Golden Week in Japan

My wife and I are grappling with how to make the most of Golden Week. It’s a real challenge to decide what to do. Part of me leans towards the allure of going abroad, perhaps to Hawaii or even Nepal. However, there’s also a strong inclination to stay closer to home. After all, Japan boasts a plethora of breathtaking destinations waiting to be explored. Plus, considering the exorbitant ticket prices for international travel at this point, staying domestic might be the more sensible choice.

In case you’re unfamiliar with Golden Week in Japan, here’s a quick explanation. Golden Week is a series of four national holidays that take place within a single week, typically from the end of April to early May. It’s one of the busiest and most popular holiday periods in Japan, characterized by extensive travel, shopping, and various leisure activities.

Here’s a brief overview of the holidays that make up Golden Week:

Showa Day (April 29th): Showa Day commemorates the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito), who ruled Japan from 1926 to 1989. It’s a time for reflection on the events of the Showa era and honoring the contributions of Emperor Showa to Japan.

Constitution Memorial Day (May 3rd): This holiday marks the promulgation of the post-war Japanese Constitution, which took effect on May 3, 1947. It’s a time for citizens to reflect on Japan’s constitution and its principles of democracy and pacifism.

Greenery Day (May 4th): Originally part of Showa Day until 2007, Greenery Day celebrates nature and the environment. It encourages people to appreciate the beauty of nature and engage in outdoor activities like hiking or visiting parks and gardens.

Children’s Day (May 5th): Also known as Boys’ Day, Children’s Day celebrates the happiness and well-being of children. Families often display colorful koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks) and samurai dolls to symbolize strength and success.

During Golden Week, many Japanese people take advantage of the consecutive holidays to travel, visit family and friends, go shopping, or participate in local festivals and events. However, it’s also a peak travel period, leading to crowded transportation hubs and tourist destinations throughout Japan. As a result, it’s crucial for travelers to plan and book accommodations, transportation, and activities well in advance if they intend to travel during Golden Week.

As it’s my first experience with Golden Week, I’m a bit uncertain about what to expect and what customs are typically observed during this time off. I’m inclined to follow my wife’s lead as I navigate this new experience.