Planning a trip to Japan during Golden Week 2025? This vibrant holiday season, spanning from late April to early May, is one of the most anticipated times of the year in Japan.

Known for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural festivities, Golden Week is a perfect opportunity for travelers to experience the essence of Japanese traditions and celebrations.

In this article, we'll delve into what Golden Week is all about, including the specific dates and the significance of each holiday. We'll also share fascinating facts about the event, shedding light on why it's such a special time in Japan.

Golden Week is a series of national holidays in Japan that take place within a week. Golden Week in Japan, also known as Gōruden Wīku or Ōgon Shūkan is one of the busiest holiday seasons in Japan, alongside New Year and Obon.

Many Japanese people take this opportunity to travel domestically or internationally, and businesses often close for the entire week.

Golden Week is typically held from April 29 to May 5. In 2025, this event will be held from Tue, Apr 29, 2025 – Mon, May 5, 2025. The exact dates can vary slightly depending on how weekends fall.

The holidays that make up Golden Week include:

Many Japanese people travel both domestically and internationally. Popular destinations include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and hot spring resorts. Various local festivals and events are held during this time.

During Golden Week, many people also take advantage of the spring weather to visit parks, gardens, and natural attractions. Hiking, picnicking, and flower viewing (hanami) are popular. Sales and special promotions are common during Golden Week, making it a popular time for shopping too.

During Golden Week in Tokyo, Japan, there are a variety of popular activities that both locals and tourists engage in. Here are some of them:

Remember, Golden Week is a busy travel period in Japan, so it’s recommended to plan and book any travel and accommodations well in advance.

Traveling during Golden Week in Japan can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to plan ahead due to the high volume of domestic and international tourists.

Here are some tips to help you navigate this busy holiday period in Golden Week Tokyo, Japan:

Due to the high demand for transportation and accommodation, it's essential to book your tickets and lodging well in advance. Golden Week is a peak travel season in Japan, and popular destinations can get crowded. Make reservations well in advance ideally, three to six months. This includes domestic plane tickets, reserved train seating, accommodations, sightseeing tours, theme parks, etc.

Hotels, trains, flights, and tours get fully booked early3. Be sure to plan your trip at least 2 months ahead. Also, several accommodation options will have no vacancies during this week so do book months in advance if you know exactly where you will be in Japan at that time.

Be prepared for large crowds at popular tourist destinations, train stations, and airports. Transportation and attractions can be difficult to access during Golden Week due to the sheer number of people traveling at that time5. Allow extra time for everything.

If possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates and times to avoid the peak rush. Consider using buses or rental cars if train tickets are sold out. Some regional airports also offer domestic flights that might be less crowded.

If traveling isn't feasible, consider exploring local attractions and participating in local events and festivals. Many festivals and events take place during Golden Week. For example, the Hakata Dontaku Festival is one of the most famous festivals held during Golden Week.

Spring is a lovely time to explore Japan’s natural beauty. For instance, camping by Lake Motosu is a popular activity. If you’re in Japan during cherry blossom season, take advantage of hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Golden Week offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and festivities, but it requires careful planning due to the high volume of travelers.

To prepare for a holiday in Japan comfortably and easily, book hotel and plane tickets on Traveloka. You can also order various other interesting activities in various countries including Japan easily. Come on, plan your holiday with Traveloka. Enjoy your trip in 2025!