up, and the whole country hits the road for some well-earned fun. Think: cherry blossoms (if you're lucky), packed temples, buzzing shopping districts, and some very intense domestic travel.

Shibuya Crossing

Temple-hopping in Kyoto. Soaking in a rural onsen. Tackling the chaos of Shibuya Crossing. Golden Week is Japan at full tilt.

What is Golden Week?

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.

Some years, depending on how weekends fall, Golden Week becomes an ultra-long holiday stretch—giving locals a rare break from Japan’s famously work-focused lifestyle.

When is Golden Week?

In 2025, Golden Week runs from April 29 to May 5, 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 travelling during this time, book everything in advance—trains, hotels, even dinner reservations if you're in a busy city. Trains will be packed, flights even more so, and popular tourist spots? Expect wall-to-wall people. But if you embrace the energy, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.

Where to spend Golden Week?

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

• Tokyo is alive with Golden Week events—from special exhibitions at museums to live performances in parks. But beware: major shopping districts will be absolutely rammed. If you're after hustle and neon, you're in the right place.

• Kyoto and Nara offer a more traditional vibe—just keep in mind that you won’t be the only one chasing temple views and bamboo forest photo ops. Arrive early or head to lesser-known 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 ideal 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.
• Want something quirky? Visit Tatebayashi in Gunma for one of the largest koinobori displays in the country. Thousands of carp streamers stretch across the river—it’s surreal and totally Insta-worthy.

What to expect during Golden Week

Three things: crowds, colour, and contagious good vibes.

From roadside rest stops to packed theme parks, Golden Week is Japan letting loose. Expect long lines, but also a festive energy you don’t see the rest of the year. Cities light up with events, family outings spill into parks, and local trains become mobile parties.

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.

The food

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.

Tips for travelling during Golden Week

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

• Book in advance. We cannot stress this enough—transport, hotels, and even some restaurants fill up fast.
• Avoid major travel days. April 29 and May 3 for outbound trips, and May 5 for returns—these are peak chaos.
• 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 fees.

Japan Unlimited - 7 Day

AU

Unlimited

$19.00

7 Days

Buy now

Top Seller

Golden Week isn’t calm or quiet—but it is unforgettable.

If you plan ahead, pack light, and keep your camera ready, you'll catch Japan in one of its most fast-paced and joyful moods.