golden week Archives | Tokyo Cheapo

Golden Week is one of the most popular times to travel in Japan. And while this may sound great for a second, what it actually means is crowds, sky-high prices for hotels, and even more crowds. Golden Week 2026 This year's official Golden Week holidays extend from Apr. 29 to May 6. While May 3 is also an official holiday (Constitution Memorial Day), it falls on Sunday. In lieu, May 6 is a designated public holiday. Expect travel crowds to peak on the evening of Sunday, and on Monday. If you live and work in Japan, this might be your best (or only) opportunity to travel. However, if you can travel any time other than Golden Week, we recommend doing that instead! During Golden Week, it can be hard to get plane, train, and bus tickets, as many will be sold out in advance. For any service that uses surge pricing -- hotels, for example, but also budget staples like overnight buses -- expect maximum prices. Shinkansen tickets often become reserved-seat only. And yes, you can expect huge crowds at almost every tourist spot. This doesn't mean we don't have tips for you. Of course we have tips for you! Read on for suggestions on how to save money and beat the crowds, plus ideas for what to do during Golden Week in Tokyo -- or further afield. What exactly is Golden Week? Golden Week is made up of four national holidays that all fall within a week in late April and early May. This is what makes it "golden," but it's also a time of year when the weather is as consistantly nice as it gets in Japan. Golden Week public holidays April 29 (Shōwa Day, commemorating the birthday of Emperor Shōwa, who reigned from 1926 to 1989) May 3 (Constitution Memorial Day) May 4 (Greenery Day) May 5 (Children's Day) Depending on the year, there may be additional holidays. For example, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, the day off is observed on the Monday -- like this year. Additionally, there is a special rule in Japan that if any regular day is sandwiched between two national holidays, that day also becomes a holiday -- great, right? Some years, the days fall in a particularly advantageous way and everyone gets really excited. Golden Week 2019, for example, is legendary because the arrangement of weekends and extra holidays -- including the one-time additional holiday on May 1 (commemorating the ascension of Emperor Naruhito) -- delivered an unprecedented 10-day Golden Week. Golden Week in 2026 This year, there are four weekday public holidays: Apr. 29, May 4, May 5, and May 6. Why is Golden Week so crowded? Golden Week sounds like a great time to take a vacation, right? Salaried employees can use a judicious combination of public holidays, weekends, and paid holidays for a solid week or more of vacation time. And since everyone else is mostly on holiday too, you're not leaving coworkers with a heavier load or clients in the lurch. It also means that everyone winds up traveling at the same time -- hence the crowds and opportunistic price hikes. Golden Week travel tips If you are committed to traveling during Golden Week, here are some tips for keeping stress to a minimum. Book ahead: Lock in your accommodation and transport as far in advance as you can. If you're taking the train, pay the extra yen for reserved seats. Get off the beaten path: Hotspots like Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, and Okinawa are usually the busiest. Instead, consider visiting less well-known areas. A camping trip could be an affordable option if you have your own gear already. Go overseas: If you're going to be paying a lot for flights anyway, why not head abroad? At least then you might not be battling as many crowds when sightseeing. Nearby destinations in Asia like Seoul and Hong Kong are good options to consider. Join a tour: Some companies run special tours during Golden Week. This is a great way to squeeze in some travel without having to worry about securing tickets. How to avoid the crowds during Golden Week The best way to enjoy Golden Week in Japan is to stay right where you are! And since we're Tokyo Cheapo, this means Tokyo. True, major Tokyo attractions will be crowded with domestic tourists from around Japan; however, more local spots should be quieter than usual. Tokyo can be a great place to be during Golden Week -- at the very least there will be fewer people on the subway. Some museums and gardens also offer free entry on select days. Golden Week in Tokyo Golden Week is the perfect time for small Tokyo adventures. Even if you've been living here for a while, there's probably a neighborhood you've been meaning to check out that you simply haven't gotten around to. Or you can use the holidays as an excuse to try something you haven't done before. For example, you can try visiting your neighborhood sentō (bathhouse), or spending the night at a capsule hotel. If you're looking for neighborhoods to check out, we've got some suggestions for you. Get the Kyoto experience without the cost and travel, with these five Tokyo spots with Kyoto vibes. Hang out in shitamachi Shitamachi refers to the "downtown" areas of Tokyo. It literally refers to the low ground around the Sumida River, but also tends to mean neighbourhoods that were traditionally