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Golden Week: 6 Hidden Spots in Tokyo That Aren't Too Crowded
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This article features six destinations near Tokyo that don't get too crowded during Golden Week. These locations are excellent for a day trip from Tokyo and include Showa Kinen Park, Mt. Mitake, and Oku-Nikko. Avoid the crowds and have a memorable holiday!
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Previous experience as an editor at a women's media company in Japan. I lived in Australia for a while and joined MATCHA after returning to Japan. In charge of editing, promoting sponsored content, and creative direction. I love watching Western TV series.
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2024 Golden Week Schedule
Golden Week is a period of national holidays held annually at the end of April and the beginning of May. This break usually lasts anywhere from a few days up to 10 days.
Golden Week in 2024 consists of a three-day break from April 27 (Saturday) to 29 (Monday) and a four-day break from May 3 (Friday) to 6 (Monday). Those getting time off from April 30 (Tuesday) to May 2 (Thursday) will have a 10-day holiday.
Photo by Pixta
In Japan, many people travel during Golden Week due to warm weather.
However, sightseeing spots tend to be extremely crowded. From hotels and ryokans to the Shinkansen and airlines, everything is usually fully booked early on, and last-minute reservations are generally not possible. Therefore, early planning is essential for people traveling during Golden Week.
But there are also places where you can enjoy your break and not worry about crowds. This article introduces six little-known spots in the greater Tokyo area that are typically not very congested.
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1. Breathe in the Fresh Air at Showa Memorial Park
Photo by Pixta
Showa Memorial Park is a large public park in the suburbs of Tokyo covering some 444 acres. Though more people than usual visit it during Golden Week, it's not overly crowded.
Photo by Pixta
In addition to the flower garden, there's a traditional Japanese garden as well as a pool and other facilities. April and May are the best time to see the yellow and pink-colored tulips alongside the bright blue nemophila flowers.
It takes about one hour to travel from Tokyo Station to Tachikawa Station, the station closest to the park, via the JR Chuo Line (special rapid). How about enjoying the beauty of the park and fresh air by taking a day trip from Tokyo?
Hotels near Showa Memorial Park
2. Hiking in Tokyo! Enjoy Mt. Mitake's Splendid Nature
Photo by Pixta
Mt. Mitake is a wonderful spot to immerse yourself in nature. It sits at an elevation of 929 meters in the western part of Tokyo. Mt. Mitake is an easy mountain to climb, even for first-timers, and is relatively uncrowded despite its popularity.
Since olden times, it's been cherished as a sacred place (power spot). On the summit, you'll find Musashi Mitake Shrine, an ancient shrine founded in 91 BC. You can enjoy beautiful scenery during your hike, including gigantic stone megaliths and streams.
To access Mt. Mitake, first hop on the Chuo Line (Ome special rapid) at JR Shinjuku Station. At Ome Station, transfer to the Ome Line and get off at Mitake Station. The one-way travel time is about 90 minutes. After a 10-minute bus ride from Mitake Station, you'll arrive at Cable Shita bus stop.
Takimoto Station (Mitake Tozan Railway) will be directly in front, so take the cable car to Mitakesan Station and disembark. The cable car takes about six minutes. From Mitakesan Station, it's a 25-minute walk up to the summit.
3. Visit Shopping Spots in Tokyo
During Golden Week, not all parts of Tokyo are crowded. For visitors who'd like to stroll about town, we recommend Shimokitazawa, Asagaya, Koenji, and Nakano.
Shimokitazawa has many galleries, cafes, and vintage clothing shops. Since the 1970s, it has flourished as the center of Japan's subculture. Even today, it maintains an open and vibrant atmosphere. Rarely crowded with sightseeing visitors, it's the perfect place for a stroll during Golden Week.
It takes about six minutes from Shibuya Station to reach Shimokitazawa Station via the Keio Inokashira Line. You can relax over coffee or tea, see interesting art, and shop for vintage accessories in Shimokitazawa.
Photo by Pixta
Next, Suginami Ward is great for enjoying Tokyo's local atmosphere.
Asagaya and Koenji are areas in Suginami Ward. You'll find a large shotengai (shopping streets) lined with restaurants and shops selling miscellaneous goods. The area also offers a glimpse into the daily life of locals.
Getting to Asagaya from JR Shinjuku Station takes eight minutes via the Chuo Line (Rapid). If you take the same train, you can reach Koenji in only six minutes from JR Shinjuku Station. Both places are conveniently accessible.
Our third recommended spot is Nakano. In recent years, it's been famous as a place where you can buy animation goods and computer parts. However, you can avoid some crowds because it's not as well known as Akihabara and Ikebukuro among international visitors.
People hoping to purchase animation and computer goods should first head for Nakano Broadway after arriving at JR Nakano Station.
This shopping street is filled with many shops handling manga comics, animation character goods, and computer parts. Visitors shouldn't have any problems finding what they're looking for.
Hotels near Nakano Broadway
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4. Relax by the Sea in Yokohama!
