Golden Week 2025: dates and travel tips

Golden Week is a series of 4 national holidays that take place within 7 days. It typically falls at the end of April and the beginning of May each year.

Golden Week is one of the longest holiday periods on the Japanese calendar — many locals get time off work to enjoy the bank holidays.

It’s also a great time to visit Japan. Tourists can experience traditional festivals and even join in with the celebrations. Sounds like fun? Check the dates for Golden Week in 2024 below and start planning your trip!

When is Golden Week 2025?

Golden Week 2025 starts on April 29 (Showa Day) and ends on May 6 (Greenery Day observed). Here are the key dates, events, and recommendations for what to do.

Note: The days marked in red are holidays.

Golden Week festivities and meanings

Here’s a little more information about the meanings behind each of the days shown in the table above.

Showa Day, or Showa no hi, on April 29 is the birthday of the late Emperor Showa, or Hirohito, who ruled Japan during World War II.

On May 3, Constitution Day, Kenpo kinenbi, is celebrated in honor of the ratification of the Japanese constitution in 1947.

Midori no hi, or Green Day, is celebrated on May 4. It honors the environment, as Emperor Showa was a lover of nature, flowers, and plants. At one time, Greenery Day was celebrated on April 29 but was moved to its current date due to a law that requires a day falling between national holidays to be declared a holiday as well. In 2025, it is observed on May 6.

On May 5, Kodomo no hi, or Children’s Day (also called Tango no Sekku, or the Boy’s Festival), is a festival in celebration of young men. Towns and families often hang carp streamers outdoors to represent the presence of young men within and to wish them strength and success in life.

Golden Week offers some unique travel opportunities but can draw crowds. If you plan on traveling to Japan during this special week of activity, make sure you consider our travel tips.

Golden Week travel tips

Transportation and attractions can be difficult to access during Golden Week due to the sheer number of people traveling at that time. Consider the following tips to make sure your Golden Week vacation goes to plan.

1. Make all reservations early. Many travelers make their Golden Week plans 3 to 6 months in advance. This includes reserved train seating, airline tickets, hotels, and tours.

Buy your JR Pass

2. Allow extra time for travel. During Golden Week, more people than usual are traveling around. Be prepared for lines or delays when using your Japan Rail Pass — allow extra time to get from A to B.

3. Stay connected. Make sure you stay connected to the internet to navigate, check train times, and make reservations. How about renting a Pocket WiFi for the week?

4. Have a Flexible Itinerary. Be prepared to change your plans. If a site is too crowded, having a backup plan can save the day!

Things to do during Golden Week

With your JR Pass, you can travel around and get the most out of Golden Week. Here are our top recommendations for things to do during Golden Week 2025.

• Hanami cherry blossom viewing – Observe Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms in full bloom in/or around Tokyo, Hokkaido, Kyoto, or Osaka.
• Atami Odori Geisha dance festival – This annual dance festival takes place in Atami in the Shizuoka prefecture on April 28 and 29. You’ll need a ticket to enjoy the performances and remember you can take a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami with your Japan Rail Pass!
• Haru No Fujiwara Matsuri – This spring festival is celebrated in the city of Hiraizumi, in Iwate prefecture, and includes processions in traditional dress.
• Marugame Castle Festival – This festival celebrates the historical and cultural significance of Marugame Castle. Main attractions include parades in traditional dress and music, dance, and drama performances.
• Nara Deer Park – Getting closer to nature is the main aim of Green Day, so why not visit this forested park and its friendly deer?
• Koinobori Festival – This colorful celebration is held to honor Children’s Day. “Koinobori” means “carp streamers” in Japanese, and the festival is marked by the flying of these streamers across the country. Wherever you are in Japan, you’re sure to notice the flying carps!
• Hakata Dontaku Festival – One of Japan’s largest and most celebrated events, this vibrant festival takes place annually in Fukuoka City. Plus, you can use your Japan Rail Pass to get here on the Sanyo Shinkansen line!

What is the weather like during Golden Week in Japan?

The weather during Golden Week, which spans from late April to early May, is generally mild and pleasant. Weather-wise, it’s one of the best times to visit Japan. However, conditions can vary by region, so check the forecast for the places you plan to visit.

Generally, you’ll be able to spend lots of time outdoors, enjoying the cherry blossoms and exploring the beautiful gardens of Japan.

When is Golden Week 2026?

Looking ahead, Golden Week 2026 will start on April 29 and conclude on May 6, with the weekend creating a 5-day break.

Japanese Silver Week 2026

Usually, about every five to six years, the national holidays of Respect for the Aged Day, Autumn Equinox and a weekend make for a long vacation period similar to Golden Week.

This holiday, around late September, is widely known as “Silver Week”. The next Silver Week will happen in 2026 with a 5-day long holiday period.