The shape of it
About
Golden Week is a cluster of four national holidays at the end of April and start of May, creating Japan's biggest domestic travel season. In 2027 it runs Showa Day (Apr 29) through Children's Day (May 5), letting many workers take a near week-long break.
Highlights
- Four national holidays in a row, Japan's largest domestic travel period
- Koinobori carp streamers everywhere for Children's Day on May 5
- Mild spring weather ideal for parks and day trips
Plan it well
- Expect packed trains, sold-out hotels and surge pricing — book transport and lodging months ahead.
- Popular attractions and theme parks hit peak crowds; visit Tokyo museums and neighbourhoods that locals leave behind instead.
- Shops and restaurants mostly stay open, but banks and government offices close on the holiday dates.
- Reserve shinkansen seats in advance — unreserved cars are often standing-room only.
