Golden Week in Japan 2025: How to Avoid Crowds and Travel Tips

Golden Week: The Busiest Travel Season in Japan

Golden Week refers to a series of consecutive public holidays in Japan occurring from late April to early May each year, lasting anywhere from a few days to a maximum of ten days.

In 2025, Golden Week is from April 29 (Tuesday) until May 6 (Tuesday). April 30, May 1, and May 2 are not holidays, but many Japanese take these days off, resulting in a one-week holiday.

During this time, the combination of extended holidays and pleasant weather leads to a surge in travel across Japan.

As a result, securing accommodation and transportation on short notice can be quite challenging, and popular tourist destinations tend to become overwhelmingly crowded. Moreover, last-minute bookings tend to come at a higher price.

If you seek inexpensive travel and want to avoid crowds, it's better to avoid Golden Week when choosing the timing of your trip to Japan. Read on for more tips regarding Golden Week in Japan.

When Is Golden Week in Japan? 2025 Calendar

Book Early! and Other Travel Tips for Golden Week

- if you cannot avoid visiting Japan during Golden Week, here are some tips for an enjoyable trip.

1. Book Your Flight and Hotels Early

We suggest booking your flight and hotels in Japan early, if possible by early April.

2. Book Train Tickets with Seat Reservation Early

Shinkansen and limited express trains are often fully booked or unavailable starting in April, so it's advisable to purchase your tickets in March if possible.

3. Book Tickets for Events and Activities Early

If you plan to attend a specific event or activity in early May, it's best to make your reservations by early April at the latest.

4. Avoid Popular Destinations

We recommend avoiding popular tourist destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka during this time.

Instead, consider exploring lesser-known areas and rural regions of Japan, such as Shikoku, Yamaguchi, Niigata, and Tohoku.

The Golden Week Holidays: History and Traditions

1. Showa Day

Showa Day, celebrated on April 29, is a public holiday in Japan that honors the birthday of Emperor Showa, who reigned from 1926 to 1989. This day marks the beginning of the Golden Week in Japan.

Showa Day is a time for reflection on the Showa era, which was marked by significant events in Japanese history, including war, economic growth, and social change. Many people use this day to enjoy outdoor activities, visit parks, and participate in events that celebrate Japanese culture and history.

Tokyo's Showa Kinen Park usually offers free admission on Showa Day. This day coincides with the blooming peak of the nemophila in Showa Kinen Park, so consider visiting.

2. Constitution Day

Constitution Memorial Day, celebrated on May 3, commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of Japan on May 3, 1947.

3. Greenery Day

Greenery Day, celebrated on May 4 in Japan, is a public holiday dedicated to nature and the environment. It encourages people to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the natural world, promoting a connection to nature and raising awareness about environmental issues.

Many people take this opportunity to participate in outdoor activities, such as planting trees, visiting parks, or enjoying the blooming flora.

On Greenery Day, many parks and gardens that typically charge an entry fee can be accessed for free. Some examples include Rikugien Garden, Hamarikyu Gardens, Jindai Botanical Gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, and Tama Zoological Park.

4. Children's Day

Children's Day, celebrated on May 5 in Japan, is a national holiday dedicated to honoring children's health, happiness, and growth. Originally known as Boys' Day, it became a day to celebrate all children.

Families typically display colorful carp streamers, known as koinobori, which symbolize strength and success. It is a time for parents to wish for their children's well-being and to celebrate their achievements.

Many families also enjoy special foods, such as kashiwa-mochi, rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves, during this festive occasion.

Some museums and amusement parks offer free admission on this day for children.

Golden Week Events in 2025

Golden Week Events in and near Tokyo

Various events are held during Golden Week, making it a popular time for local residents to enjoy time outdoors.

In the Tokyo area, Craft Gyoza Fes® TOKYO 2025 is an event dedicated entirely to gyoza (potstickers), taking place at Komazawa Olympic Park from April 25 to May 6.

Visit every day between 11:00 and 20:00 to find an array of unique gyoza restaurants offering a wide range of gyoza flavors, from innovative ingredients to traditional recipes.

The Showa Kinen Park Flower Festival (March 20 - May 25, 2025) is a two-month-long celebration of spring flowers that coincides with Golden Week.

Although not in Tokyo, Hitachi Seaside Park usually hosts its nemophila festival, while the Ashikaga Flower Park has its famous wisteria flowers in full bloom around Golden Week. Both are excellent destinations for day trips from Tokyo.

Golden Week Events in and near Osaka-Kyoto

Nakanoshima Festival, held May 3 - 5, is Japan's largest citizen festival. In the relaxing square in front of the Central Public Hall, there are numerous food stalls, stages for singing, performances, and street performances, offering many highlights.

Simultaneously, the Nakanoshima Film Festival and a flea market will also be held.

