Golden Week


Golden Week is a week-long holiday in Japan that typically takes place from April 29th to May 5th. It's one of the busiest holiday seasons in Japan, characterized by an influx of travelers both domestically and internationally. Golden Week is a combination of several national holidays:

  1. Showa Day (April 29th): This day celebrates the birthday of Emperor Showa, who reigned from 1926 to 1989. It's a day to reflect on Japan's history and Showa era.

  2. Constitution Memorial Day (May 3rd): This holiday commemorates the day in 1947 when Japan's post-war constitution took effect. It's a day to contemplate the principles of democracy and the constitution.

  3. Greenery Day (May 4th): Formerly celebrated on April 29th, Greenery Day was moved to May 4th to create a longer holiday period. It's a day to appreciate nature and engage in outdoor activities.

  4. Children's Day (May 5th): Also known as Boys' Day, this holiday celebrates the happiness of children and their growth. Families often display koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks) and traditional samurai dolls to symbolize strength and success.

During Golden Week, many people take advantage of the consecutive holidays to travel, both domestically and internationally. As a result, transportation hubs, tourist destinations, and popular attractions can become extremely crowded. It's also a time when businesses may offer special promotions and discounts to attract customers. However, due to the pandemic, the celebrations and travel patterns might have been affected in recent years.