considered working-class. These districts can still look and feel more traditional than, say, the high-rise vibe of Roppongi. They are also great for souvenir shopping, since these neighborhoods have long been home to craftspeople and merchants. Some places to check out include: Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi -- collectively known as Yanesen Monzen-Nakachō Kita-Senju Areas like these often have temples and shrines (like stunning Nezu Shrine), making them great places to explore on foot. Check out Tokyo areas beyond the Yamanote Line If you want areas with a bit more texture, look beyond the headline neighborhoods. Along the Chūō Line, places like Nishi-Ogikubo, Ogikubo, Asagaya, and Kōenji are known for their concentration of independent businesses, ranging from low-key, Showa-era cafes and standing bars to shopping streets where local residents actually shop. Kichijōji is also home to the large Inokashira Park, in case you want to enjoy some greenery. Then there are neighborhoods like Ikejiri-Ōhashi, Gakugei-daigaku, and Komazawa, which aren't yet as well known as Tokyo's hipster neighborhoods of Daikanyama, Jiyūgaoka, and Shimokitazawa. They offer a similar blend of good coffee, inventive restaurants, and tasteful little shops. Golden Week events in Tokyo Luckily, there's no shortage of things to do in Tokyo during Golden Week. For one, there are plenty of events for you to get acquainted with Japanese culture -- and other cultures, too. Golden Week events 2026 Apr. 4 – Apr. 30: Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival May 2 – May 3: Meiji Shrine Spring Grand Festival May 2 – May 3: Ōme Grand Festival May 3 – May 4: Cambodia Festival You can also see some spring colors by visiting some of the other flower festivals in or around Tokyo. Lovely weather and lovely blossoms make for a good combination. For more things to do during Golden Week, visit our events guide. But if you really want to go someplace beyond Tokyo ... Take a day trip nearby These Tokyo area day trips may be a little busier than usual, but they still won't be as crowded as, say, Kyoto or Osaka. We have a list of 27 top day trips, plus five bullet train trips -- if you fancy trying out the famed train (although they will be busy). If you are happy to brave the crowds, there are the usual big-name escapes from Tokyo: Kamakura: Temples, hiking trails, and enough history and seaside atmosphere to justify its popularity. Hakone: This is the dependable choice for hot springs, lake and mountain views. It's an easy, all-in-one getaway -- but expect massive crowds. Nikkō: With grand shrines and cedar forests, Nikkō is an essential destination. Kawaguchiko: The go-to for Mt Fuji views, with a lakeside setting and postcard-ready scenery. For roads somewhat less traveled, try these: Chichibu: Mountain scenery, shrines, and tasty local eats like miso potato. Go luxe and hop on the limited express Laview from Ikebukuro Station. Nagatoro: River views, boat rides, and an easy nature day with just enough adventure. Takasaki: Best known for daruma, this mid-size town has recently become famous for its pasta. Mount Ōyama: After hiking (or taking the cable car) up to the top, enjoy a traditional ryokan stay and tofu extravaganza. Pro tip: If you're looking for something outdoorsy, try some of our top hikes around Tokyo. Frequently asked questions Is it a bad idea to travel to Japan during Golden Week? Not necessarily -- but it helps to be strategic about where you go. Golden Week is one of the busiest domestic travel periods of the year, so major tourist hubs, big cities, and headline attractions tend to be crowded and expensive. If your heart is set on places like Kyoto, Hakone, or central Tokyo’s most popular spots, expect queues, packed trains, and hotel rates to match. That said, Golden Week can still be a good time to visit if you plan around the crowds. The trick is to choose destinations that are a little off the beaten path, and to book transport and accommodation well in advance. Smaller cities and rural areas can be a better fit at this time of year. How busy is Tokyo during Golden Week? Since many residents travel to other destinations during Golden Week, it's likely to be less crowded than places like Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa. That being said, specific popular attractions in Tokyo like Tokyo Disney will be horrendously busy. Is Golden Week expensive? Plane and bus tickets, as well as hotel prices, rise a lot during Golden Week. Train and Shinkansen tickets also go up, but by a fixed amount (about to depending on the train operator). Tickets for attractions are generally the same price as usual. Will shops and attractions close during Golden Week? In popular areas most shops and attractions will remain open -- they want to cash in on all the tourists, afterall. Also, many public institutions, like post offices and city offices will close for the holidays, along with company offices and banks. Smaller private businesses like your local hairdresser or doctor's office may also choose to close, so it's good to check ahead. This post was originally published in 2015. Last updated in April 2026 by Aarohi Narain.

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