Golden Week
What is Golden Week?
In Japan, the much-awaited Golden Week is a time of celebration, reflection, and relaxation. Spanning from late April to early May, this special week combines four national holidays, providing an extended break for both locals and tourists. Depending on the year and if you use two days of paid time off, this golden week break can result in a 10 days holiday! Each holiday within Golden Week holds its own significance and offers unique experiences that showcase Japan's rich culture and traditions. In Japan it's a popular time to travel, and spending time with family and friends. In the Tohoku region (northern Japan) it's ussually when people would go out for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) as well. So let's take a quick look at each.
Showa Day
(April 29th)
(April 29th)
Showa Day honors the birthday of Emperor Showa, who reigned during a transformative era in Japanese history. It is a day to reflect upon the achievements and challenges faced by the nation. Many people visit the late emperor's tomb in Tokyo to pay their respects, while others participate in events and exhibitions highlighting Japan's cultural heritage. The day also serves as an opportunity to relax, with families gathering for picnics in parks or enjoying scenic hanami (flower viewing) parties under cherry blossom trees.
Constitution Memorial Day (May 3rd)
Constitution Memorial Day commemorates the enactment of Japan's post-war constitution in 1947. It is a time for citizens to reflect on the importance of democracy and individual rights. On this day, various ceremonies, lectures, and cultural events take place across the country. Educational institutions often organize activities to educate students about the significance of the constitution in shaping modern Japan. Additionally, many people take advantage of the holiday to visit museums, historical sites, and landmarks that showcase the country's history and democratic values.
Greenery Day
(May 4th):
(May 4th):
Originally celebrated on April 29th, Greenery Day was moved to May 4th in 2007. It serves as an occasion to appreciate nature and emphasize the importance of environmental conservation. Japanese people often spend this day immersing themselves in outdoor activities, such as hiking, gardening, or visiting botanical gardens. Many parks and public spaces organize special events, exhibitions, and flower festivals, where visitors can witness the vibrant colors of spring and enjoy the tranquility of nature. It's an ideal time to experience the beauty of Japan's landscapes and embrace the serenity it offers.
Children's Day
(May 5th)
(May 5th)
Children's Day, also known as Kodomo no Hi, is the culmination of Golden Week celebrations. This holiday honors the happiness and well-being of children while celebrating their growth and development. Families fly koinobori, decorative carp-shaped windsocks, to symbolize strength and success. Homes and public spaces are adorned with colorful displays of koi-nobori, creating a festive atmosphere. Traditional Japanese sweets, such as kashiwa-mochi (sweet rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves), are savored, and families often visit local parks or zoos to enjoy quality time together. Children's Day is an occasion to express gratitude for the younger generation and create lasting memories.
Golden Week travel tips
Golden Week is a has a lot to offer for travelers, BUT there are also a some major caveats that come with it as well. So here are a few major things to keep in mind while traveling during Golden Week.
It's super crowded
Sure, Japan is already pretty crowded most of the time in the most popular destinations, but Golden Week is a whole other animal. Most of the time when people travel to Japan it's during periods of time when people native to Japan are still working. During Golden Week however, most people in Japan are on holiday. So along with the normal tourism in the most popular destinations, you also have a huge influx of local traffic as well. This extra traffic means trains will be crowded, parking will be scarce, and lines will be LONG!Banks are closed ( this includes a lot of ATMS!!! )
Another unique obstacle you may encounter during Golden Week is that money can be hard to come by! Almost all banks in Japan are closed during this time and many ATM's are unoperational. In Japan some ATM's have operational hours and they are even some closed on holidays! Not to mention, because Japan is still a very cash based culture and there are so many people traveling, it's not unheard of for an ATM at a popular location to run out of money to dispense.
This whole issue can be easily ignored by just making sure you take out a decent amount of funds before the holidays begin. ( I'd take out a little more than you think you'll need. Better to be safe than sorry! )Things can be expensive.
Like most touristy places in the worlds, prices may be jacked up a bit because there is a high demand for product. Just be prepared. When you're at festivals or popular locations some souvenirs, drinks, and food that may be a little more pricy than they would be from a local supermarket. ( You probably already expected that right? )
Golden Week in Japan is a cherished time when the nation comes alive with festivities, cultural activities, and well-deserved relaxation. Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day each hold significant meaning and offer unique experiences that showcase Japan's rich traditions and values. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in history, enjoy the beauty of nature, or embrace the joy of family, Golden Week provides the perfect opportunity to explore the diverse facets of Japanese culture. So, join in the celebrations and make the most of this special time in the Land of the Rising Sun.
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