[Summary] Know Japan's long holidays to have a comfortable trip.

Japan has three major holidays each year, and the opening hours of stores and the congestion at tourist spots vary depending on the holiday.
In this article, we will introduce the characteristics of each holiday and how to enjoy them so that you don't run into any inconveniences during your trip to Japan.

Make use of this opportunity and make your trip a memorable one!

• Table of Contents
• New year holiday season
• Golden Week
• Buddhist vacation
• summary

New year holiday season

Photo: Photo AC

Characteristics and time period

In Japan, the New Year period generally refers to the period from the end of December (around the 29th) to early January (around the 7th) .
Private companies will be closed from the end of December, and there will be a long holiday until early January.

During the New Year period, many Japanese people spend time with their families.
Many people travel to their parents' or relatives' homes, so public transportation tends to be crowded at the beginning and end of the holidays.

Things to be aware of when sightseeing

The end of December coincides with the end-of-year party season, Christmas, and the New Year countdown, so restaurants in particular are expected to be extremely busy.
During this time, it is difficult to get reservations at any restaurant, so be careful as you may have to wait for a long time or be refused entry if you go without a reservation.
Also, supermarkets and department stores are expected to be crowded with shoppers, so please allow yourself plenty of time.

In addition, it will be difficult to make reservations at many accommodations and room rates are expected to rise, so please be sure to plan and prepare your budget well in advance.

Many restaurants and shops will be closed for a few days after the New Year (around January 1st to 7th), so be sure to check their websites or call them in advance.

Tips for sightseeing during this season

In late December, restaurants and bars such as izakayas and pubs that serve alcohol tend to be crowded, so if you avoid establishments that serve alcohol, you may be less likely to get caught up in the crowds.
Since there is a lot of foot traffic especially at night, it seems like it would be more relaxing to eat at a restaurant during the day and then enjoy a meal at home or in an accommodation in the evening.

Golden Week

Photo: Photo AC

Characteristics and time period

Golden Week generally refers to the period from the end of April (around the 27th) to early May (around the 5th) .
Generally, private businesses are closed.

Many Japanese people take advantage of this consecutive holiday to travel, so tourist spots all over Japan tend to be crowded.
As a result, transportation services will be crowded every day, and many accommodation facilities are expected to be fully booked, resulting in high accommodation prices.
Retail stores and restaurants are generally open, but they are generally crowded.

Things to be aware of when sightseeing

All public transport is expected to be crowded every day.
Be aware that travelling by train, bus, plane or car can all involve crowds.
It may be best to avoid the busiest times between 9am and 11am and between 4pm and 7pm.

Also, it is difficult to make reservations for accommodation during this time and prices tend to rise, so be sure to plan and prepare your budget well in advance.

Tips for sightseeing during this season

Nature parks and hiking trails a little further from urban areas tend to be relatively empty.
Additionally, rural areas and countryside are relatively empty, so why not get away from the city and spend some relaxing time in nature?

Buddhist vacation

Photo: Photo AC

Characteristics and time period

The Obon holiday generally refers to the period from mid-August (around the 13th) to mid-August (around the 16th) .

The Obon holiday is a period of ancestor worship that has been practiced in Japan since ancient times.
Generally, many people visit the graves of their ancestors.
Private companies tend to have consecutive holidays during the summer.

During this time, many Japanese people visit their hometowns to visit their graves, and as a result, tourist spots, especially waterside leisure spots such as the sea and rivers, tend to be crowded. Transportation facilities are also expected to be crowded.

Retail stores and restaurants are generally open, but they are generally crowded.

Things to be aware of when sightseeing

All public transport is expected to be crowded every day.
Be aware that travelling by train, bus, plane or car can all involve crowds.

Also, due to the high temperatures, many people suffer from heatstroke every year, so please take measures to prevent heatstroke, such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding direct sunlight.

Tips for sightseeing during this season

Waterside areas such as the sea and rivers tend to be crowded with many leisure travelers, but resort areas in mountain areas tend to be less crowded, so sightseeing in mountain areas is recommended. Don't forget to bring insect repellent spray and mosquito coils to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and horseflies.

Museums and art galleries are also recommended as they tend to be less crowded and you can enjoy sightseeing at your own pace.

summary

How was it?
Transport and accommodation are often busy during these periods, so early booking and planning is important.
We also recommend purchasing tickets in advance or making online reservations at spots where crowds are expected.

If you are planning on traveling to Japan, be sure to choose the right time to have a comfortable trip.

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