Photo by Pixta

Osaka Maishima Seaside Park is home to the Nemophila Festival, held from April 6 to May 6. The event features the stunning display of around 1 million Nemophila plants blooming across approximately 4.4 hectares, with a picturesque view of Osaka Bay.

Throughout the festival, visitors can indulge in sweets inspired by the Nemophila flowers. The park also offers athletic facilities, observation decks, and hot springs, making it an enjoyable destination for families with children and couples alike.

Nemophila at Akashi Kaikyo Park. Photo by Pixta

For a day trip from Osaka, we recommend the Awaji Flower Festival, on Awaji Island, held from March 20 to May 27.

At Awaji Farm Park, an agricultural park where visitors can interact with animals and enjoy gourmet food and various activities, approximately 100,000 Nemophila flowers will be in full bloom!

Additionally, at the Prefectural Awaji Island Park, you can admire beautiful azaleas; Akashi Kaikyo Park features Nemophila; and Awaji Yumebutai showcases lovely Daisy Margarets, providing a diverse array of flowers to enjoy at each location.

Best Destinations in Japan for Golden Week

Because major travel destinations tend to become very crowded during Golden Week, this is the best time to visit hidden gems, or lesser-known but exciting destinations. We introduce some below.

1. Ozu City in Ehime

Ozu, situated in the southern part of Ehime Prefecture, once thrived as a castle town.

To preserve its historical charm, many buildings from that era have been maintained and repurposed as inns, restaurants, and shops. Strolling through the town gives visitors a sense of stepping back in time.

For an unforgettable lodging experience, stay at NIPPONIA HOTEL Ozu Castle Town, a decentralized hotel where the entire castle town serves as the hotel. It offers 31 rooms across 26 buildings, including former mansions of feudal lords and wealthy merchants, as well as merchant houses selling sake and tea, and traditional storehouses.

Ozu can be accessed via the Shimanami Kaido, Japan's famous cycling road that connects island within the Seto Inland Sea, and Dogo Onsen, a renowned hot spring resort in Matsuyama City.

2. Hagi in Yamaguchi

Hagi is a beautiful castle town in Yamaguchi. Its historical streetscapes feature picturesque samurai residences and dining facilities or shops opened in renovated traditional buildings.

Notable areas include Kikuya Yokocho, characterized by its white walls and namako walls, and Edoya Yokocho, known for its blackboard fences.

Also, in Shizuki Park, you can find the ruins of Hagi Castle, the main castle of the Mori clan, which ruled the Hagi domain in the past. Tokoji Temple, the family temple of the Mori clan, offers the impressive sight of 500 stone lanterns.

3. Hirosaki in Aomori

Hirosaki is a great travel destination for those interested in history, culture, and nature. Located in Aomori Prefecture, Hirosaki is famous for its well-preserved historical sites, including Hirosaki Castle, known for its stunning cherry blossoms in spring.

The city also features beautiful parks, traditional Japanese architecture, and cultural experiences such as traditional crafts and local cuisine.

The surrounding region offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area, particularly in the nearby mountains and national parks.

4. Tono and Hanamaki Onsen in Iwate

Tono and Hanamaki Onsen are hidden gems in Iwate, northern Japan. Tono is famous for its folkloric traditions and stories, which you can explore at Tono Folklore Village. This outdoor museum showcases traditional rural life in the Tono region, featuring restored thatched-roof houses and exhibits on local folklore, crafts, and agricultural practices.

Tono is surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.

Hanamaki Onsen is famous for its soothing hot springs, with numerous ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) offering relaxing onsen experiences and beautiful views. Geibikei Gorge, which is located nearby, is known for its breathtaking scenery, boat rides, and hiking trails.

We also recommend visiting local museums and cultural sites, such as the Matsubara Museum and the Hanamaki Art Museum, to learn about the region’s history and art.

5. Aso Kuju National Park in Kumamoto-Oita

Aso Kuju National Park is a great travel destination for those who enjoy nature, outdoor activities, hot springs, and stunning landscapes.

The park is home to one of the largest active volcanoes in Japan, Mount Aso, featuring a notable caldera and impressive crater. Visitors can take guided tours to the crater and witness volcanic activity up close.

In Aso Kuju National Park, you will find diverse landscapes, including rolling grasslands, lush forests, and dramatic mountain ranges, providing stunning scenery that changes with the seasons.

The Kuju Flower Park, which is located within the national park, is a must-visit spot in early May when the nemophila, tulips, moss phlox, and other flowers adorn its expansive fields.

Golden Week Sales and Other Tips

Some shops and online stores offer Golden Week sales and promotions so be on the lookout for them when visiting outlets or shopping malls.

Due to the pleasant weather and many events that take place, Golden Week is a highly awaited time of the year for the Japanese. Remember to choose lesser-known travel destinations and book early!

Main image by Pixta