What is the longest holiday period in the Japanese calendar?
You might think of Lunar New Year, but the correct answer is Golden Week.
If you’re a Japanese culture lover, you can’t miss out on Japan’s Golden Week, one of the most iconic festivals in the world with rich cultures and traditions.
What should you know before participating in this fantastic festival? Chill out, everything’s cool. In this blog post, we’ll suggest interesting facts, rituals, and taboos to help you prepare well for visiting the upcoming Japan’s Golden Week from April 29 to May 5, 2024. Shall we begin?
Table of Contents
Meaning of Japan’s Golden Week
As mentioned, Japan’s Golden Week is the longest public holiday for Japanese as it is the combination of 4 main events: Showa Day (Showa no hi), Constitution Day (Kenpo kinenbi), Greenery Day (Midori no hi), and Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi). It is an ideal break for Japanese workers to relax, stay with family, and travel abroad.
Showa Day starts Japan’s Golden Week on April 29, which honors the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hiroto), reigning Japan from 1926 to 1989. His reign is Japan’s longest-serving monarch in history. The day was established in 2007.
Constitution Day is the second event in Japan’s Golden Week, which falls on May 4, celebrating the enactment of the 1947 Constitution of Japan. It’s a day to reflect on democracy and civic duties.
Greenery Day was originally held on April 29 as the Emperor’s birthday, then was moved to May 4 when Showa Day was established. It’s a day to appreciate nature and be thankful for blessings. People often engage in outdoor activities.
Children’s Day is the last day of Japan’s Golden Week. It was used to celebrate the happiness and well-being of children. Families often display Koinobori (carp-shaped streamers) to represent family members, with the largest carp symbolizing the father, followed by smaller ones representing the rest of the family.
8 Popular Japan’s Golden Week Activities
Well, here comes the good part. It is a long holiday so there are plenty of activities to do. Here are the top 8 activities you can consider to enjoy the best Japanese Golden Week:
#1. Visit shrines and temples
One of Japan’s most popular Golden Week Activities is visiting shrines and temples. Across Japan, many shrines and temples hold festivals, where people can watch spiritual rituals, dance performances, and watch blossoms. The Meiji Shrine Spring Grand Festival is one of the most well-known places that travelers can’t ignore. Here, you can enjoy a variety of unique traditional art displays, horseback archery, classical Japanese dances (hogaku and hobu), and Shinto’s ritual ceremony.
#2. Attend a matsuri
You might not want to miss Matsuri, a unique civil and religious ceremony in Japan. In particular, Haru No Fujiwara Matsuri, and The Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo are great examples, which are known for solemn religious processions and lively and colorful street parades. It is a perfect blend of history, culture, and tradition, where you’ll have a chance to see how Japan looked in the past.
#3. Visit parks
Golden Week holiday is the best occasion to go exploring the amusement park or enjoy nature in national parks with your loved ones. It comes with a more lighthearted activity, simply immersing yourselves in the adventure of amusement parks or the beauty of blooming flowers, lush greenery, and the refreshing spring air. Some popular parks are recommended, including Tokyo Disneyland, Showa Memorial Park, Komazawa Olympic Park, and Chichibu Tama Kai National Park. If you’re up for a longer trek, Mt Odake or Fuji Mountain is just an hour away and offers even more breathtaking views.
#4. Relax at an Onsen
Relaxing your mind and body at a hot spring resort or an Onsen can be a great idea to enjoy the golden week, escaping the hustle and bustle of big cities. Japan boasts a myriad of onsen destinations, each with its unique charm and therapeutic benefits. Popular choices include Hakone, Beppu, and Kinosaki Onsen, among others.
#5. Atami Odori geisha dance festival
Atami has a historical association with geisha culture. The city has been a popular hot spring resort destination since the Meiji era, attracting visitors who sought relaxation and entertainment. Visiting Atami during Golden Week, you will have a chance to enjoy the gorgeous Odori geisha dance, which dates back to 1925.
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#6. Observe cherry blossoms in Hokkaido or Osaka
Though it is late spring, you still have a chance to join Hatami activities to watch cherry blossoms, mostly in Hokkaido and Osaka. In particular, some varieties of cherry trees, such as the Yezo cherry, bloom in May, making Hokkaido and Osaka a perfect destination for those seeking Sakura viewing during Golden Week. Popular locations include Maruyama Park in Sapporo, the Goryokaku Fort in Hakodate, Osaka Castle Park, and Kema Sakuranomiya Park along the Okawa River.
#7. Carp streamer festival (Koinobori)
On Children’s Day, the Japanese have fun with their kids at the Carp streamer festival. One of the most iconic attractions is Tatebayashi Koinobori Carp Streamer Village, where you can watch more than 4,000 colourful carp streamers called “koinobori” transform the Tsuruuda River. Bring your carp streamers and join in the tradition of flying them together. Feel the excitement as the streamers flutter in the breeze.
#8. Visit Tokyo during Golden week
Spending some days during Golden Week in Tokyo is incredibly interesting. This city is the best for visitors looking for a blend of traditions and modern local foods, shopping, and more. The city’s central Yoyogi Park is known for celebrating Tokyo Rainbow Pride, the city’s biggest LGBT festival, from April 28th to 29th. It’s also home to The Cambodia Festival, which is from May 3rd to 4th.
Japanese Silver Week
Less popular than Golden Week, Silver Week is celebrated every five to six years, a favorable combination of national holidays such as Respect for the Aged Day, Autumn Equinox, and a possible in-between holiday, along with a weekend, creates a longer holiday period similar to Golden Week in late September. The next notable Silver Weeks will be observed in 2026 and 2037, during which five-day-long holidays will be celebrated.
Key Takeaways
💡What’s other fun stuff to do during the holiday? A game night or trivia night, including gatherings and parties, sounds extremely entertaining for the entire family. Test everyone’s knowledge of Japan with a trivia night centred around Japanese culture, history, and traditions. More quiz questions and free quiz templates can be found on AhaSlides.
More tips and advice about events? Pick an event that you’re concerned with, and we’ll help you!
FAQs
Is Golden Week in Japan expensive?
Japan’s golden week is considered the peak season of travelling as people across countries have a week of free time. Many people take advantage of the consecutive holidays to go on vacations, visit family, or engage in recreational activities. As a result, there is high demand for transportation, accommodations, and attractions, which can lead to higher prices. In addition, foreigners also like to visit Japan during this time, as Golden Week often hosts various special events, festivals, and activities.
How crowded is Kyoto during Golden Week?
Kyoto, with its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and picturesque scenery, is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists during this time. Kyoto’s famous temples, shrines, and historic districts, such as Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Gion, are major draws for tourists. These sites can experience exceptionally long lines and large crowds during Golden Week.
Ref: Klook