The sightseeing city of Yokohama is accessible from Shibuya via the Tokyu Toyoko Line (Limited Express) or JR Shonan Shinjuku Line. Both lines take about 30 minutes to travel one way.
Yokohama Chinatown and shopping malls are usually crowded during Golden Week. But at Yamashita Park, Rinko Park, and parks near the ocean, it won't feel like there are too many people.
From these parks, you can admire the Pacific Ocean's beautiful scenery. The sunset and night view are also spectacular.
Hotels near Yamashita Park
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5. Oku-Nikko and Nikko Edomura: Experience Japan's Traditional Culture
When venturing a little ways out from Tokyo, one place you should visit is Tochigi Prefecture's Oku-Nikko and historic theme park Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura.
Nikko is a sightseeing destination popular with international visitors. Oku-Nikko, accessible from Tobu Nikko Station via bus, is often not very crowded.
During the Meiji Period, it was developed as a summer resort for international residents. The historic buildings from that era remain today. Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls are also highlights of the area.
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is a theme park where Japanese streetscapes from the Edo Period have been recreated. Visitors can put on a kimono and stroll around the theme park. You can also try using a throwing star (shuriken) like a real ninja!
Hotels near EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura
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6. See Nemophila Flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park is famous for its nemophila flowers. The best time to see them is from late April until early May—right during Golden Week!
The park is visited by many people. However, it doesn't feel very congested because it's a large area covering 865 acres.
The station nearest to the park is JR Katsuta Station. It takes about 85 minutes to reach the station from Tokyo's JR Shinagawa Station via the Joban Line (Limited Express). Therefore, it's also possible to enjoy a day trip from Tokyo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some hidden spots in the Kanto area that aren't too crowded during Golden Week?
During Golden Week, most spots are visited by more people than usual. However, places that cover a large area, like those listed below, are considered hidden spots because they're relatively less crowded.
- Showa Memorial Park (Tokyo)
- Mt. Mitake (Tokyo)
- Areas in Tokyo such as Shimokitazawa, Asagaya, Koenji, and Nakano
- Yamashita Park (Yokohama)
- Oku-Nikko (Tochigi)
- EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura (Tochigi)
- Hitachi Seaside Park
Can you recommend some spots that are suitable for families and children during Golden Week?
During Golden Week, we recommend the following spots for families with children to enjoy the warm weather.
- Meiji Park
- Tobu Zoo Park
- Moominvalley Park
- Country Farm Tokyo German Village
- Komorebi Ibaride Forest
- Saitama Children's Zoo Park
- Soleil-no-Oka
- Roman no Mori Kyowakoku
These spots are large and spacious so kids can enjoy various activities and the beautiful natural surroundings.
Can you recommend some spots that are suitable for solo travelers during Golden Week?
During Golden Week when most places are congested with visitors, traveling solo can be an advantage because your schedule tends to be more flexible. The places listed below are ideal for solo travelers.
- Azabudai Hills
- Forestgate Daikanyama
- Meiji Park
- The National Art Center, Tokyo
- Mori Art Museum
- Nezu Museum
- Mt. Takao
- Todoroki Valley Park
When is Golden Week in 2024?
Golden Week in 2024 starts on Saturday, April 27 to Monday, April 29 (3 days) and Friday, May 3 to Monday, May 6 (four days). Those who can also take the weekdays off in between will have a 10-day holiday.
What are some ways to enjoy Tokyo sightseeing without spending any money?
There are many ways to enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo without spending any money.
1. Strolling in a park or Japanese garden:
Tokyo has many beautiful parks and gardens, such as Yoyogi Park, Ueno Onshi Park, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. At these places, you can go for a stroll in nature or enjoy a picnic.
2. Exploring historic streets:
Historic streetscapes remain today in Tokyo's Asakusa and old town areas (shitamachi). While going for a stroll, you can admire the old buildings and traditional shops.
3. Attending a free exhibit or event:
There are also art galleries and museums with free admission in Tokyo. Depending on the season, free events and performances are also held. Please be sure to check the local schedules.
4. Enjoying the view from a scenic vantage point:
Some observation facilities in Tokyo are free, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories. Tokyo Tower offers discounts when you buy tickets online. These places allow you to enjoy the city's spectacular scenery.
Please give some of these suggestions a try and enjoy your Tokyo sightseeing without spending anything!
An Unforgettable Golden Week
If you visit Japan during Golden Week, many places will be crowded, and you might not be able to go sightseeing according to your plans. Please choose your destination carefully and have an unforgettable experience in Japan.
Some visitors to Japan might be worried about transportation fees. In that case, we recommend the Japan Rail Pass. This discount travel pass is ideal for international visitors. In addition to not having to buy a ticket every time, you can also save on transportation costs.
Also, this MATCHA article explains how you can have a hands-on traditional Japanese experience. It also introduces Tokyo accommodation facilities, allowing you to spend a relaxing, comfortable time. Please be sure to check this out!
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Main image by Pixta
Previous experience as an editor at a women's media company in Japan. I lived in Australia for a while and joined MATCHA after returning to Japan. In charge of editing, promoting sponsored content, and creative direction. I love watching Western TV series.
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