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Golden Week

Golden Week is one of the 3 busiest Japanese calendar periods in Tokyo and across Japan. We'll take you through what it is, when it is, and the important info that you need to know.

One thing's for sure. This is one of the few times when most Japanese people have a chance to relax a little. They certainly know how to make the most of it.

When is Golden Week?

This special group of Japanese national holidays starts on April 29, on the day known as Showa no Hi. In total there are 4 national holidays during this period:

• April 29 - Emperor's Birthday or Showa no Hi
• May 3 - Constitution Day Japan or Kenpo Kinenbi
• May 4 - Greenery Day or Midori no Hi
• May 5 - Childrens Day or Kodomo no Hi

If it's a lucky year and the weekend falls somewhere between April 30 and May 2, this makes for a nice long break.

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What is Golden Week?

What do you need to know about this golden holiday if you're going to be in Tokyo during this time?

Many companies will be closed, including some retail and restaurant venues. Travel is also crazy as most Japanese people will return to their home towns to spend some time with their family.

The downside for the visitor is the increase in fare price on trains, buses, planes, basically any kind of public transport. Then there's the crowds to deal with.

If you're planning on making some journeys across Japan yourself during this holiday period, make sure you reserve seats in advance if at all possible. Last but not least, if you want to see something specific, check to see whether it is open on these dates.

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The Upside Of Golden Week

Is there a plus to this special holiday period?

Well, I think so, especially if you're visiting Tokyo. Not everyone will agree, but because many Japanese return to their home towns, Tokyo suddenly has a lot less people roaming around.

This is a perfect opportunity to make your way comfortably round the city without the accompanying crowds. It really depends whether you want to pay the higher prices that go with this particular set of holidays.

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Why is it called Golden Week?

I came across this little nugget recently which I think is great. The reason the holiday is given its name dates back to 1951.

The managing director of Daiei Films noticed that there was an annual peak in numbers of movie goers on the national holiday dates. It reminded him of the phrase 'golden time', used in radio to describe peak listening hours. As a result, he dubbed this peak period 'golden week' for the film industry.

Over time this idea caught on across Japan until it became the national institution it is today.